Howea forsteriana

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

(105 customer reviews)

From: £114.95

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.
Choosing the right pot for your plant

Choosing the right pot for your plant

Not sure what pot size to choose for your indoor plant?

We’ve put together a few tips and tricks on how to choose the correct decorative pot.

Interested to know more?

Indoor Palm Questions Answered

Common queries about keeping palms indoors…

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Unveiling the Optimal Light Levels Every Indoor Plant Craves!

Discover the secrets to cultivating a vibrant indoor garden by mastering the art of perfect lighting for your plants.

Explore the science behind different light levels, learn to identify your plant’s specific needs, and uncover practical hacks to ensure your green companions thrive.

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Choosing decorative pots for your indoor plants

Most of the plants sold online will be delivered to you in plastic nursery pots. These are not always the best looking and most likely won’t fit any home style you may have. Here are some tips on how to choose the decorative pot that is the appropriate size for your newly purchased plant.

Read article

105 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