Kentia Palm Trees - Kentia Palms

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By Ultimate Hubber

Kentia palms are beautiful plants that can give a lovely tropical look to your garden and in case you decide to have them indoors, they will make a great houseplant especially if grown in large pots. Kentia palms require a little care and can thrive in many conditions. Scientifically, they are known as Howea Forsteriana. As they are native to the Lord Howe Island of Australia, thus the name Howea Forsteriana.

They Have a Relative!

Howea Belmoreana is a close relative of Howea Forsteriana. Needless to say, they are also endemic to the Lord Howe Island. Its fonds are a bit curled and smaller in size.

A bit about the Lord Howe Island

H. Forsteriana or the Kentia palms are native to the Lord Howe island. This island is located in the Tasman Sea, 600 kilometers east of the Australian mainland. Discovered in February 1788, the Lord Howe island is a crescent shaped island. Read more about this island at: Lord Howe Island.

Care Tips

Soil should be a sandy mix.

Water them regularly.

Avoid placing young plants in direct sun.

Fertilize them once a year during the growing season.

They will not tolerate very low temperatures, especially the younger plants are sensitive to cold. However, mature plants will tolerate mild frost.

Propagation

Kentia palms are propagated through seeds. These seeds are soaked in water and then planted in moist soil. The soil is constantly kept moist for a higher germination rate. Read more about their propagation at: Kentia Palm Propagation.

Facts

They are native to Lord Howe Island.

Kentia Palms can reach to a height of 18 meters.

Their botanic name is Howea Forsteriana.

Image taken from: Black Diamond Images @ Flicker
Image taken from: Black Diamond Images @ Flicker

Comments

msorensson profile image

msorensson Level 3 Commenter 21 months ago

Oh..now I know what they are called. I just lump all of them together as palms. Thanks

Ultimate Hubber profile image

Ultimate Hubber Hub Author 21 months ago

Lol! There are over 2000 species of palm trees and some of them are so different from others. And some plants that are known as palms are not even palms like the ponytail palm and sago palm.

vocalcoach profile image

vocalcoach Level 7 Commenter 21 months ago

Such an informative and good hub. I want one for indoors. I will follow your instruction. Thank you.

Ultimate Hubber profile image

Ultimate Hubber Hub Author 21 months ago

If you want to buy one to keep indoors, do tell the seller that you need one for indoors. Most nurseries grow these plants separately for indoor and outdoor use.

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