Kentia Palm Plants (Howea forsteriana) – Elegant Indoor Palm
Discover the timeless beauty of the Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) at Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town. Loved for its tall, graceful fronds and exceptional resilience, the Kentia Palm is one of the best indoor palms for London homes, admired for its tropical elegance. It thrives in medium light, tolerates lower-light corners, and brings an immediate sense of calm, height and architectural elegance to living rooms, offices and hallways—making it perfect for indoor environments. At Boma, we offer premium Howea palms sourced from the best growers, ideal for creating a refined, tropical feel indoors, along with expert advice on watering, feeding, repotting and long-term care.
About Kentia Palm Plants (Howea forsteriana) at Boma
The Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) is one of the most graceful and enduring indoor palms, celebrated for its elegant arching fronds, tall upright growth and extraordinary tolerance to household conditions. Native to Lord Howe Island, this slow-growing palm has become a staple in London homes due to its ability to thrive with minimal fuss. At Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, the Kentia Palm is among the most sought-after statement plants, ideal for creating height, softness and a calming tropical atmosphere in living rooms, hallways, offices and hotel spaces.
Unlike many other palms, the Kentia adapts beautifully to medium light and can tolerate lower-light corners without losing its form. Its dark green fronds create an immediate sense of tranquillity and refine any interior aesthetic. Well known for its air-purifying qualities, it complements both contemporary and classic décor and grows steadily without demanding constant maintenance.
Popular Kentia Palm Sizes and Forms
Young Kentia (Starter Size)
Compact, elegant and perfect for desks, side tables or smaller flats. Offers the refined look of a mature palm in a manageable size. Young Kentias are ideal for placement in a decorative pot to enhance their appearance on desks or side tables.
Medium Kentia (Decorative Size)
Compact, elegant and perfect for desks, side tables or smaller flats. Offers the refined look of a mature palm in a manageable size. Young Kentias are ideal for placement in a decorative pot to enhance their appearance on desks or side tables.
Large/Mature Kentia (Statement Size)
A dramatic centrepiece ideal for open-plan spaces, hotel lobbies, offices and large living rooms. Tall, sweeping fronds deliver maximum visual impact. Be sure to provide ample space around Large/Mature Kentia palm plants to allow their fronds to fully develop and avoid overcrowding.
Multi-Stem Kentia Palms
Featuring several trunks in one pot, these palms provide fuller volume and a lush, tropical appearance.
How to Care for a Kentia Palm
| Category | Care Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Light | Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates medium to low light. Avoid direct sunlight, which scorches leaves—especially young ones. Always provide indirect light for healthy growth. |
| Watering | Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage and never let roots sit in water to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter or during slow growth. |
| Humidity & Temperature | Thrives in standard home humidity and temperatures between 16–24°C. Avoid cold draughts and radiators. Occasional misting helps in dry air to replicate tropical conditions and support plant health. |
| Feeding | Use palm-specific or balanced liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer during the growing season to encourage steady growth. |
| Repotting | Repot every 2–3 years. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball. Look for roots emerging through drainage holes as a sign to repot. Prefers snug pots with well-aerated compost. |
| Styling | Ideal for corners, beside sofas, or large spaces. Looks great in ceramic planters, contemporary pots, or natural basket covers. Can be paired with other houseplants for a lush, layered look. |