Kentia Palm

[Chavy87]

I just purchased a kentia palm from Green Acres. I plan on keeping it indoors as our winters here in N. California are probably too cold. I would eventually like to separate the 4 trunks from each other but I will give it time to adjust to the new environment. I've read a lot of mixed info on caring for these palms, basically how do I not kill this palm? Thank you.

[Harry’s Palms]

That’s a young one. They are great house plants . Medium light , not too much heat at night , and take them out on nice days and let it have fresh air . As it gets older it will take more sun . The soil should be well draining like most house plants and don’t let it dry out . They love water so make sure the water drains and it doesn’t get soggy . I put a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the pot on my outdoor potted plants. Harry

[Jim in Los Altos]

There are lots of Kentia palms growing outdoors in Northern CA. I have several big ones, some that have been growing outside over twenty years. I guess it really depends on exactly where in NorCal you reside since there are so many different climate zones up here. If you are well inland, the summer heat would probably be more of a factor than winter chill. 
 

Kentia palms make great indoor palms though. Probably one of the best since they tolerate air conditioning, the drier winter interior conditions and will also tolerate limited light levels. 

[Chavy87]

39 minutes ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

There are lots of Kentia palms growing outdoors in Northern CA. I have several big ones, some that have been growing outside over twenty years. I guess it really depends on exactly where in NorCal you reside since there are so many different climate zones up here. If you are well inland, the summer heat would probably be more of a factor than winter chill. 
 

Kentia palms make great indoor palms though. Probably one of the best since they tolerate air conditioning, the drier winter interior conditions and will also tolerate limited light levels. 

Jim, I'm in 9b about an hour north of Sacramento. If I separate them I may try one outside in a protected area while it's young.

[DoomsDave]

@Chavy87 nice to meet you!

I think Howeas will  be a bit borderline where you are; both from heat and cold.

But Howeas are tough! I’d try separating them now in the warm weather. They take repotting and splitting very well which is one of the reasons they’re so popular. Put each one in a one or two gallon pot out of the sun and wind and keep moist but not swampy and they should root right in. Maybe in a month or two. I’d try one outside in the spring on the north or east side of your house or under a tree big enough to give shelter from the sun and cold.

Also see my PM - private message.

[Chavy87]

Well I separated the four little trunks, it was surprisingly easy. The roots were not very intertwined and the ones that were, were very easy to untangle. I made my own mix of soil similar to what I used for my plumeria. Regular palm/cactus soil/course sand/ perlite and small lava rock, didn't really measure just kind of mixed it to a consistency that felt like it would give good drainage.

[Harry’s Palms]

Good job! They should do well. Harry

[SHEP]

Hello, my experience with Howea Fosteriana as an indoor palm, is many palms and many years, and I have not been too successful.  I let soil get completly dry if roots go to bottom of pot, and then water, in a standard mix with lots of pumice.  They will not tolerate wet soil indoors.  I recommend the turface soil mix from the gentleman in Germany, as wet soil mix will kill your Kentias indoors.  You will have to research his three ingredient mix, I believe a substitute for the one ingredient ?sp Turface is a kitty litter product in USA.  You must have a fast draining mix, and I have killed too many of these, and as you know they are very precious.  

I have had no problem with Howea's outdoors,  and I live in Northern California, but it is a touchy situation and a lot of money invested with indoor conditions.  Good luck.    Cecile

[MoPalm]

Cecile - do you cover your kentia in the winter if in full sun? does it handle light frost? I don't usually see temperature below 30 but I see light frost around 37 degrees. I am in Concord.