Howea forsteriana

Common name: Kentia, Palm of paradise

Description:

The Kentia ( Howea forsteriana ) is a palm belonging to the Araceae family and is endemic to Lord Howe Island off the East Coast of Australia.

It is an elegant palm tree with great ornamental interest. It has flat, pinnate leaves with fibrous horizontal leaflets. Its elongated branched inflorescence generates ovoid fruits of brown and reddish color.

It can reach 10-15 meters in height, and narrow 15-20 cm in diameter which gives it a very characteristic size.

Culture:

It is a vulnerable species that has been extended for its ornamental use. It can grow in semi shade, even indoors, so it can grow in low light conditions. It has a certain rusticity as it is capable of withstanding frosts of up to -5-10ºC. however, in temperate latitudes it only grows in the warmest areas, in Spain we can find it on the Costa Cálida and in the southeastern areas of the peninsula.

They grow best in deep soils with the presence of organic matter, with mixtures of peat and sand. Moderate irrigation should be applied avoiding flooding and periods of drought but maintaining an acceptable level of humidity.

In spring and summer, mineral fertilizers can be applied every 2 or 3 weeks to favor the development of the palm tree. Organic fertilizers can also be applied 1 or 2 times a year in spring and/or autumn.

As for pruning, it is necessary to remove the dry leaves as well as the inflorescences. It is not a palm susceptible to pests and/or diseases.

Multiplication:

It is done by germinating the seeds and transplanting in spring.

Applications:

Ornamental use as an indoor palm or in shady areas, in warm climate territories it can grow in full sun.