Belmore Sentry Palm Howea belmoreana
ABOUT
Howea belmoreana, commonly known as the Sentry Palm or the Belmore Sentry Palm, is noted for its elegant and graceful appearance. This palm is characterized by a solitary, upright trunk and a rich green canopy of arching fronds. The trunk is smooth with a ringed pattern due to old leaf scars. Atop the trunk sits a crown of lush, slightly arching leaves which are pinnate, resembling feathers. Each leaf is long and slender, divided into numerous leaflets that are arranged in a flat plane, giving the fronds an attractive, orderly look. The leaflets are shorter at the base of the leaves and increase in length towards the middle before gradually decreasing towards the tip, creating a balanced and symmetrical effect. The overall impression of the foliage is dense and full, creating a substantial verdant display. The color of the leaves is generally a deep, vibrant green. The contrast between the sleek, vertical trunk and the spreading canopy of the Sentry Palm is visually striking, making it a popular choice for ornamental use in landscaping or as an indoor plant. Its appearance brings a touch of the tropical to its surroundings and it is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to adapt to a variety of environments.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Arecaceae
Synonyms
Belmore Sentry Palm, Curly Palm
Common names
Kentia belmoreana, Howea belmoreana var. minor, Kentiopsis belmoreana
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Howea belmoreana, commonly known as the Belmore sentry palm, is not toxic to humans. It does not produce harmful toxins and is generally considered to be safe around humans. Therefore, there are no associated symptoms of poisoning because the plant is not poisonous.
To pets
The Belmore sentry palm, or Howea belmoreana, is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. There should not be any symptoms of poisoning in pets as a result of ingesting this plant, since it is not known to contain any harmful substances to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Palm
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: The Curly Palm's elegant structure and lush green fronds contribute to its aesthetic appeal, enhancing the visual interest of interior spaces.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, making it ideal for people who desire greenery without the commitment to intensive gardening.
- Shade Tolerance: The Curly Palm is adapted to thrive in lower light conditions found in many indoor environments.
- Humidity Enhancement: Its transpiration process can help maintain indoor humidity levels, creating a more comfortable living space.
- Longevity: The Curly Palm is known for its long life span, providing a long-lasting addition to home or office décor.
- Adaptability: It can grow in a variety of indoor settings and adapts well to the potting environment, which is convenient for container gardening.
- Noise Reduction: The dense foliage can absorb sound, contributing to a quieter and more serene indoor environment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The leaves of the Kentia palm can be used for thatching roofs in its native habitat, providing a natural and sustainable roofing material.
- Fiber from the Kentia palm fronds can be harvested and woven into mats, baskets, and other handicrafts by local artisans.
- The trunk of the Kentia palm can be hollowed out and used as a water conduit or for making small canoes in traditional practices.
- The Kentia palm seeds are sometimes used for ornamental purposes in jewelry making or as buttons once they have been polished.
- Landscape artists use Kentia palms for creating tropical atmospheres in gardens and parks outside of their native environments.
- Kentia palm wood, being relatively lightweight and strong, can be used to make frames for small greenhouses or plant supports.
- The Kentia palm can be a source of food for some animals, such as bats and rats, which feed on its fruit in the wild.
- Dried fronds of the Kentia palm may be used as a natural source of kindling or as a component in creating a campfire.
- The long leaves of the Kentia palm are sometimes used in spiritual or cultural ceremonies by indigenous communities in its area of origin.
- Kentia palm can serve as a natural windbreak or privacy screen when planted in groups or rows in landscaping projects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Kentia Palm, as Howea belmoreana is more commonly known, is valued in Feng Shui for its air-purifying properties and the lush, upward growing foliage that symbolizes growth, vitality, and positive energy. It can be used to bring a sense of balance and natural energy into a home or office. Placed in the wealth area of a room or in the east sector for health, its graceful leaves can help to create a calming and nurturing environment.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Kentia Palm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Elegance: The Howea belmoreana, commonly known as the Sentry Palm or Curly Palm, hails from Lord Howe Island in Australia, embodying an exotic flair and natural grace in its appearance, which adds a touch of elegance to any environment.
- Relaxation and Peace: With its lush green fronds, the Sentry Palm can create a tranquil atmosphere conducive to relaxation and peace, often utilized in spaces designed for calm and restfulness.
- Endurance and Strength: The Curly Palm's ability to thrive indoors with minimal care reflects its symbolic meanings of endurance and strength, adapting well to various environments while maintaining its beauty.
- Safe Haven: Representing a symbol of sanctuary, the Sentry Palm provides a sense of security and comfort, much like the protected environment its native island offers to its unique flora and fauna.
WaterThe Kentia palm requires watering when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Generally, water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away and ensuring the root ball is moistened. Kentia palms should receive roughly 16 to 32 ounces of water every week during the growing season, but less in the winter. Frequency can vary from once a week to once every other week depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
LightThe Kentia palm prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. A spot near a north- or east-facing window is ideal, providing the soft light without the intensity of the afternoon sun.
TemperatureThe Kentia palm thrives in temperatures ranging from 55°F to 85°F with an ideal range between 65°F and 75°F. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 55°F, as cold drafts and sudden temperature drops can damage this plant.
PruningPruning the Kentia palm is necessary to remove brown or yellow fronds and maintain a tidy appearance. It's best to prune in the spring or summer, cutting close to the trunk without harming it. This palm requires minimal pruning; typically, only a few times a year or as needed when fronds die.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Curly Palm, also known as the Curly Palm, thrives in well-draining, sandy potting mix similar to a palm or cactus mix. The ideal soil pH for the Curly Palm is between 6.0 and 7.0. A good soil recipe might include equal parts of peat, pine bark, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage and root aeration.
RepottingThe Curly Palm should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, while older, more established ones can be repotted less frequently. Use fresh potting mix and a pot only slightly larger than the previous.
Humidity & MistingThe Curly Palm prefers humidity levels between 40-60%. They can tolerate some dry air, but for optimal growth conditions, maintaining moderate humidity is beneficial. This can be achieved by placing a humidifier nearby or using a pebble tray with water under the plant's pot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Curly Palm in bright, indirect light and keep in moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Grow Curly Palm in shaded area, protect from cold, and in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9b-11 USDA
Life cycleHowea belmoreana, commonly known as the Belmore Sentry Palm, begins its life as a seed, typically germinating within 2-3 months under the right warm and moist conditions. The seed develops into a seedling with a small root system and a single shoot bearing juvenile leaves, gradually forming a trunk as it matures. During its juvenile stage, the plant's leaves are more circular in shape but as it matures, the leaves become more elongated and feather-like, typical of palm species. The Belmore Sentry Palm reaches maturity after several years, which is when it starts to flower and produce seeds. This palm is monoecious, meaning it has both male and female flowers on the same plant, which allows it to self-pollinate or cross-pollinate with the help of wind or insects. Over many years, the palm will continue to grow and produce flowers and seeds, completing its life cycle, with individuals often living for several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Curly Palm, or Howea belmoreana, is by sowing seeds. The best time to propagate the Curly Palm via seeds is in the spring or early summer, when temperatures are consistently warm, which aids in germination. In this process, the fresh seeds are planted in a well-draining potting mix, typically at a depth of about 1 inch (2.54 cm), and then kept moist at a temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). Germination can be slow, sometimes taking several months, and requires patience. After sprouting, the seedlings must be carefully nurtured in bright, indirect light with proper watering until they are strong enough to be transplanted into individual pots or a permanent location.
