Howea forsteriana 170 CM

Understanding Your Howea Forsteriana (Kentia Palm)

The Howea forsteriana, commonly known as the Kentia Palm, is one of the most graceful and reliable indoor palms you can grow. With its elegant, arching fronds and naturally slender trunk, it brings a sense of calm, tropical luxury to any interior. Standing at around 170 cm tall, it makes an impressive statement plant — perfect for living rooms, offices, hallways, and hotel-style spaces.

Native to Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia, this palm has been cherished since Victorian times for its resilience and refined appearance. Unlike many tropical plants, it tolerates lower light levels and drier indoor air, making it ideal for modern homes. Its lush green fronds add instant height and movement, while its air-purifying qualities help create a healthier environment.

Key Features

• Tall, graceful indoor palm with arching feather-like fronds

• Excellent air purifier and low-maintenance choice for interiors

• Tolerates lower light better than most palms

• Slow-growing, long-lived, and elegant

• Perfect as a statement floor plant in large pots or decorative containers

Planting and Positioning

The Kentia Palm thrives when given the right balance of light, warmth, and moisture. Its forgiving nature makes it a superb choice for beginners and plant enthusiasts alike.

Choosing the Right Spot

• Prefers bright, indirect light, such as near a north- or east-facing window.

• Tolerates light shade, though growth will be slower in very dim areas.

• Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.

• Keep away from cold draughts and direct heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces.

Potting and Soil

• Use a well-draining houseplant compost — ideally one with added perlite or sand to prevent waterlogging.

• Choose a sturdy pot with drainage holes to support the plant’s height and weight.

• For decorative purposes, place the inner pot inside a larger outer pot or basket to complement your interior style.

Repotting

• The Kentia Palm prefers to be slightly pot-bound, so repot only every 2–3 years, or when roots begin to emerge from the base.

• Move to a pot just one size larger when necessary, usually in spring or early summer.

Care and Maintenance

The Howea forsteriana is prized for its resilience and timeless elegance. With a simple routine, it will stay lush and healthy for many years.

Watering

• Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry to the touch.

• In spring and summer, this may be weekly; in winter, reduce frequency.

• Ensure excess water drains freely — never allow the roots to sit in water.

• Use room-temperature water to avoid shock.

Feeding

• Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser.

• Stop feeding during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows.

Humidity and Temperature

• Prefers a moderate to humid atmosphere, ideally between 16–24°C.

• Mist the fronds occasionally or place the pot on a pebble tray with water to increase humidity, especially in centrally heated rooms.

Pruning and Cleaning

• Trim any brown or damaged fronds at the base using clean scissors or secateurs.

• Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and enhance shine.

• Avoid using leaf shine sprays, as they can block the pores.

Common Issues

• Brown leaf tips: Usually caused by dry air or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity and check your watering routine.

• Yellowing leaves: Often a sign of overwatering — allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again.

• Slow growth: Normal for this species, but light feeding and good positioning will encourage new fronds.

With its graceful fronds and timeless tropical charm, the Howea forsteriana (Kentia Palm) adds instant elegance to any indoor space. Standing tall at 170 cm, it makes a striking yet soothing feature that complements both classic and contemporary interiors — a truly enduring plant that brings calm and natural beauty year-round.

• Size
  P27 / 170 CM

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

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