Kentia Palm Guide: How to Grow a Kentia Palm

Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) is a flowering species in the palm tree (Arecaceae) family. The Kentia palm is a tropical plant that is native to Australia, specifically Lord Howe Island, that is now frequently cultivated as a decorative plant. Kentia is a popular indoor palm tree, though they can grow very tall—up to 40 feet.

The Kentia palm has feather-shaped leaves that are known for their elegant and tropical look. These popular indoor plants produce male and female flowers together below their leaves, which occasionally bear fruit. Kentia palms flower annually during November and December, but the plants will not begin to fruit until they are about 15 years old.

The best time to plant Kentia palms is during the spring or summer. Kentia seed germination requires warm temperatures, which is best done indoors where you can control its conditions. Kentia palms thrive in warm, tropical weather, especially in their infancy. Once they’re established, Kentia palm plants only require indirect sunlight and can survive with little humidity. They grow in USDA hardiness zones 9–11, but when grown inside in containers, they can survive year-round.

Like other popular indoor palms, they are slow-growers. Kentia palm propagation is done using seeds, but the process requires patience. They may take up to five years to become fully established.

1. 1. Prepare your seeds. You can propagate a new Kentia palm using the fruits of another Kentia palm tree. Choose deep red fruits from an existing Kentia palm, because they are the best ones for propagation. Remove the fruits from the palm tree, and soak in warm water for several days.
2. 2. Germinate your seeds. Remove the seeds from the fruits and place them in a sealable plastic bag filled with peat moss or potting soil mix. You may also sow the seeds into shallow, covered planting trays.
3. 3. Place your bags in the sunlight to help them germinate. Place your plastic bag or growing tray in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If you’re using planting trays, make sure they have good drainage, or else the seeds may rot.
4. 4. Wait for your seeds to germinate. It can take anywhere from three months to a few years for Kentia palm seeds to germinate. You can speed the process up by keeping the seeds in warm temperatures between 80 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. When your seedlings sprout, it’s time to transfer them to a garden plot or container. Keep the plants out of direct sunlight. Once your seedling has sprouted, it is ready to plant.
5. 5. Choose your container. Choose a medium-to-large-sized container for your palm tree. Make sure to place it in a location that is hot enough to encourage it to establish itself. At the same time, keep it out of direct sunlight.
6. 6. Prepare your soil. Kentia palms prefer sandy, well-draining soil. Fill your container with the right soil mixture to prepare it for your seedling.
7. 7. Plant your seedlings. Dig a hole in your potting mix that is twice the size of the root ball of your seedling. Place your seedling inside, and back-fill the hole with soil. Water it immediately.

Kentia palms may take years to grow, but they are low-maintenance and can flourish with proper care. Follow these tips for caring for your own Kentia palm tree.

1. 1. Establish your plants before you put them in full sun. Young Kentia palms thrive in low light and plenty of shade. Make sure your tree is fully-established before you put it in the full sun. This might take up to five years.
2. 2. Monitor your plant for pests. Indoor Kentia palms can attract spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regularly mist your plant with an insecticidal soap mixture or neem oil to ward off insects.
3. 3. Water sparingly. Once your palm establishes itself, you only need to water it when the soil dries out. Yellowing leaves may be a sign of overwatering, which will also cause root rot.
4. 4. Prune any brown or yellow fronds. You don’t need to prune the tree regularly, but snip away any yellow fronds when you notice them.
5. 5. Be careful when repotting your palm. The root system of Kentia palm is fragile, so handle the root ball with extreme care if you need to repot your plant.
6. 6. Be mindful of moisture. Kentia palms grow best in humid climates, so keep your plant moist with occasional mistings. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. Which can also prevent the build up of mites.

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