Kentia palm leaf detail

Howea forsteriana

Kentia Palm, Sentry Palm, Palm Court Palm, Thatch Palm

(102 customer reviews)

From: £34.95

Known commonly as the Kentia palm, thatch palm or the palm court palm, they have graced hallways, hotel lobbies and ‘Palm Court’ tea rooms with their gorgeous drooping fronds since Victorian times.

Howea forsteriana provides lush upright growth with minimal care requirements, making it one of our most frequently recommended indoor palms.

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Origin: Lord Howe Island
Genus: Howea
Species / Cultivar: forsteriana
Common Name: Kentia Palm, Sentry Palm, Palm Court Palm, Thatch Palm
Synonym: Kentia forseteriana

Plant Biography

Endemic to Lord Howe Island in Australia, they were identified by Italian naturalist Odoardo Beccari and became popular in the 1870s when seed exports started. Queen Victoria even had them cultivated in all of her homes and, after her death, placed around her coffin while she lay in state.

They have remained one of the most popular palms to keep indoors in the UK, providing a lush tropical appearance whilst being incredibly tough and easy to look after.

Kentia Palms are a perfect first choice for anyone looking to start an indoor palm collection.

Howea forsteriana
Light: Medium
This plant likes a spot further away from bright windows, but still lit by natural light.
Soil: Indoor Potting Mix
Enjoys moist well drained soil with composted organics and some drainage material.
Temperature: >10°C
Temperature range at which this plant is healthiest and grows best.
Growth Rate: Slow
Expect to see quite small amounts of growth over the years.
Final Size: Tall
Final size will work as a large stand-alone specimen plant.
Water Requirement: Light Watering
Water when several cm of soil depth is dry to the touch. Water must draining easily away.
Humidity: Medium
Easygoing in regular home conditions, keep away from cold draughts and heat sources.
Maintenance: Low
Requires no attention beyond correct position and watering. An ideal starter plant!

Expert Tip

Known commonly as the Kentia palm, thatch palm or the palm court palm, they have graced hallways, hotel lobbies and 'Palm Court' tea rooms with their gorgeous drooping fronds since Victorian times. Howea forsteriana provides lush upright growth with minimal care requirements, making it one of our most frequently recommended indoor palms.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

The mass popularity of Howea forstersiana during the Victorian era was in part due to how well they thrive in low light, low humidity and, importantly for the Victorians, in areas with poor air quality!

When buying a Kentia from us, you’re actually getting several Kentia plants in one pot. It’s often assumed that they’re multi-stemmed plants like Rhapis excelsa, but in their natural habitat Kentia Palms actually grow only a solitary trunk.
We are delighted with the two Howea forsteriana palms, both well packaged and looking very healthy . Thank you.

Elizabeth W.

We are delighted with the two Howea forsteriana palms, both well packaged and looking very healthy . Thank you.

102 customer reviews for Howea forsteriana

I received my lovely palm so carefully wrapped.It looks splendid in my living room and I just want to care for it to keep it happy.

LINDA CHAPMAN –

My 2 plants arrived today and I am very pleased with my purchases! They are both (Kentia palm and Lady palm) in beautiful condition and were beautifully packed. Thank you!

Rosemary –

Received the palm today and it is stunning. Very healthy and well protected during delivery. A great size, the photos on the website do not do it justice. Thanks for another speedy delivery and another great palm to add to my collection.

Allison –

I have had many of these over my many years of keeping ornamental palms. It is a classic and the one I purchased last year from The Palm Centre is a really well-grown one of the type. It graces most styles of home decor and is quite easy to keep looking good.

Colin in Cheshire –

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