Elegant and stately, the Kentia palm is one of the first plants cultured for use inside buildings. Different from other palms that require bright light, Kentia can tolerate low-light conditions. It brings a tropical vibe to any corner of your house.
Size:
Pot Size: 200mm pot
Width: 40cm
Height: 1.2-1.3M including pot
Weight: 2-3kg
Care Guide:
1. Lighting
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Ideal: Bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some low light, but it will grow slower.
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Direct sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves, especially in the afternoon when the sun is the strongest.
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Placement: Place your Kentia Palm near a window with filtered light, or in a bright room that doesn’t get full sun. If you’re using artificial lighting, ensure it’s a bright environment.
2. Watering
Kentia palms like consistently moist soil, but they don’t like to sit in water.
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When to water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly, allowing water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
In the warmer months, water 2-3 times a week.
In winter months: water less frequently, every 7-10 days.
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Note: Make sure your pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important to find a balance.
3. Temperature
Kentia palms prefer warm temperatures. Avoid cold drafts, air conditioners, and sudden temperature fluctuations. Do not place the plant near heating vents or radiators, as they can dry out the air.
4. Humidity
Kentia palms thrive in higher humidity
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Ideal humidity: 50-60% is best, but they can tolerate lower levels if necessary.
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Increase humidity: If you have dry indoor air, increase humidity by misting the leaves, placing the plant on a humidity tray, or using a humidifier.
5. Soil
A well-draining potting mix is essential for the health of Kentia palms.
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Ideal soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for aeration. A general-purpose houseplant mix will work fine as long as it drains well.
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pH: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.5).
6. Fertilizing
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When to fertilize: Feed your plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer.
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Avoid: Fertilizing during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down. Excessive fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, harming the roots.
7. Repotting and Maintenance
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Repotting : Repot in spring when the plant outgrows its current pot or when the roots become root-bound, which could be every 2-3 years. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure the pot has good drainage.
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Pruning: Trim off any brown or dead leaves with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
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Cleaning leaves: Dust the large leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them free of dust and encourage better light absorption.
8. Common Issues
Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Kentia palms:
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Yellowing leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients. Make sure you’re not watering too often (in winter) and that your pot has good drainage.
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Brown leaf tips: This is often a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increasing humidity or more consistent watering may help.
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Leaf burn: If leaves turn brown or develop scorch marks, this could be from too much direct sunlight or exposure to drafts. Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.
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Pests: Kentia palm can sometimes attract common pests like spider mites, aphids, or scale. Regularly inspect the plant, and treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or a natural remedy like neem oil.
Pet-friendly: Kentia Palm is completely safe to pets and children.
