Palm Kentia

kentia (Howea Fosteriana)

Origin

The origin of the Kentia is the island of Howea, east of Australia. The Howea Forsteriana popularly known as Kentia is an easy-to-care houseplant. The houseplant needs little maintenance, can be in the partial shade and is therefore very suitable for offices.

Watering

Just like all other palms, it is wise to always keep the soil slightly damp, during the growth period that runs from March to August a bit more like in winter. You can let the soil dry out a little before watering again. Do not leave the roots in the water, this causes root rot.

Substrate

If the pot is provided (or you provide it yourself) with a substrate and a water meter, watering is easy! Upon arrival there is little water, fill the pot slowly with water (sometimes wait) and you will see that the meter automatically rises. All you have to do is keep an eye on this meter. If you go on vacation, you can fill the pot almost half full (you can see this at the meter which comes to an end above its maximum) and you can safely leave for 3 weeks. In addition, it is also not bad if the plants do not get too much water too quickly. The substrate absorbs the water, so when the water meter is at the bottom the substrate is still damp, but there is no water at the bottom of the pot. The plant then has more than enough for 4 summer days.

Spraying

Spray the Kentia from time to time to remove dust from the leaves and prevent vermin. Spraying also promotes the quality and ornamental value of the houseplant. Rainwater or decalcified water is best suited for this, this prevents lime spots on the leaves.

Pitch

The Kentia thrives well in the half shade and requires a maximum of 2 to 3 hours of sunlight per day. The Kentia prefers a window on the north, east or west. If you still place the Kentia near a window on the south, keep at least three meters away from the window.

Minimum temperature

16 ° C during the day

10 ° C at night

food

Ideally, fertilize the Kentia during the growth period from April to September. Never give too much this can lead to burning of the roots. Look at the package for the dosage where in the case of the Kentia 50% of the indicated amount is sufficient.

Overpower

A Kentia can best be transplanted in a larger pot once every two years. The best period for overpouling is spring or immediately after purchase of the plant. A larger pot will stimulate the growth and the advantage is a larger buffer so that the water is more dispersed and there is less chance of root rot. Always take a pot that is 20 to 25% larger and do not use Hydro granules on the bottom of the pot. It is best to use a plastic insert with large pots.

Leaf damage

If Kentia gets brown edges at the bottom leaves, you can easily cut them. Unfortunately, this is a natural and unavoidable phenomenon. If the leaves turn yellow then the cause is too much light. In this case, set the indoor plant a bit further away from the window.

Prune

A Kentia is a relatively slow grower and can best be pruned in the autumn. Cut the leaf as far as possible at the bottom of the stem. Use a pruning shears for this. You can trim any brown leaves with scissors.

Toxic

The Kentia is non-toxic.

Diseases

The Kentia is not very susceptible to diseases but of course there are always bugs in the plant. Check this regularly. If necessary, use a biological "or if desired" chemical pesticide to treat the plants.

The Kentia is a very strong plant that is a welcome guest in offices.