Kentia Palm
Howea forsteriana
An elegant, arching palm for lobbies and atriums.
Plant care guideCare guide
- 1Bright direct light
- 2Bright indirect light
- 3Medium light
- 4Low light
Watering requirements
Water every 7–10 days, letting the soil dry to the right level between waterings.
Sunlight requirements
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Not suited to intense, direct sun.
Humidity requirements
Normal room humidity will do. Keep it away from direct AC airflow.
Pet-friendly plant?
Not verified. Keep it out of reach of pets and check with your vet if unsure.
Care level
Easy
Best setting
Indoor
About Kentia Palm
Tall, gracefully arching fronds give a refined, hospitality-grade look — a common choice for hotel lobbies and premium office reception areas that want height without bulk.
Graceful arching fronds; slow-growing but long-lived.
Where it works best
- Lobby & atrium feature
- Reception areas
How to care for Kentia Palm
Sunlight
Tolerates medium light, and prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
Water
Keep the soil lightly and evenly moist, but never waterlogged — roughly every 5–7 days, adjusting for season. Let the top few centimetres dry between waterings.
Humidity & temperature
Likes average to higher humidity at 18–32°C. Dry AC air commonly browns the frond tips; group plants together or move away from vents.
Soil & feeding
Use a well-draining, peaty potting mix. Feed with a palm or balanced fertiliser every 6–8 weeks in the growing season.
Pruning
Trim only fronds that are fully brown or dead. Avoid cutting green fronds or the growing point.
Propagation
Palms are normally grown from seed or by dividing clumps at repotting. Division is best left to a horticulturist, as damaged roots recover slowly.
Common problems
- Symptom
Brown frond tips
CauseDry air or salts in tap water; trim only the brown part.
- Symptom
Yellowing lower fronds
CauseNatural ageing, or overwatering.
- Symptom
Webbing or speckled leaves
CauseSpider mites, common in dry air — wipe the fronds and improve humidity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cut off the brown tips?
Yes, trim just the brown tip with clean scissors, following the natural shape of the frond. Do not cut into green tissue.
How big will it get indoors?
Growth is slow indoors. Most palms in this range reach a manageable height for a lobby or corner, and rarely outgrow the space within a few years.
Is it safe for pets and children?
Keep Kentia Palm out of reach of pets and small children. Many ornamental plants can irritate the mouth or stomach if chewed. If a pet or child eats part of the plant, contact a vet or doctor.
Care guidance is general advice for Indian indoor and outdoor conditions. For plants in a Bonita maintenance programme, our team looks after watering and feeding for you.
