Kentia fine to plant in desert sun?

[Palmfarmer]

I got a spot for it that’s facing north and eastern sun is blocked by a wall too. 

would it burn badly?

Is there any chance it could die? 
 

[gyuseppe]

the howea (kentia) burns a lot, if there is sun

[PalmatierMeg]

I agree with @gyuseppe. To my knowledge Lord Howe Island, where Howea forsteriana originates has a cool ocean environment nowhere near desert. I would plant yours under canopy rather than risk sunburning it to death.

[Palmfarmer]

Just now, PalmatierMeg said:

I agree with @gyuseppe. To my knowledge Lord Howe Island, where Howea forsteriana originates has a cool ocean environment nowhere near desert. I would plant yours under canopy rather than risk sunburning it to death.

Ok, I will plant it once my palms grows some more canopy then. 

[gyuseppe]

2 hours ago, PalmatierMeg said:

I agree with @gyuseppe. To my knowledge Lord Howe Island, where Howea forsteriana originates has a cool ocean environment nowhere near desert. I would plant yours under canopy rather than risk sunburning it to death.

Hello MEG! How are you? I'm happy to hear from you!
I once sent you seeds of Livistona mariae, but in reality they were seeds of Livistona decipiens/decora!, I didn't know !, I was scammed!

[Phoenikakias]

1 hour ago, PalmatierMeg said:

I agree with @gyuseppe. To my knowledge Lord Howe Island, where Howea forsteriana originates has a cool ocean environment nowhere near desert. I would plant yours under canopy rather than risk sunburning it to death.

Additionally I would use, if possible, very soft water for its irrigation because it hates salt accumulation during dry weather.

[Harry’s Palms]

I would say that Palm hasn’t seen much direct sun. They can grow in full sun along the coast or where evening temps cool down, but only after slowly hardening off and trunk present. To my knowledge , the desert isn’t their preferred environment, they love regular water and a bit of humidity. Harry

[Jim in Los Altos]

FULL shade in the desert! Not even morning sun. Howea will tolerate full sun in cool moist coastal climates. 

[Silas_Sancona]

Just now, Jim in Los Altos said:

FULL shade in the desert! Not even morning sun. Howea will tolerate full sun in cool moist coastal climates. 

In the Desert?  ...not even full shade would spare a Howea  from damage incurred by  0-20% humidity / temps between 75-95 at night / 95 -119F during the day,  May - October..

Where he is located? Higher elevation = ..little cooler than here, also gets more rain during the summer..  Shady spot might work.

[Jim in Los Altos]

7 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

In the Desert?  ...not even full shade would spare a Howea  from damage incurred by  0-20% humidity / temps between 75-95 at night / 95 -119F during the day,  May - October..

Where he is located? Higher elevation = ..little cooler than here, also gets more rain during the summer..  Shady spot might work.

His desert climate is nothing like what you stated. Howea should be perfectly fine there in the shade.

 

. 

[Josue Diaz]

I agree, it will burn. And the rate of growth is very slow. I had one in morning sun, and when we got heat waves, it would burn severely with just morning sun. It would take at least a year to grow enough new leaves to look good again. 

[Than]

It will burn in the sun, but re humidity, mine has seen 10% humidity on several days last summer without showing any signs of damage. In shade of course.

[Phoenikakias]

5 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

His desert climate is nothing like what you stated. Howea should be perfectly fine there in the shade.

 

. 

Lol with such temps I would plant it in semi- hade , provided I would be able to keep soil constantly moist!

[Jonathan]

7 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

His desert climate is nothing like what you stated. Howea should be perfectly fine there in the shade.

 

. 

Those winter minimums are surprisingly low!

What an interesting climate...you learn something new every day on palm talk!

[Jim in Los Altos]

1 hour ago, Phoenikakias said:

Lol with such temps I would plant it in semi- hade , provided I would be able to keep soil constantly moist!

Konstantinos, His area gets mid and upper 20sF (-3°C) occasionally throughout the winter so being under canopy is important during freezing temperatures. 

[Phoenikakias]

7 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

Konstantinos, His area gets mid and upper 20sF (-3°C) occasionally throughout the winter so being under canopy is important during freezing temperatures. 

Oh, that's a second factor leading to same recommendation nonetheless.

[Harry’s Palms]

@Jim in Los Altos those lows would scare me if I had Howea in the ground or even in pots. I have never tested mine to that degree but it would concern me. Harry

[Jim in Los Altos]

1 hour ago, Harry’s Palms said:

@Jim in Los Altos those lows would scare me if I had Howea in the ground or even in pots. I have never tested mine to that degree but it would concern me. Harry

Upper 20s are no problem for Howea as long as frost is not allowed to form on the fronds, thus growing them under canopy. Mature Howea have been known to survive mid 20s with cosmetic damage. 

[MoPalm]

On 1/8/2025 at 5:39 PM, Jim in Los Altos said:

His desert climate is nothing like what you stated. Howea should be perfectly fine there in the shade.

 

. 

