Big Ken

4.9 |51 Reviews

Kentia palm

Howea forsteriana; Thatch palm; Paradise palm plant

• 
  Most light conditions
• 
  Easy care

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• 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

  13cm; 21cm; 24cm; 27cm

• About Kentia palms

  Native to the east coast of Australia, but just as happy in our homes, the Kentia palm brings instant impact and island vibes to any room. There's no need to worry though, despite it's impressive height and large, arching palm fronds, they're relatively slow growing, so won't hog all of the light in your living room.

  On the subject of light, Big Ken – as we like to call him – enjoys lots of bright light, but not harsh direct sun. And the brighter the light, the more often he's likely to need a drink. Keep an eye on how dry his soil is by dipping your finger in to the second knuckle, and if it comes out dry, you'll know it's time for a tipple. Second to H2O, Big Ken loves a glug of liquid plant food. Add some to your watering can once or twice a month between April and October when he's in full growth mode, and you'll be rewarded with new and larger leaves.

  The bigger it grows, the more space it'll need, so repot your Kentia palm into fresh free-draining jungle potting compost every two-to-three years.

  Did you know?

  Queen Victoria herself was such a big fan of the Kentia palm that she insisted they were placed around her coffin when she died.

• Reviews

  4.9 |51 Reviews

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  Most recent reviews

  

  is

  A lovely addition to the house and was so healthy when he came :)

  

  Felicity

  Great quality, healthy plant, exactly as expected. Fantastic addition to the room. Would highly recommend.

  

  Bianca

  A healthy plant that keeps growing strongly.

  

  Sarra Slegg

  Great plant. Adds to the room. Easy to care for.

  

  Rebecca

  Striking plant that looks great in a large grey Patch pot

  Showing most recent 5 reviews