Howea Forsteriana (Kentia Palm)

• Originally from Lord Howe Island, this palm became a Victorian-era status symbol exported worldwide from Australia.
• Slow-growing and long-lived, mature plants can reach 3 metres indoors and live for decades with proper care.
• Famous for its tolerance of low light, dry air, and occasional neglect, making it ideal for beginners.
• Features graceful, arching fronds that emerge from a single trunk, creating an elegant silhouette in any room.
• Often called the 'parlour palm' due to its popularity in formal Victorian living rooms and hotel lobbies.

• Water when top 2-3cm of soil feels dry, usually weekly in summer and fortnightly in winter.
• Place in bright, indirect light away from direct sun which burns fronds. East or north-facing windows ideal.
• Use well-draining potting mix with added perlite or bark chips to prevent waterlogging.
• Feed monthly with diluted liquid fertiliser during growing season (September to March).
• Remove only completely brown, dead fronds by cutting at the base with clean secateurs.
• Maintain humidity above 50% using pebble trays or grouping with other plants.
• Repot only when extremely rootbound, typically every 3-5 years in spring using slightly larger pot.

• Provide bright, indirect light near windows but avoid direct sunlight which scorches fronds. East-facing positions work perfectly.
• Water when top 2-3cm of soil feels dry, typically weekly in summer and fortnightly in winter. Empty saucer after 30 minutes.
• Maintain 50-60% humidity by grouping plants together or using pebble trays. Mist air around plant, not leaves directly.
• Keep temperatures between 18-24°C year-round, protecting from cold drafts and air conditioning.
• Feed monthly with diluted liquid fertiliser during spring and summer, reducing to quarterly in cooler months.

• Spider mites appear as tiny webs on fronds during dry conditions. Increase humidity and wipe leaves with damp cloth weekly.
• Scale insects create brown bumps on stems and leaves. Remove manually with rubbing alcohol on cotton buds.
• Brown leaf tips indicate low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Use filtered water and increase surrounding moisture.
• Yellow lower fronds are natural aging, but multiple yellowing suggests overwatering. Check soil moisture before watering.
• Fungal issues develop in poorly draining soil. Ensure pot has drainage holes and soil dries between waterings.