Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm - Evergreen Trees Direct

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm

$1,400.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 100L

100L 200L 300L 500L - 1m trunk

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: 2.1m – 2.5m Approx.
200L: Enquire within for height guide information.
300L: Enquire within for height guide information.
500L – 1 m Trunk: 2.6m – 5.2m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 6m (smaller in pots)

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm is expected to grow 10cm to 30cm per year (slow–moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Trade

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

Register or learn more ›

Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm

Howea forsteriana, the Kentia palm, is a slow growing, single trunked palm from Lord Howe Island with long arching, feather-shaped fronds in deep green. The trunk stays slender and ringed and the crown holds its shape without pruning, which is why it has been a standard interior and courtyard palm for well over a century.

It prefers part shade to bright filtered light and rich, free-draining soil, and grows slowly at about 10 to 30 centimetres a year. It is drought tolerant once established and handles coastal exposure and low light better than most palms, but it is frost sensitive and needs a protected position in cooler districts.

Outdoors it works in sheltered courtyards, shaded garden beds, lobby planting and coastal gardens, often grouped in threes for a fuller canopy. It is equally at home in a large pot indoors under air conditioning. Slow, predictable growth and a clean habit make it easy to specify where long term size matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Kentia Palm

What is a Kentia Palm?

Howea forsteriana is an Australian native palm endemic to Lord Howe Island off the New South Wales coast. It grows a single slender ringed trunk topped with arching dark green feather fronds. It is prized for tolerating shade, indoor conditions and general neglect better than almost any other palm, and it has been grown commercially since the nineteenth century.

How big does Howea forsteriana grow?

Outdoors, mature plants typically reach 3 to 6 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide in Australian gardens. Grown in a container or indoors it stays considerably more compact, usually around 2 to 3 metres. Given its slow rate of growth it takes many years to approach full height, so the size you plant matters.

How fast does it grow?

Slowly to moderately, about 10 to 30 centimetres a year depending on warmth, light and feeding. Plants in bright filtered light with regular water sit at the top of that range and shaded indoor specimens at the bottom. The slow habit is an advantage indoors and in courtyards, where a fast palm would outgrow the space.

Does it need sun or shade?

Part shade to bright filtered light is ideal. Young plants scorch in full sun, and even mature palms hold better colour with some overhead protection. Indoors it copes with lower light than most palms, though it will grow faster near a bright window. Acclimatise plants gradually when moving them into brighter positions.

Can it grow in pots or indoors?

Yes, it is one of the best palms for both. Use a deep container with free-draining mix, water when the top few centimetres dry out, and feed lightly through the warmer months. It tolerates air conditioning and low light well. Wipe the fronds occasionally and repot every few years as the roots fill the pot.

Is it frost tolerant?

No. It is frost sensitive and frond damage occurs in frosty conditions, so it should be planted in frost-free or well protected positions. Overhead canopy, a courtyard or a north facing wall all reduce the risk in cooler districts. In frost prone areas it is better grown in a pot that can be moved under cover.

How do I care for a Kentia Palm?

Water regularly while it is establishing, then deeply but less often once the roots are down. Feed in spring and summer with a slow release palm fertiliser and keep the root zone mulched. Remove only fully browned fronds, cutting them close to the trunk. Never cut into the growing point, since the palm cannot regrow it.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Type: Feature Trees

Ficus microcarpa ‘Flash’ – Pleached Ficus

$720.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly

From $255.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Murraya paniculata Orange Jasmine

From $30.00

Type: Evergreen

Gardenia augusta ‘Magnifica’ – Magnifica Gardenia

From $120.00

Type: Feature Tree

Lagerstroemia indica 'Natchez' White Crepe Myrtle

From $150.00

Type: Feature Tree

Lagerstroemia indica 'Tuscarora' Dark Pink Crepe Myrtle

From $120.00

Uses in my Garden

Council or Civic Landscapes

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm works in an:

Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm Evergreen or Deciduous?

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 6m (smaller in pots)

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm is expected to grow 10cm to 30cm per year (slow–moderate).

Growth Rate of Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm is expected to grow 10cm to 30cm per year (slow–moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Slow Growth Rate
Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm

Is Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm frost tolerant?

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Does Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm Flower?

Howea forsteriana produces slender cream-coloured flower spikes in late spring to early summer. These arching inflorescences emerge gracefully from within the crown and develop into ornamental seed clusters, offering subtle seasonal interest against the elegant feathered fronds.

Does Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Cream

Is Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm is Native to Lord Howe Island, off the east coast of Australia, where it grows naturally as an understory palm in subtropical forests.

What is the Wildlife Value of Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm ?

Its flowers attract small pollinating insects, while the dense canopy of arching fronds provides excellent shelter, shade and roosting habitat for small birds. The fibrous leaf bases and trunk also support insects and microfauna that contribute to biodiversity in subtropical and coastal gardens.

How much Sunlight does Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm need?

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm will thrive best in:

Part Shade
Full Shade

Preferred Soil?

Howea forsteriana performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with organic matter and coarse sand to boost drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then maintain deep, occasional watering as the palm matures to support strong root health, frond quality and long-term resilience.

Is Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm Drought Tolerant?

Is Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm Drought tolerant?

As a young palm it requires regular watering, and once established the Kentia Palm develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best with consistent moisture, especially during hot or dry weather, but can handle short dry spells with deep, occasional watering to maintain lush, healthy fronds.

youtube

How To Plant Your Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm is expected to grow 10cm to 30cm per year (slow–moderate).

Slow Growth Rate
Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm in Different Soil

Howea forsteriana performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.