Gardening : <i> Howea belmoreana</i> : Kentia palm

“Parlor” palm, but will grow outdoors in frost-free zones.

The very sight of one of these tall, elegant palms can conjure visions of Casablanca, jungles, Victorian parlors--or a stark modern office. The kentia palm looks good anywhere, which explains its 150-year reign as houseplant royalty.

Although not as easy to tend as a pothos or snake plant, the kentia palm (also called sentry palm) will survive a good deal of neglect: some drought, drafty rooms, inevitable dust, poor soil. Outdoors, these palms should be planted in partial shade and definitely protected from the harsh afternoon glare. Indoors they are not so fussy, although they do need light (but not direct afternoon sun).

Howea belmoreana is the smaller of the two commonly available kentias; H. forsterana has fronds that can spread 9 feet, while the fronds of the smaller belmoreana stop at 7 feet. Don’t worry; these plants grow so slowly they won’t start looming for years. Kentias, like most pot palms, can be slightly root-bound, but don’t overdo it.

Most house plants should have their leaves sprayed (and I don’t mean misted) at least once a month to wash off the smog and dust and help prevent red spider mite infestations.

This task is not easy; one is reluctant to blast with a garden hose in the living room. I ended up using soft sponges when I was too lazy to drag the plant outdoors for a proper blast. Once the plants start attaining some serious size, moving them in and out becomes a chore for Hercules.

Nevertheless, whenever the first good rain comes, drag every house plant you own, even the baby philodendron, outdoors (leave their saucers inside). Your muscles may protest, and the wind may buffet the plants, but any inconvenience is worth it. The plants will get really wet and clean, the way nature intended.

Caution: Such rain treatment will work only if plants are in containers with drainage holes. If there are no holes, the pot will become a lake, the plant’s roots could suffocate and the plant could die.

Kentia palms are stocked in most nurseries, and it’s possible to find them in every size from a 3-inch pot to a giant 24-inch box. If you can’t find one in a nursery, try a florist.