Howea Forsteriana. Kentia palm. C17. 1.00mtr

Howea forsteriana or kentia palm or thatch palm belongs to the family of the arecaeaes.

It is one of the most used palm tree due to  its elegant bearing and few care that requires, and can withstand both fresh and warm environments. Also because is not demanding of too much luminosity.

It is very long-lived and it has a very slow growht, mainly if sow in groups.

It is composed of an unique trunk and a crown that in some cases can have even more than 40 leaves.

Iit likes warm, damp, and ventilated environments and needs neutral or somewhat lime type soils.

Keep an eye to prevent insects as wood-louse or red spider mites. For this clean frequently its leaves and  place it in a well ventilated area with no drafts. Normally is diseases free, unless we overwater and stays in soggy soils.

Feed with liquid or slow release fertilizer in spring and summer to provide more vigor.

Kentia dislikes being changed of place continuosly or be changed into a new pot, also  their roots do not like to be disturb, sofind the right place from the beginning.

When its leaves are brown, could be for a lack of water, as well as if we notice that its trunks and its leaves do not have an upright bearing.

On the contrary an excess of water will provoke  roots rot and too languish leaves. Brown spots in its leaves will denounce that it is receiving too much sun.

Do not  prune Howea forsteriana, except for getting rid of those leaves which are damaged. If we get rid of too many leaves its trunk can be damaged and can be more susceptible to  fungus attacks.



 



Consulted sources in addition to our experience with this plant:



wikipedia.org/wiki

rhs.org.uk/Plants



junglemusic.net