Howea forsteriana

Lord Howe Island Story of Howea forsteriana

Lord Howe Island in the South Pacific is the native home of Howea forsteriana, where it forms part of the island's moist forest vegetation. Kentia palms have been grown and shipped from Lord Howe Island for generations and have a long history as indoor palms.

Long-Term Indoor Care for Howea forsteriana

• Light: Use bright filtered light and protect the fronds from strong direct sun through glass.
• Water: Water once the upper few centimetres of compost have dried. Water evenly through the pot, then let excess water drain away.
• Temperature: Keep the palm above 15°C and away from cold draughts.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity suits the fronds; raise it if the indoor air stays very dry.
• Compost: A peat-free loam-based houseplant mix with composted bark and good drainage suits the palm.
• Feeding: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser while the palm is growing. Use less water and pause feeding when lower light and cooler conditions slow growth.
• Repotting: Repot into a slightly larger container when the roots fill the pot.
• Pruning: Remove fully brown fronds by cutting them cleanly near the base and leave the new growth in the centre untouched.

Frond and Root Problems in Howea forsteriana

• Brown tips: Dry air, uneven watering or letting the compost get very dry can brown the leaflet tips. Improve humidity and water more consistently.
• Several fronds yellow together: The palm's roots can suffer if the compost remains wet for too long. Wait until the top of the compost dries before watering again, and check that the pot drains freely.
• Pale or bleached areas: Strong sun through glass can scorch the fronds. Move the palm into bright filtered light.
• Fine speckles, webbing, white cottony patches or small brown scales: Spider mites, thrips, mealybugs or scale insects may be responsible. Inspect the fronds and stems, then treat with a houseplant product whose label includes the pest, following the stated directions for repeat treatment.
• Spreading leaf spots: Fungal leaf spot can cause expanding brown or dark marks. Remove badly affected leaves, keep the foliage dry during watering and keep some airflow around the leaves.

Howea forsteriana is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

Why is it called Howea forsteriana?

Howea takes its name from Lord Howe Island. The epithet forsteriana honours William Forster, a nineteenth-century politician in New South Wales.

Odoardo Beccari established the genus Howea in 1877 in Malesia, volume 1, page 41.

Ferdinand Jacob Heinrich von Mueller first described it as Kentia forsteriana in 1870 in Fragm, volume 7, page 100. Odoardo Beccari later placed it in Howea as Howea forsteriana in 1877 in Malesia, volume 1, page 66.