I don't have anything to add to everyone's suggestions, but I think you have a greater risk from winter damage than summer damage. I see that your rainy season occurs during the hottest months (June-August), so I assume sunburn will be less likely. Additionally, summer nights have great low temperatures. However, with winter lows averaging 34F/1C, you can likely expect lows in the low to mid-20sF (-6C). As Jim suggested, a canopy is recommended, especially if your tree has never been exposed to full sun. 

[Harry’s Palms]

Once they get taller , and provided they get cool down at night , they can handle some pretty hot sunny days . The OP’s palms are not ready for that and , as @Jim in Los Altos says they will need overhead protection from frost , anyway. I would still expect a bit of set back as they look like they have been protected for quite a while. I put mine out in full sun only after they start to trunk or they grow into sun only their own , protected by shade when planted. I have several that have weathered heat waves of 115f ( with minor burn) , and just recently 80+mph dry , gusty winds. It is calm this morning , but it has been a very windy week as most of you know . I haven’t checked out my palms yet but I’m pretty sure my tall Howea are fine. I did check on my very tall Caryota’s . Harry

[Tassie_Troy1971]

On 1/9/2025 at 1:46 AM, PalmatierMeg said:

I agree with @gyuseppe. To my knowledge Lord Howe Island, where Howea forsteriana originates has a cool ocean environment nowhere near desert. I would plant yours under canopy rather than risk sunburning it to death.

The record high on Lord Howe Island is 83F so definitely not suitable for desert sun. Here in coastal Tasmania hardly ever above 85f so easy for full sun even Hedyscepe canterburyana 

[sonoranfans]

On 1/8/2025 at 1:38 PM, Silas_Sancona said:

In the Desert?  ...not even full shade would spare a Howea  from damage incurred by  0-20% humidity / temps between 75-95 at night / 95 -119F during the day,  May - October..

Where he is located? Higher elevation = ..little cooler than here, also gets more rain during the summer..  Shady spot might work.

I agree it is not a desert palm, period.  But the OP is at altitude so his heat is not like the arizona desert which kills many palms.  When I lived in Socal, the good looking howeas were ALWAYS near the coast close enough to get a consistent marine layer influence.

[Silas_Sancona]

4 minutes ago, sonoranfans said:

I agree it is not a desert palm, period.  But the OP is at altitude so his heat is not like the arizona desert which kills many palms.  When I lived in Socal, the good looking howeas were ALWAYS near the coast close enough to get a consistent marine layer influence.

As mentioned, Yes,  where he is located, More summer rain + less intense heat ...a semi arid climate rather than actual desert... ( see more detailed maps of Mexico's eco -regions )   = it's definitely worth experimenting with ..in shade of course..

Agree also that the nicest Howea specimens i'd see ..were close to the coast, rather than anywhere further inland.

For folks who have never experienced a whole summer's worth / let alone several summers of  " Desert Heat "  ...A random day or two ( ..or 4 ) of experiencing 100 / 100+ heat / sub 35% humidity levels -thru an entire summer / autumn- is wayyy different than experiencing those temps  ..pretty much every day..., May - October.. ...If not starting in April, ...and lasting until the start of Nov.

That is a tremendous amount of stress placed upon something that did not evolve to tolerate such conditions   ..Never mind the sun itself..
 

[sonoranfans]

14 minutes ago, Silas_Sancona said:

As mentioned, Yes,  where he is located, More summer rain + less intense heat ...a semi arid climate rather than actual desert... ( see more detailed maps of Mexico's eco -regions )   = it's definitely worth experimenting with ..in shade of course..

Agree also that the nicest Howea specimens i'd see ..were close to the coast, rather than anywhere further inland.

For folks who have never experienced a whole summer's worth / let alone several summers of  " Desert Heat "  ...A random day or two ( ..or 4 ) of experiencing 100 / 100+ heat / sub 35% humidity levels -thru an entire summer / autumn- is wayyy different than experiencing those temps  ..pretty much every day..., May - October.. ...If not starting in April, ...and lasting until the start of Nov.

That is a tremendous amount of stress placed upon something that did not evolve to tolerate such conditions   ..Never mind the sun itself..
 

Yeah, there is the desert and then there is the arizona desert.  Last year I lived there was 32 days of 110F or more and 90+ days of 100 or more.  Combine that heat with the low humidity before the monsoon and it will kill many palms.  ANything that was not a pure desert palm, I made sure to had shade and was not near a concrete wall exposed to sun.  The western sun was the worst, keep any non desert plant out of it.  I definitely appreciate the work needed to maintain a palm garden in the arizona desert.  If you do get enough partial shade you can grow some very nice roses, though!  I had up to 50 gorgeous blooms at a time on some plants.  Summer they were near defoliated, but they bloomed nicely in spring and late fall.  I feel like I am cheating here in florida, not much effort to maintain the yard and palms.  

