Howea forsteriana

Common Names

Kentia Palm, Thatch Palm, Paradise Palm, Sentry Palm, Palm Court Palm, Forster Sentry Palm

Summary

Kentia palm is native to Lord Howe Island in the South Pacific. It is a slow-growing evergreen with a single slender trunk and arching dark-green fronds, offering a tropical silhouette and a refined indoor presence. It is non-toxic to humans and pets and has air-purifying qualities.

Prefers bright indirect light but tolerates lower light levels. It grows in well-draining soil and should be kept evenly moist but not soggy, watering when the top layer dries. It thrives in moderate humidity and indoor temperatures around 18–24°C. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a slow-release palm fertilizer. Repot every 2–3 years when root-bound, with minimal pruning of dead fronds. It is widely used in interiorscapes and homes for tropical ambience and air-purifying benefits.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

9-20 ft

Spread

8-20 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9b-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, humus-rich soil

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

6.0–8.0

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Throughout the year

Foliage Color

Dark green, Green

Fall Foliage Color

Dark green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division