Kentia Palm

LIGHT:  Young palms need shade but once plants become established, they tolerate semi-shade and brighter light but no direct sun. 

WATERING:  Needs regular deep watering during the growing season but during Winter water only enough to keep the soil damp. 

NUTRIENT:  During the growing season apply monthly a balanced liquid fertilizer. 

TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY:  Normal room temperature with moderate to high humidity. 

FLOWERS:  These plants produce curved flower stalks, which hang down below the fronds.  These flowers are whitish in colour and are followed by fruits that eventually ripen to reddish or dark red colour. 

PROBLEMS:  Watch for scale or mealybugs particularly around the roots system.  If grown in the right environment pest shouldn’t be too much of a problem. 

SPECIAL CARE:  Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth when they become dusty but avoid leaf shine preparations.  If roots become pot bound re-pot only in Spring. 

BOTANIC NAME:  Howea Forsteriana