SCIENTIFIC NAME: Howea forsteriana

COMMON NAME(S): Kentia palm; Sentry Palm
SUB FAMILY: Arecoideae
TRIBE: Cocoeae
ORIGIN: Lord Howe Islands
HARDINESS ZONES: 9B-11 (damaged but recovered at 26 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 30' (but can reach 60')
GROWTH RATE: Slow
HABIT: Solitary; canopy of about 3 dozen leaves
SALT TOLERANCE: Moderate
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: Moderate
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Widely adaptable
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Moderate; low; high only in temperate subtropical climates
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Specimen tree; foliage plant
HUMAN HAZARDS: None
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS: None

COMMENTS: Kentia palm is the world's most popular indoor palm, capable of retaining a good to excellent appearance for long durations under interiorscape conditions. However, as a landscape ornamental, the kentia is best reserved for cooler subtropical climates, as the species suffers with incessant heat and frequent drying winds. Light frosts are tolerated, but freezing temperatures will damage or even kill the palms. In cool, coastal climates such as in California, parts of Hawaii and similar regions, kentias adapt well to full sun after attaining a reasonable size. If their culture is attempted in warmer or dryer areas, partial shade is recommended throughout their life. Despite its slow growth and the high cost of seed, kentia palm remains the reigning queen of interior palms due to its dark green, full and graceful crown of large leaves. As foliage plants, they are frequently planted 2-3 per container, a practice which some feel disrupts the natural beauty of the palm. Similar species: H. belmoreana is a shorter, slightly less robust cousin of the kentia. Not as adaptable indoors as the kentia, the Belmore sentry palm has lighter green leaves and a simple-spiked inflorescence.