Howea - Kentia Palm, Paradise Palm, Thatch Leaf Palm

(How'ea)

DESCRIPTION: These plants are grown for their decorative foliage and they belong to the Palm family. They are natives of Lord Howe's Island, which is near Australia. The minimum winter temperature required for these plants is 55 degrees. The leaves are large and spreading, dark green, and leathery. They are divided deeply. These Palms can grow 30-60 feet tall outside. Smaller plants are often used for indoor decoration.

POTTING: The best compost to use consists of two parts loam, one part leaf mold or peat moss, with a good amount of sand added. They need a shady area and a humid atmosphere in the greenhouse. Repotting should be completed in March if more room is needed for the roots. They need a lot of water in the summer, but should only be moistened when the soil becomes dry in the winter.

PROPAGATION: Seeds are sown in pots of sandy soil in the spring or summer and placed in a propagating case in 65- to 75-degree temperatures. The seedlings are then potted in 3-inch pots and later, in larger ones.

VARIETIES: H. Belmoreana; H. Forsteriana.

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