Forster Sentry Palm

Howea forsteriana (HOW-ee-ah for-stair-ee-AH-na)

Family: Arecaceae Unknown Understory

Kentia palm is endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia. It is a single-stemmed, pinnate-leaved, evergreen perennial in the palm family (Arecaceae). The genus name commemorates its island home, and the species epithet honors William Forster, a 19th-century senator of New South Wales. Kentia palm is a popular houseplant in temperate climates that requires little light; however, it can adapt to sunny locations and is a landscaping plant in Southern California. As long as direct sunlight is avoided, it can withstand outdoor temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Although tolerant of heat, humidity and rainfall, this plant has a better chance of success in areas where the extremes are not reached. It is also moderately tolerant of salt spray and drought. Indoors, it requires moderate light and temperatures that are comfortable for people. For best growth, it should have a well-drained, humus-rich potting mix that does not dry out. Fertilize with houseplant fertilizer infrequently; encapsulated, slow-release fertilizer is ideal. Often confused with the Belmore sentry palm ( Howea belmoreana ), the kentia palm is much faster and easier to grow and has leaves that are not recurved. Both species are endemic to Lord Howe Island, but the kentia palm favors coastal habitats, whereas the Belmore sentry palm grows at higher elevations. This palm was hugely popular in Victorian times, and photos and engravings from the period often depict large urns of this palm gracing restaurants, parlors, and hotel lobbies. Not as popular today as it was then, the palm has never completely fallen out of fashion. These palms are well suited to containers and have a track record for surviving low light, dust, central heating, rough handling, drought and general neglect. The kentia palm may be planted near a sidewalk, house or fence. Due to their large size, they make a good focal point in an interior or exterior landscape. Although sometimes sold in groups within one large pot, this is not a "suckering" palm. This slow growing plant grows more quickly when planted individually rather than part of a grouping. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The most serious issue for this palm is potassium deficiency. Necrosis (tissue death) can appear on the leaflet at the tips of older leaves. Younger leaves can suffer from manganese deficiency, which will manifest as leaflet tip necrosis on the basal leaflets. Boron deficiency can cause stunted or distorted new leaves. Fungal leaf spot, as well as spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects are common issues.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 58 attributes.