Kentia Owea Forsteriana
The kentia (owea forsteriana) is a beautiful, slow-growing palm that originates from the island of Lord Howe in Australia. It is an excellent choice for indoor or patio use, and can even be grown outdoors in frost-free locations. This palm gets its common name from the place of its discovery, and its scientific name from the plant collector, Joseph Banks.
The kentia palm is a single-trunked palm that can grow up to 20 feet tall, although it is more commonly seen at 10-15 feet. The leaves are large and arching, with dark green upper surfaces and silvery-white undersides. The leaf margins are finely toothed, and the leafstalks can be up to 3 feet long. The leaves give the kentia palm a graceful, elegant appearance that is sure to add a touch of class to any setting.
The Kentia palm is a slow-growing plant, eventually reaching a height of 20 m (66 ft). The trunk is slender and upright, with ringed leaf scars. The leaves are pinnate, 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) long, with 20-30 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small and white, borne in inflorescences up to 1 m (3.3 ft) long. The fruit is a black drupe, 5-6 mm (0.20-0.24 in) wide.
The kentia palm is a relatively slow grower, adding only about 6 inches per year. Given adequate light, water, and fertilizer, it will thrive indoors or out. It is relatively tolerant of low light levels but will grow more slowly in dim conditions. Outdoors, kentia palms can be planted in any well-drained soil. They are tolerant of salt spray and windy conditions, making them ideal for coastal locations.
If you are looking for a stately, elegant palm to add to your indoor or outdoor space, the kentia palm is an excellent choice. With its slow growth rate and easy-care requirements, it will be a beautiful addition to your home or landscape for many years to come.