Howea / Kentia Palm


The kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) is the definitive indoor palm - elegant, slow-growing, and tolerant of the low light and dry air of British homes in a way that few other palms can match. Native exclusively to Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, kentia palms have been prized houseplants since the Victorian era, when they graced the conservatories and drawing rooms of country houses across Europe. Their long, arching fronds with deep green, drooping leaflets create an instantly tropical atmosphere, and unlike many palms they never demand the very bright light that makes most species difficult to grow indoors.

At Grow Tropicals we stock kentia palms in a range of sizes, from young plants to large statement specimens. All are grown to our high standards and arrive in excellent condition.

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    Howea Forsteriana | Kentia Palm 21cm Plants GrowTropicals

    Howea Forsteriana | Kentia Palm

    £49.99 £73.99
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    Kentia Palm: Care, Size & Growing Guide | Howea forsteriana

    Why kentia palms are the best indoor palm

    Many palms are sold as houseplants but few genuinely thrive indoors in the UK. Most need high light, high humidity, and warm temperatures year-round - conditions that are difficult to provide in a typical British home. The kentia palm is different. It evolved on a small, semi-shaded island and naturally tolerates lower light levels than most tropical palms. It copes with the dry air of centrally-heated rooms without the dramatic browning that afflicts other species. It grows slowly and stays in scale with typical room sizes for many years. And it is simply beautiful: the arching fronds with their elegant, drooping leaflets give any room an instant tropical ambience.

    How to care for kentia palm

    Kentia palms prefer bright, indirect light but will tolerate moderate shade - they are one of the most shade-tolerant large houseplants available. Avoid direct harsh sunlight, which scorches the fronds. Water when the top half of the compost feels dry, allowing excess to drain freely. Reduce watering in winter. Brown leaf tips (the most common issue) are caused by dry air, fluoride in tap water, or irregular watering. Try using filtered or rainwater if brown tips are persistent. Feed monthly from spring to early autumn with a palm-specific or balanced liquid fertiliser.

    Size and growth rate

    Kentia palms are slow growers - this is one of their virtues as a houseplant, as it means a large plant retains its proportions for many years. Young plants in 17-21 cm pots are ideal for desks and surfaces. Mid-sized plants in 24-30 cm pots are excellent floor plants. Large specimens in 35 cm+ pots can reach 2-3 metres indoors and make truly impressive statement plants. Growth rate is around 20-30 cm per year in good conditions, much slower in lower light.

    Repotting and long-term care

    Kentia palms dislike frequent repotting - repot only when the root system is clearly visible through the drainage holes or roots are circling heavily at the base. Move up by one pot size only, using a well-draining palm or houseplant compost. Never cut or damage the main roots. Kentia palms can develop a clustering multi-stemmed habit when multiple seeds germinate together - this multi-stemmed form is particularly lush and desirable. Remove dead or brown fronds by cutting cleanly at the base of the stem.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Kentia palms need bright, indirect light (they tolerate moderate shade), watering when the top half of the compost dries out, good drainage, and monthly feeding in the growing season. They prefer temperatures above 12 degrees Celsius. Brown leaf tips are usually caused by dry air or fluoride in tap water - use filtered water and keep away from radiators to minimise this.

    Brown tips on kentia palm fronds are very common and are usually caused by one or more of: low humidity, fluoride in tap water, irregular watering, or cold draughts. Switch to filtered or rainwater, place on a pebble tray to raise humidity, ensure consistent watering, and move away from radiators or draughty windows. Some tip browning is natural and can be trimmed with scissors at a slight angle.

    Kentia palms prefer bright, indirect light but are unusually tolerant of lower light levels for a large houseplant. They will grow in a north-facing room, though growth will be slower and fronds less lush than in a brighter position. Avoid direct harsh sunlight, which scorches the fronds. They are one of the best large floor plants for relatively shaded positions.

    Kentia palms are slow-growing - typically adding 20-30 cm in height per year in good conditions, and much less in lower light. This slow growth is actually advantageous for a houseplant, as it means the palm stays in scale with its surroundings for many years before outgrowing a space. A large, mature specimen can represent many years of patient cultivation.

    Yes - the kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs and is listed as safe by the ASPCA. It is one of the better choices for pet-friendly homes among large statement plants. The fronds may attract curious pets but pose no toxicity risk.

    Kentia palms dislike frequent repotting and should only be moved up when the roots are clearly escaping through drainage holes or circling the base of the pot. This is typically every three to five years. Move up by only one pot size using well-draining palm compost. Handle the roots gently and avoid disturbing the root system more than necessary.