Big Ken

Kentia Palm

Howea forsteriana; Thatch palm; Paradise palm plant

• 
  Most light conditions
• 
  Easy care

• Big Ken likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    Check him about once a week and water him if the top two inches of soil feel dry.

  • 
    Medium light

    He'll be happiest in any room that gets a lot of light. Harsh sun is a bit much for him, so ideally not right next to a window.

  • 
    Humidity

    He appreciates moist air to keep his fronds fresh. That’s easily done by misting him a couple of times a week.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Howea forsteriana

  Nickname

  Kentia palm; Thatch palm; Paradise palm plant

  Plant type

  Palm, indoor

  Air purifying?

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  90-110cm; 110-130cm; 150-160cm; 160-180cm

  Pet/baby safe?

  Yes

  Nursery pot size

  19cm; 21cm; 24cm; 27cm

• About Kentia palms

  The Kentia palm originated on Lord Howe Island (population: 382), a tiny piece of land off the east coast of Australia. The island gives the palm its botanical name, Howea forsteriana. It’s a slow grower that can take decades to reach its maximum height of 10 metres.

  In the 1870s, the Kentia palm came to the UK. The Victorians loved an exotic status symbol and grew it as a houseplant. It coped bravely with the poor light and air in Victorian homes. Queen Victoria herself was a big fan, insisting palms were placed around her coffin when she died.

  This is still an incredibly popular houseplant, but now we can give it a much better life. It has simple needs. It likes lots of bright light, but not harsh direct sun. Regular misting will keep its leaves fresh and green. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer. It’s a royal favourite. It deserves respect.

  Did you know?

  Kentia palms were used for decoration on The Titanic. In first class, naturally.