Hello Howea!
Sooner or later, everyone will come across a Howea. That’s because this palm is the world’s most popular foliage plant for indoor use, but nevertheless it’s still surprisingly exclusive. If you are wondering why – it’s because every specimen descends from a single South Pacific island of paradise.

An urban jungle
Decorative and elegant, Howea remains a wonderful green houseplant for both summer and winter, so it’s no surprise that the Howea is a worldwide favourite for creating that indoor jungle look. Apart from adding a touch of the exotic, the great thing about this green companion is that it is so undemanding. Bearing in mind that in the wild it grows on an island ravaged by salty gales, tropical downpours and severe drought, this is perhaps not so surprising!  As it also survives in the shade of taller trees your living room is simply no challenge - it is fairly tolerant of low light, central heating and owners whose fingers aren’t that green.

A genuine beauty
At around 500km from the eastern coast of Australia lies Lord Howe Island from whence the Howea gets its name, although it is better known as the Kentia Palm. The island is small – only 11km long and nearly 6 km wide – but this speck in the ocean is the exclusive habitat of this ‘palm of paradise’. Curiously although it thrives here in abundance, it refuses to grow in the wild anywhere else. Usually, several seedlings are planted in a pot, their long leaves interweaving to form an elegant display of fronds to make a dazzling indoor tree. And because it concentrates on height rather spread, it is a perfect plant for small spaces.

Happy Housemate
Best spot: light, but out of direct sun
Best temperature: 16-25ºC
Best care: Spray frequently and weekly immerse in lukewarm water and allow to drain: it does not like having wet feet
Best tip: Dry leaf tells you too too little water, brown tips tells you the leaves are coming into contact with other things too often: the Kentia Palm looks best if given some space

Bet you didn’t know
As a species, Howea forsteriana is about two million years old. The Howea became popular under the reign of Queen Victoria. The palm was the icon of this innovative and exciting era (1837-1901) when industrial developments made it seem that anything was possible.

Source: Bloemenbureau Holland