Big Ken

4.9 |51 Reviews

Kentia palm

Howea forsteriana; Thatch palm; Paradise palm plant

• 
  Most light conditions
• 
  Easy care

• Big Ken likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    Check him about once a week and water him if the top two inches of soil feel dry.

  • 
    Medium light

    He'll be happiest in any room that gets a lot of light. Harsh sun is a bit much for him, so ideally not right next to a window.

  • 
    Humidity

    He appreciates moist air to keep his fronds fresh. That’s easily done by misting him a couple of times a week.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Howea forsteriana

  Nickname

  Kentia palm; Thatch palm; Paradise palm plant

  Plant type

  Palm, indoor

  Air purifying?

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  90-110cm; 110-130cm; 150-160cm; 160-180cm

  Pet/baby safe?

  Yes

  Nursery pot size

  19cm; 21cm; 24cm; 27cm

• About Kentia palms

  The Kentia palm originated on Lord Howe Island (population: 382), a tiny piece of land off the east coast of Australia. The island gives the palm its botanical name, Howea forsteriana. It’s a slow grower that can take decades to reach its maximum height of 10 metres.

  In the 1870s, the Kentia palm came to the UK. The Victorians loved an exotic status symbol and grew it as a houseplant. It coped bravely with the poor light and air in Victorian homes. Queen Victoria herself was a big fan, insisting palms were placed around her coffin when she died.

  This is still an incredibly popular houseplant, but now we can give it a much better life. It has simple needs. It likes lots of bright light, but not harsh direct sun. Regular misting will keep its leaves fresh and green. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer. It’s a royal favourite. It deserves respect.

  Did you know?

  Kentia palms were used for decoration on The Titanic. In first class, naturally.

• Reviews
  4.9 |51 Reviews

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  JM

  Amazing Plant!

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  CollectPlus Customer

  Excellent service. We ordered Big ken plant 165cm high. Fully satisfied.

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  Jamie

  Instantly adds a tropical feel to any room

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  Emma

  Big Ken is exactly what I expected, great quality and still doing well even under my care (which is lacking in plant knowledge). It’s already growing more leaves and makes a great impact on a room. I went for the 90-100cm size and it’s perfect for my flat.

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  Kate

  Ken is a beautiful plant and looks great in my open plan kitchen. I wanted a plant that was easy to look after, and he ticks all the boxes. Well done Patch!

  Most recent reviews

  

  Hove customer

  Big Ken is thriving and looks great in our bathroom. A real positive addition to our home!

  

  Mrs Helen Hargitay

  Is thriving after arriving in excellent condition

  

  Mr David Wood

  Happy with the purchase

  

  JM

  Amazing Plant!

  

  

  A_M

  Look amazing in the corner of my bedroom

  

  CollectPlus Customer

  Excellent service. We ordered Big ken plant 165cm high. Fully satisfied.

  

  

  RE

  Lovely plant and easy to take care of

  

  Mike Oglethorpe

  It's rarer than hen's teeth for my wife to say her gift is perfect!

  

  Pete Wood

  Loving Big Ken, he’s now Bigger Ken!

  

  Jamie

  Instantly adds a tropical feel to any room

  

  

  Carolyn

  Easy to care for

  

  Rebecca Koczan

  Stunning, tall leafy plant that is kid and pet friendly! x

  

  Jenny Hoffman

  Doing extremely well

  

  Emma

  Big Ken is exactly what I expected, great quality and still doing well even under my care (which is lacking in plant knowledge). It’s already growing more leaves and makes a great impact on a room. I went for the 90-100cm size and it’s perfect for my flat.

  

  

  Kate

  Ken is a beautiful plant and looks great in my open plan kitchen. I wanted a plant that was easy to look after, and he ticks all the boxes. Well done Patch!

  

  

  is

  A lovely addition to the house and was so healthy when he came :)

  

  Felicity

  Great quality, healthy plant, exactly as expected. Fantastic addition to the room. Would highly recommend.

  

  Bianca

  A healthy plant that keeps growing strongly.

  

  Sarra Slegg

  Great plant. Adds to the room. Easy to care for.

  

  Rebecca

  Striking plant that looks great in a large grey Patch pot

  Showing most recent 20 reviews