Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana)

Tropical Kentia palm for your home

The Kentia palm, also known as the Howea forsteriana, is a beautiful tropical houseplant that gives your home a tropical feel the moment it arrives. Originally from Lord Howe Island, between Australia and New Zealand, it is an easy and attractive choice for indoors.

Air purification by the Howea forsteriana

The Kentia palm is an excellent air purifier. Like other houseplants, the Howea helps absorb harmful substances from the air and convert them into oxygen. That way the plant contributes to healthier air quality in your home.

Is the Kentia palm toxic?

The Howea forsteriana is not toxic and sits in our pet-friendly houseplants category. So you can safely keep it in a home with children and pets.

How big does a Kentia palm grow?

The Howea forsteriana grows an average of 40-50cm a year, depending on its care and its size when you buy it. If you go for a larger plant, such as the 200 cm version or the 250 cm Kentia palm, it will come into its own more quickly in a spacious room. 

Caring for the Kentia palm

The Kentia palm is an easy plant to look after, but there are a few things worth watching. Give it the right position and enough water.

• Watering: the Kentia palm likes slightly moist soil and can be watered weekly. Check the potting soil before you water; if it is still damp, wait a few days. Make sure drainage is good to prevent root rot, and use a moisture meter to judge the soil moisture.
• Position: the Kentia palm loves bright indirect light. Too much sun scorches the leaves, too little light slows growth down. Choose a spot with plenty of room and repot the plant regularly to keep up with its growth.
• Pruning: older leaves turn brown and become brittle. Cut these back as close to the mother plant as you can with sharp scissors or a sharp knife.
• Plant food: from March to September, give houseplant food once a month. From September to March, feeding every two months is enough. This keeps the plant healthy and gives you lush growth.

On the Kentia palm care page you can read more about looking after this beautiful plant!

The Kentia palm versus other palms

The Howea forsteriana stands out from other palms for its easy care and its versatility. It copes well with less light, which makes it suitable for spots in the home that get little direct sunlight. Compared with the Areca palm or the lady palm, the Kentia needs less water and handles slightly drier air well.

The perfect Howea forsteriana for you!

At Green Bubble we have a large and wide-ranging collection of Kentia palms. From small table plants to enormous eye-catchers to fill your space.

Looking for an XL Kentia palm? Our Personal Plantshopper helps you choose your new plant. Receive photos via WhatsApp within seconds and pick your favourite live from our greenhouse! We will deliver it to your doorstep within a few working days.

Repotting and pruning the Kentia palm

Repot the Howea forsteriana every few years, or whenever the roots start growing out of the pot. Spring is the ideal moment to move it into a new pot, so the plant has time to recover. Pruning is not essential, but you can cut away dead or damaged leaves now and then.

Diseases and pests on the Howea forsteriana

Although the Kentia palm is not often troubled by disease, it can be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs. You can remove them easily by rinsing the leaves or using an insecticide. We have written up detailed information on tackling pests on your houseplant in our blogs.

Shopping for Kentia palms at Green Bubble

At Green Bubble, the webshop for high-quality plants, ordering your Kentia palm is simple, large or small, and we deliver it fresh from the grower to your front door. Choose convenience and give your living space a natural boost with a stunning Kentia palm!