[Silas_Sancona]

9 minutes ago, sonoranfans said:

Yeah, there is the desert and then there is the arizona desert.  Last year I lived there was 32 days of 110F or more and 90+ days of 100 or more.  Combine that heat with the low humidity before the monsoon and it will kill many palms.  ANything that was not a pure desert palm, I made sure to had shade and was not near a concrete wall exposed to sun.  The western sun was the worst, keep any non desert plant out of it.  I definitely appreciate the work needed to maintain a palm garden in the arizona desert.  If you do get enough partial shade you can grow some very nice roses, though!  I had up to 50 gorgeous blooms at a time on some plants.  Summer they were near defoliated, but they bloomed nicely in spring and late fall.  I feel like I am cheating here in florida, not much effort to maintain the yard and palms.  

From the " Extreme Weather  Watch " website,  here is a list of how many days of 100 / 100+ and 110+ days we've seen here in / around PHX and Tucson over the last decade ( *** ...from 2009 to present for Tucson *** )

PHX:








Tucson: 








AZ summers are definitely one of a kind, compared to many other places  -just within in the penciled confines of the U.S.-


Agree that yes, " desert " ..or more broadly speaking,  arid - region palms ( ..any group of plants really )  are the best options here, simply because those particular sps / genus  evolved to handle big fluctuations in year to year / longer timescale environmental conditions. ...Extreme heat / dry spells that occur between years of better growing conditions, etc..

That said, it seems that there can be some minor bend within that general rule..  IF kept in shade ..and watered regularly..  my Chambeyronia oliviformis  and macrocarpa seemed to shrug off the ambient furnace level heat / dry air pretty well.. I only lost them when i let them go too dry for too long..

I  ( ..and a few other people here ) have also noted " exceptions to that rule " palms like Prichardia  growing / setting seed in places like Cabo San Lucas, down in Baja..  Yes, humidity is much kinder down there,  but, sun / heat themselves can be just as brutal as it can be up here..

That said, palms like Howea, which come from places where growing conditions don't fluctuate much over a year / years, will be far less equipped to adapt where conditions in their growing environment is far less stable..


Summers have been brutal enough over the last few years that  " desert " plants like Agave and Cacti,  particularly specimens in full sun,  have been getting knocked out..   ..Stuff that many might assume wouldn't have an issue w/ AZ summers..

Just further proof that there is a limit to how much heat -any- plant can handle,  let alone something accustomed to " gentle " warmth during a given summer. 

[DoomsDave]

@Palmfarmer that is a nice Howea you got there!

On the one hand, Howea forsteriana are a lot tougher than many people think. Just growing in your house makes them tough; peoples’ houses aren’t great plant homes. 
 

On the other hand Durango City is about 6,500 feet above sea level, and a desert climate, though I suspect not like Phoenix. Also, @Josue Diaz’s comment gives me pause, particularly since his situation for his plant is a lot like yours, though yours might be more sheltered.  And, when I had that death ray heat wave in July 2018, the entire crown of my mature Howeas both burnt, though they later recovered.

On another hand, looks like your palm is getting big in your living space. 

(Hell, I’d take it if was close enough!)

If you really want to try it in the spot you suggested, maybe give it a pot a couple sizes larger, and put it there and keep an eye on it. That way, if it does get burnt, it’ll be easy to park back inside in safety. I really think if you want to keep it in Durango, maybe sell or give it to someone with high ceilings, like 20 feet.

Whatever you end up doing, please share your continuing journey!

[Phoenikakias]

On 1/8/2025 at 4:20 PM, gyuseppe said:

the howea (kentia) burns a lot, if there is sun

But in Sicily it can grow in open sides in parks. I have seen pictures...

[dalmatiansoap]

1 hour ago, Phoenikakias said:

But in Sicily it can grow in open sides in parks. I have seen pictures...

I took this pictures in Taormina. Some looks better than others as everywhere despite the location but in general they do grow in open non protected spaces

[Harry’s Palms]

That second photo looks pretty sad to me. As much as I love these palms , I wouldn’t grow them in full sun if that’s how they turn out . I would keep them protected. When a heat wave hits here , I get maybe two fronds that have a bit of burn . I have actually had a very old Kentia die during a massive heat event while I was away. It would’ve survived if I had been here to water it …..maybe . Right now , the wind is howling outside . It is very dry , low humidity , but cool temps . I soaked the ground yesterday and every other day while these drying winds are blowing . Last week the wind was over 80mph ! The other day , before this round of wind came up , they looked fine ….no damage . They are super resilient palms . Harry

[PalmatierMeg]

On 1/8/2025 at 11:03 AM, gyuseppe said:

Hello MEG! How are you? I'm happy to hear from you!
I once sent you seeds of Livistona mariae, but in reality they were seeds of Livistona decipiens/decora!, I didn't know !, I was scammed!

Hey Giuseppe my good friend. I am so glad to see you back on PalmTalk. I will get back to you on Personal Message.

[MoPalm]

12 hours ago, dalmatiansoap said:

I took this pictures in Taormina. Some looks better than others as everywhere despite the location but in general they do grow in open non protected spaces

Where is this picture? 

[dalmatiansoap]

22 hours ago, MoPalm said:

Where is this picture? 

Public garden Taormina, Italy

[Palmfarmer]

Thanks, I will try to find some palm or tree I can put the Kentia under in Spring. 
 

I allready have a smaller one in the ground that has been doing well growing between 2 Washies for 3 years.