Howea

Description

Howea is a genus of palms native to Lord Howe Island located in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. The genus is named after British naturalist Henry How, who discovered the island in 1788. Howea is a popular houseplant due to its attractive foliage and ease of care. The most common species of Howea are Howea forsteriana and Howea belmoreana, widely known as the Kentia palm and the curly palm, respectively.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The leaves of Howea are pinnate, meaning they have a central stem with small leaflets arranged on either side. The Kentia palm has long, arching fronds with dark green, glossy leaves, while the curly palm has shorter, more compact fronds with curly or wavy leaves. Both species can reach up to 10 feet in height and have slender trunks that are usually slightly swollen at the base.

Care Guide

Howea palms are relatively easy to care for and can thrive indoors with the right conditions. Here are some tips:

• Water: Water your Howea palm when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but avoid overwatering as well.
• Fertilization: Feed your Howea palm with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that contains perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.
• Sunlight: Howea palms prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Hardiness Zones: Howea palms are hardy in USDA zones 9-11, which means they can’t tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.

Common Pests & Diseases

Howea palms are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but they can still be affected by some common issues:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and speckling of the leaves. Treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
• Mealybugs: Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems. Treat with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs or an insecticidal soap.
• Root rot: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to Howea palms. Make sure the soil is well-draining and only water when necessary.

Habitat

Howea palms are native to Lord Howe Island, a small volcanic island located about 600 kilometers east of mainland Australia. The climate on Lord Howe Island is subtropical, with mild temperatures and high humidity. Howea palms grow in the lowland rainforest and on the slopes of Mount Gower, the highest peak on the island.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Howea palms tolerate low light conditions?

A: Howea palms prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions, although they may grow more slowly.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Howea palm?

A: Howea palms should be fertilized every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: Can I prune my Howea palm?

A: Yes, you can prune your Howea palm to remove dead or yellowing leaves. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears and make cuts at an angle.

Q: Can I propagate my Howea palm?

A: Yes, you can propagate Howea palms by dividing the plant at the root ball or by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil.

Related Plants

• Chrysalidocarpus
• Coccothrinax
• Livistona
• Phoenix
• Rhapis

References

• “Howea.” Plantz Africa, SANBI. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/howea.htm
• “Kentia Palm.” The Spruce, Dotdash. https://www.thespruce.com/kentia-palm-growing-profile-1902772
• “How to Care for a Kentia Palm.” HGTV. https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/houseplants/kentia-palm-care