Origin
South America
Light
Dappled shade
Watering
Twice a week
Care
Expert
Flowering
Foliage
Indoor
Kentia
The hotel-lobby palm since Victorian times: it tolerates shade, dry air and neglect without losing its poise.
Care Profile
A guide to ensuring your botanical companion thrives.
Origin
Australia
Light
Low to bright
Watering
Bi-weekly
Maintenance
Easy
The palm of Lord Howe Island
Endemic to Lord Howe Island alone, off the Australian coast, the Kentia conquered Victorian drawing rooms because it tolerated low light and gas lighting.
Its very slow growth is its strength: it holds its shape for decades and asks for no more than a watering every two weeks.
"The Kentia outlives fashions without changing its outline."
01
Styling Tip 01
Shade to brightness
It tolerates deep shade as well as bright indirect light; avoid only direct sun, which marks its leaflets.
02
Styling Tip 02
Water every two weeks
Let two thirds of the pot dry before watering: it fears excess water far more than neglect.
03
Styling Tip 03
Repot rarely
It likes being slightly cramped: repot only every four or five years, and never cut its roots.
Similar plants
More botanical treasures to discover.
Origin
Southeast Asia
Light
Low to bright
Watering
Weekly
Care
Easy
Flowering
Foliage