This palm, whose Latin name is Howea forsteriana, is one of the most common species found in our homes. The natural distribution area is the Lord Howe Islands near Australia, where it can reach a height of up to 17 meters. The gently overhanging, feathered fronds look extremely elegant. Although their cultivation is quite uncomplicated, there are also some important care details to consider with this attractive palm family.

The Kentia palm is a very popular houseplant

The water requirement

This palm loves it neither very dry nor very wet. Always keep the root ball slightly moist and water whenever the top inches of the substrate feels dry.

Like all palm plants, the water of the Kentia palm must not be too calcareous. In regions with very hard water, use a suitable filter or at least leave the irrigation water overnight.

In addition, regular spraying of the attractive leaves is recommended.

How is fertilized?

As with all slow-growing palms, fertilizer should never be overdosed on the Howea. It is sufficient to supply the plants with a palm fertilizer every 14 days during the summer months. If you prefer weekly fertilization, you may only administer the product in half the dosage.

When does it have to be repotted?

With good care, the Kentia palm can also reach room height in the room. The pot should therefore:

  • big enough
  • quite high
  • stable
  • stable

to get voted.

It is always repotted in the spring, as the roots then recover more easily from the strain of this care measure. It is implemented either regularly every two years or at the latest when the old pot has obviously become too small.

Are cuts necessary?

As a rule, you do not have to cut the fronds of the Kentia palm. You can only shorten dried or disturbing foliage close to the ground.

diseases and pests

Again and again it happens that a healthy Howea suddenly develops brown leaves and dies. The cause of this is in most cases the Gliocladium blight. The only thing that helps here is quick action:

  • Cut off affected plant parts.
  • Carefully remove the old substrate from the root ball.
  • Plant in fresh soil and a new pot.
  • If the cachepot or saucer that has already been used is to be used again, be sure to boil it out.

Too much watering promotes root and leaf rot. You should therefore urgently avoid waterlogging and bring an additional drainage layer into the pot. Pour away excess water in the saucer after half an hour at the latest.

Unfortunately, the Kentia palm is quite often attacked by mealybugs, scale insects, thrips and spider mites. The only preventive measure here is to increase the air humidity by regularly moistening with a sprayer. If you discover the sucking insects, it is advisable to use a suitable insecticide.

In the winter

Since the Kentia is usually in the room all year round, hibernation is quite easy. It is only necessary to water the plant a little less during the hibernation. There is no fertilization at all during this time.

tips

Since the Kentia palm grows very slowly, it is important to regularly check the fronds for pest infestation. Fight the insects in the early stages with a suitable agent. If you have to cut off numerous leaves because they have become unattractively discolored, it can take years for the visual impairments to grow together.

Category:

Trees