Kentia Palm Care in Australia: Indoor & Outdoor Growing Guide

The Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) is an Australian native from Lord Howe Island. Famous for its graceful arching fronds and tolerance of low light, it is one of the most popular indoor palms worldwide. In Australia, it also thrives outdoors in coastal gardens. This guide covers how to plant, grow, and care for Kentia Palms both indoors and outdoors, including watering, fertilising, and common care tips.

Planting and Growing Kentia Palms

Kentia Palms are slow-growing but hardy, making them suitable for pots, patios, and shaded gardens. They adapt to a wide range of conditions but dislike extremes.

Growth Facts:

Height: 2–3 metres indoors, up to 10–12 metres outdoors.
Spread: Narrow at the base, with wide arching fronds.
Light: Bright, indirect light indoors; filtered or part shade outdoors.
Roots: Non-invasive — safe near buildings and paving.
Watering: Moderate — allow soil to partially dry between waterings.

Do’s and Don’ts for Planting:

✔ Do use a free-draining potting mix indoors.
✔ Do water regularly during the first year outdoors.
✘ Don’t expose to harsh midday sun — fronds can scorch.
✘ Don’t overwater — soggy soil causes root rot.

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Fertilising Kentia Palms

Being slow growers, Kentia Palms don’t need heavy feeding. However, regular fertilising improves leaf colour and encourages steady growth indoors and outdoors.

Seasonal Feeding Tips:

Spring: Apply a liquid fertiliser to boost new frond growth.
Summer: Feed every 6–8 weeks when actively growing.
Autumn: Give a light feed before cooler months.
Winter: Pause fertilising as growth slows.

Best Fertilisers:

CompleteGrow Indoor Plant Food Concentrate — ideal for potted Kentia Palms indoors.
CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 Liquid Fertiliser — supports healthy fronds and strong roots outdoors.

Application Tips:

✔ Always dilute liquid fertiliser for indoor plants.
✔ Fertilise around the drip line for outdoor palms.
✘ Don’t overfeed — excess nutrients can burn roots.

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Kentia Palm Care FAQs

Q1: Can Kentia Palms grow indoors?
A: Yes, they are one of the best indoor palms, tolerating low light and moderate watering.

Q2: How often should I water a Kentia Palm?
A: Water when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry. Overwatering is the most common mistake.

Q3: Do Kentia Palms like full sun?
A: No. Outdoors they prefer part shade, and indoors they thrive in bright but indirect light.

Q4: How tall do Kentia Palms grow?
A: Indoors they reach 2–3 metres. Outdoors, mature trees can grow 10–12 metres tall.

Q5: What is the best fertiliser for Kentia Palms?
A: Use a gentle liquid fertiliser such as CompleteGrow Indoor Plant Food Concentrate indoors, or CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 outdoors.