The European Palm Society Palm Database
Howea forsteriana
Genus: | Howea |
Species: | forsteriana |
Common Name: | Kentia palm |
Country Of Origin: | Australia |
Soil Preference: | Sandy, rich in organic matter |
Preferred Aspect: | Shade when young, tolerates sun as matures |
Minimum Temp: | -2C (based on experience in Med climate) |
General comments: | Native to Lord Howe Island off the SE coast of Australia. Experience in a Med climate has been: "Good grower in the ground in 9b/10a. Takes 5-7 years to begin to trunk from a young potted palm. Likes sandy and organic rich soils with good water availability year round, takes a long time to establish in heavy clay soil. Tolerates drought well thanks to a deep root system. This species takes a long time to acclimatise to full sun and burning occurs above 35C which can impact the plants appearance for a number of years. Almost full defoliation has been observed at -3C though short lived cold spells can be withstood" The plant makes a good houseplant and is very tolerant of low light, erratic watering and a wide range of indoor conditions. Pictures from Konstantinos Giannopoulos |
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