Insufficient light can limit frond growth and prevent the palm from producing flowers.
Conversely, too much light or exposure to harsh sunlight can scorch the fronds.
Soil
Kentia palms prefer well-drained sandy or loamy soil.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
They can adapt to clay soils as long as there is adequate drainage.
An acidic soil pH is ideal, but they can also tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels.
Water
Kentia palms like lightly moist soil.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
They dont tolerate severe drought or overwatering well.
Plan to water when the top inch of soil dries out.
But ensure the soil doesnt become soggy, as that can lead to root rot.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Additionally, moderate humidity levels are sufficient for these palms.
They struggle in both very high humidity and dry conditions.
If the air around your palm is dry, you might mist the fronds to increase humidity.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Fertilizer
Use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer to support growth.
Select a fertilizer specifically formatted for palms, as they have high micronutrient needs, and follow label instructions.
Pruning
Pruning needs for a Kentia palm should be minimal.
Trim off dead fronds once they are brown and appear dried out.
While they are transitioning from green to brown, they can still provide nutrients to the tree.
You may need to prune diseased fronds as they arise to prevent the spread of disease.
you’ve got the option to propagate your palm by dividing these multiple trees.
This can be done at any time, though the best time is in the spring or summer.
Planting the seed soon after maturation increases likelihood in germination success.
An unglazed clay pot is ideal because it will allow excess soil moisture to evaporate through its walls.
Because this palm grows slowly, you might only need to repot every few years.
Choose a container thats at least a couple inches larger in diameter than the plant’s current pot.
This is especially true ofindoor palmsthat do not have strong rains and winds knocking pests off the fronds.
You sometimes can treat a minor infestation simply by spraying the palm with a strong stream of water.
Otherwise, you might use insecticidal soap orneem oil.
Avoid any alcohol-containing products, which can dry out the fronds.
Diseases that occasionally occur in Kentia palms include leaf spot and other fungal issues.
These more commonly affect outdoor than indoor palms, and they often can be treated with an appropriate fungicide.
But unsuitable growing conditions can cause some common problems.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing palm fronds can be a sign of overwatering androot rot.
ensure only to water after the top inch of soil dries out.
And monitor the soil after watering to ensure that it drains properly.
Kentia and areca palms are both popular houseplants, and they might look similar at first glance.
However, areca palms have multiple stems, which are green with reddish spots.
Kentia palms grow from a single trunk, and the stem matures from green to brown.
Kentia palm leaves are also wider than those of the areca palm.
The best spot for a Kentia palm indoors is by a window that gets bright indirect light.
Also, keep the palm away from heating and cooling vents to protect it from temperature extremes.
