Kentia Palm — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Howea forsteriana |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 60–365 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 22.2–31.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1825–3650 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 152.4–304.8 |
| Mature height (cm) | 304.8–914.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 152.4–304.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 9–11 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic, fertile to average, loamy soil in partial to full shade; kentia palm is the world's most popular indoor palm and one of the most important ornamental plants in the global interior plant industry — exported from its tiny native range (Lord Howe Island, Australia) in the form of seeds and seedlings for over 150 years to supply interior landscape plantings worldwide. The graceful, arching, dark green pinnate fronds and the extremely high tolerance of low light, low humidity, and neglect make it the standard palm for hotel lobbies, office buildings, and living rooms. Outdoors in zones 9–11, kentia palm is an attractive garden palm for shaded or semi-shaded positions under larger trees, unusually shade-tolerant for a palm. The seed germination is notoriously slow and erratic (months to a year). One of the few palms genuinely adapted to deep shade — a valuable characteristic that distinguishes it from almost all other palms.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0