Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Kentia palm grows wild only on Lord Howe Island, Australia, and is mostly grown as a houseplant in the United States. Long, arching leaves grow from a single trunk.

Appearance

Growth form: Each palm has a single trunk. Several palms may be planted together in one pot for a fuller look.
Leaves: Long, arching leaves carry narrow, drooping leaflets.
Fruit: Ripe fruit is reddish brown.

Look-alikes

Belmore sentry palmHowea belmoreana

Kentia palm has gently arching leaves. Belmore sentry palm has leaflets and leaves that curve back more strongly.

Why they get mixed upBoth come from Lord Howe Island and are sold as indoor palms.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Homes and offices
Landscapes in Southern California
Range: This palm is to Lord Howe Island, where it is widespread in the lowlands. In the U.S. it is mostly a houseplant, with outdoor plantings in mild places such as Southern California.

Growing it

Care: Give it filtered light and a potting mix that drains well without drying out completely.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: VUVulnerableHigh risk of extinction in the wild

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: Kentia palms became popular in U.S. parlors in the late 1800s.
Seed exports from Lord Howe Island helped spread them as houseplants.

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