1) Howea forsteriana is the botanical name for Kentia Palm. This Palm is the only true pinnate Palm tree that can thrive as a houseplant. It can survive being the typical low lighting, lack of water, low humidity and more of the average home where only certain cultivated plants can grow.
This tree is not only known solely as a houseplant, the Kentia's history is just as fascinating if not more so.
2) The Kentia Palm is endemic to Lord Howe Island. This island is so diverse in endemic plants that is has been named a World Heritage Site. It has a very unique climate where the weather never gets hot, and never gets cold. It's typically cool/mild year-round. They can get lots of rainfall, but also dry periods as well. Given the rocky/mountainous terrain and perfect weather, plants that grow exclusively to this dry soil, but yearly mild climate and healthy rainfalls means entirely unique plants will grow here. The genus Howea has only 2 species. Both of which are endemic to Lord Howe Island. Growers in frost free regions of the world, have to get their Kentia Palm seeds or starters directly from Lord Howe Island, as the tree is found nowhere else on Earth in the wild. Given the trees very slow growth, overall rarity, and popularity among Palm enthusiasts there is really no other seed source except Lord Howe Island. It is very hard to find a Kentia Palm for sale, and if you do it is likely expensive, starting at several hundred dollars for a 4'+ tree. From personal experience, if you are a houseplant nut, it is TOTALLY worth the money!
More History 3) The Kentia Palm first became popular as a houseplant back in the 2nd half of the 19th century for the wealthy in England. Queen Victoria herself was so obsessed with them, she had them placed in all of her homes. The wealthy would pay large sums of money to get Kentia Palms shipped from the small far away island of Lord Howe (off the coast of Australia) to have them as an easy low maintenance houseplant. One could say it was a 19th century "fad" among the rich and elite. If you had a Kentia Palm in your home, it was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Even to this today it is not easy to get ahold of as described above.
Care 4)
Water and Soil: Allow all of the soil to dry out before watering. In average home water may only be once every 1-2 months. It will require a well draining potting mix such as Coconut Coir, Perlite, Orchid Bark mix etc.. Avoid soils that contain vermiculite and Spagnam Peat Moss as they retain moisture that may lead to root rot. Humidity is not of concern, adaptable to humid or dry air. Even air vents that dry the air fast is not of concern.
Light: Will thrive in low light, however expect extremely slow growth (roughly 1 frond per year). In high light (avoiding direct sun if not acclimated to it) will lead to faster growth if that is desired (several fronds per year are possible)
Care summary: This Palm will thrive with neglect when placed in the average home of average lighting or lower lighting. Too much care may kill this plant such as watering more than once every 1-2 months, fertilizing more than once per year, or placing in too much sun when not acclimated or using a soil that doesn't dry/drain quickly in the harsh indoor environment.
Similar care to Dracaena marginata, Aglaonema to name a couple.
The first 2 pictures are of my Kentia Palms and ths third picture is one that was for sale at a nursery:
The following pictures are a few examples of Kentia Palms in wealthy Victorian homes (late 19th Century England)
