Kentia Palm
Howea forsteriana
Also known as: Thatch Palm, Paradise Palm
A complete guide to growing and propagating Kentia Palm: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.
Kentia Palm care at a glance
Track your kentia palm cuttings & propagation in SnipLog
Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline â free on iPhone.
How to propagate Kentia Palm
Seed
- Sow fresh seed shallowly in warm, moist, well-draining mix.
- Keep at 80F+ with bottom heat and steady moisture.
- Be patient: germination is erratic and slow.
- Pot on seedlings once they have a couple of leaves. Kentia does not divide, so seed is the only route.
Common Kentia Palm problems & fixes
Brown leaf tips
Low humidity, salts/fluoride in tap water, or underwatering. Use filtered water, raise humidity, and keep soil lightly moist.
Yellowing fronds
Overwatering or a nutrient gap. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings and feed during the growing season.
Spider mites (fine webbing)
Common on palms in dry air. Rinse the foliage, raise humidity, and treat with insecticidal soap.
Track your kentia palm cuttings & propagation in SnipLog
Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline â free on iPhone.
Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications â if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.