Prevents root rot and waterlogging
Howea forsteriana
Howea forsteriana, the Kentia palm, thatch palm or palm court palm, is a species of flowering plant in the palm family, Arecaceae, endemic to Lord Howe Island in Australia. It is also widely grown on Norfolk Island. It is a relatively slow-growing palm, eventually growing up to 10 m (33 ft) tall by 6 m (20 ft) wide. Its fronds can reach 3 m (10 ft) long. The palm gets its common name from the capital of Lord Howe Island, Kentia, and the genus name, Howea, from the island itself. The species name forsteriana is after Johann Reinhold Forster and Georg Forster, father and son, who accompanied Captain Cook as naturalists on his second voyage to the Pacific in 1772–1775. The seeds require six years to mature.
Soil & Fertilizer Guide
The right soil and nutrients help your Kentia Palm thrive and grow steadily.
Best Soil for Kentia Palm
Choose a soil mix with the right balance of drainage, nutrition, and texture.
Supports healthy growth and strong roots
Ideal pH for nutrient absorption.
Balanced texture with organic matter and drainage.
Soil Mix Recipe
A recommended mix for Kentia Palm, based on the available soil data.
40%Garden SoilBase structure
30%CocopeatMoisture retention
20%CompostOrganic nutrients
10%Perlite/SandDrainageFertilizer Guide
Use the fertilizer options from this plant's soil guide and adjust by season.



Feeding Schedule
Adjust based on season, plant age, and growth.
Adjust based on growth
As neededAdjust based on growth
As neededAdjust based on growth
As neededAdjust based on growth
As neededAdjust based on growth
As neededSigns Your Kentia Palm Needs Better Soil or Fertilizer
Watch for these signs and take action.
May indicate nutrient or pH imbalance.
Often points to low phosphorus or potassium.
Nutrient stress or compacted soil can slow leaf size.
Can happen when salt or fertilizer builds up.
May mean insufficient nutrients or poor soil quality.