Kentia Palm

Kentia are a tropical looking palm that does well on the coast, but not necessarily directly on the water as they are only moderately tolerant to salt in the air. This palm will suffer and die with prolonged exposed to the desert or inland valley sun and heat, surviving in such conditions only if grown under the canopy of a large tree, in shade or indoors. It will grow with low light levels, but its crown of leaves will be more bountiful provided indirect light. If growing indoors, the Kentia is very tolerant to dust, heat, neglect of water and various other living conditions that might make leave other houseplants in dire shape. A tree accustomed to growing indoors requires time to adapt before moved out doors, and may suffer shock when moved into heat or direct sunlight. Give it water only when dry and it will most likely flourish. Outside, the Kentia prefers regular watering until it is about five years of age, then partial shade/sun and well-drained soil. They will tolerate cold down to 29-30 degrees.

It grows slowly and may stay in the same container or space for quite some time. Indoors, the Kentia can slowly grow anywhere from 30 feet to 60 feet in natural habitat.

Requiring little care and most adaptable to cool, coastal Southern California environments, the Kentia Palm may be considered a fool-proof choice for those interested in adding something new to their home or garden. Solitary, pinnate palm with long, unarmed petiole and long 9-12 foot long rachis, drooping, reduplicate leaflets. Fiberous sheaths do not form a crownshaft and can persiste for may years. Trunk is smooth, distinctly ringed. Multi-bract inflorescence form at base. Very tropical look.