Kentia palm care: watering, light and repotting
Also called kentia, sentry palm · Howea forsteriana · Arecaceae family
14 d in winter
How often to water the kentia palm?
Allow about 8 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 14 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
An elegant, forgiving palm that copes with medium light. Slow growing.
Misting every 7 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The kentia palm likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 5–10 ft (1.5–3 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Brown tips
Cause: Dry air or too much fertiliser. What to do: Mist it and feed less often.
Yellow fronds
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Let the top inch or so of soil dry out.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the kentia palm?
About every 8 days in spring and summer, and every 2 weeks in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the kentia palm?
The kentia palm likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the kentia palm?
Yes, misting every 7 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the kentia palm?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the kentia palm safe?
The kentia palm is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the kentia palm forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.