Kentia palm care guide
Howea forsteriana
Quick answer
Water your Kentia palm when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate16–27 °C (61–81 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
5 cm (2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
Kentia palm thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your Kentia palm every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a palm fertilizer with magnesium and manganese, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate16–27 °C (61–81 °F)
Humidity40–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 16–27 °C (61–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Kentia palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a Kentia palm?
Water your Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a Kentia palm need?
Kentia palm thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Kentia palm safe for cats and dogs?
Kentia palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why is my Kentia palm turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted species record · synonyms and native range
- Royal Horticultural SocietyHow to Grow · cultivation · pests and diseases · Cultivation notes · Howea section · water and feeding · compost and potting
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionDescription · cultural conditions · nutrient deficiency symptoms · pests and diseases
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · non-toxicity to dogs, cats, and horses
- How we check our plant advice
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