Howea forsteriana

Common Name:
Kentia Palm

Description:
Howea forsteriana, known as the Kentia Palm, is a classic and elegant palm species native to Lord Howe Island, off the east coast of Australia. Celebrated for its graceful, arching fronds and tall, slender trunk, this palm has become a staple in both indoor plant styling and subtropical outdoor landscapes. Its feathery, deep green leaves radiate from a central crown, offering a soft, tropical aesthetic without being overpowering. The Kentia Palm is exceptionally well-suited to Melbourne’s climate when grown in protected, frost-free spots with filtered light. It prefers free-draining soil, consistent moisture, and some humidity, though it's notably tolerant of neglect, dry indoor air, and low light conditions. This slow-growing palm is especially popular indoors due to its resilience and minimal maintenance needs. Outdoors, it can be used as a striking focal point in sheltered courtyards or understorey plantings. Mature specimens occasionally produce small cream flowers followed by reddish fruit.

Form:

• Tree - Small

• Indoors / Well lit

Mature Size:

• Height: 3–6 m (outdoors in Melbourne)

• Width: 2–3 m

Aspect:

• Part Shade

• Full Shade

• Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• Cream

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Australian native

• Suitable for Indoor Growing

• Perennial

• Low Light Tolerant

• Air Purifying

• Low Maintenance

• Architectural Foliage

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and pets

Companion Plants:

• Aspidistra elatior

• Clivia miniata

• Zamioculcas zamiifolia

• Alpinia nutans

• Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston Fern)