Howea

Family. Arecaceae, Palms.

Origin. Eastern Australia.

Description. Howea or kentia is a pretty, graceful palm tree with a thin, erect trunk and large, dark green, pinnate leaves, consisting of several leaflets 40 - 60 cm long and 3 - 4 cm wide. Petioles reach a length of 1 m. The total length of the leaves with a petiole can reach 3 m.

Height. It grows slowly, in the natural environment it reaches a height of 10 m, in culture it is usually no higher than 2.5 m.

Temperature conditions

The optimal range for this palm is 16 - 24 ° C., the minimum permissible temperature is 13 ° C. In other words, normal room temperature throughout the year is suitable. Does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature.

Lighting

Howea can grow in partial shade, unlike many other palms, but will appear healthier and more lush when grown in bright, indirect light year-round. Direct sunlight can cause brown burns on the leaves. 

Care

The palm tree can be placed outdoors in the warm season. Remove yellow or damaged leaves. Wipe healthy foliage with a damp sponge to remove dust.

Soil

Well-drained soil with a sufficient content of coarse river sand and a neutral or slightly acidic pH in the range of 6.1 - 6.5. A mixture based on peat with the addition of leaf humus, sphagnum moss, pine bark, fallen pine needles and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. The substrate must allow water and air to pass through well. 

Feeding

Howea is fed monthly, in spring and summer. This palm responds well to organic feeding. Do not fertilize in autumn and winter.  

Purpose

An excellent species for growing as a houseplant in larger spaces.

Flowering time

It occurs extremely rarely in indoor culture. 

Air humidity

Moderate to high. Use a tray of wet pebbles to increase humidity or a room humidifier, especially in winter when the heating is turned on in homes.

Soil moisture

Water deeply during active growth. Keep the soil evenly moist, but drain excess water from the tray. In autumn and winter, when the plant is resting, water it so rarely as not to dry out the soil. 

Transplant

In spring and only if necessary. Adult Howeas are replanted on average once every 3 years, for large specimens the top layer of soil is changed annually. When replanting, try not to disturb the root system unnecessarily - it is very delicate, with many small roots. After planting, compact the soil slightly to remove air pockets.

Reproduction

It reproduces only with fresh seeds, this process lasts a long time - up to 6 years. If you still decide to take this adventure, sow the seeds in the spring in nutritious soil and put the pots with crops in a warm place with a temperature of about 27 ° C, cover the crops with a transparent cap or glass.

Pests and diseases

Leaves turn yellow when there is a lack of moisture in the soil or air. When overwatered, root rot occurs.

Of the harmful insects, mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and thrips can pose a certain danger. 

Note

This palm lasts a long time indoors with good care. 

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics.