Kentia palm care guideHowea forsteriana

Premium parlor palm. Ranked #21 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) — a healthy specimen photographed indoors
Scientific name
Howea forsteriana
Origin
Lord Howe Island
Difficulty
Easy
Light
Medium / indirect light
Watering (summer)
every 7 to 10 days
Watering (winter)
every 14 to 21 days
Humidity
50-60%
Pet safety
Pet-safe (non-toxic)
IKEA SKU
80580199

WateringWhen and how much water

Water Kentia palm when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.

The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.

LightHow bright a spot it needs

Kentia palm is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.

Pet safetySafe with cats and dogs

Pet-safe. Kentia palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.

Get the personalised schedule

Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Kentia palm based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.

Download Botanicaly

FAQCommon questions

How often should I water a Kentia palm?

Water your Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.

How much light does a Kentia palm need?

Kentia palm is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres 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.

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