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Howea belmoreana is often confused with:
Howea forsteriana Howea forsteriana
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Epidendrum ibaguense Form in bloom
Hoya kerrii
Hoya pubicalyx
Howea belmoreana has some common insect problems:
Scale Insects Found on Flowers and Foliage
Mealybugs

Belmore Sentry Palm Howea belmoreana

Previously known as:

  • Grisebachia belmoreana
  • Kentia belmoreana
Phonetic Spelling
HOW-ee-a bel-more-AY-na
Description

Being a part of the Arecaceae family, this plant is a flowering palm tree native to parts of Australia.  Unlike most palms that grow along the coast in palm forests, this variety can be found in hilly rainforests.

This feather type palm grows at a very slow rate, which is apparent by the closely spaced trunk rings.  A feather palm produces fronds that are divided on either side of the midrib into leaflets.  

It will grow at its best with bright, indirect lighting, including a grow light.  Too much light can cause the plant to yellow.

Ensure that proper drainage is provided by planting in a fast draining soil.  Allow the plant to dry out between watering using chlorine-fee water as it is sensitive to chlorine.

The roots of this palm do not like to be disturbed.  Repotting should only be done when the plant has become pot bound.  When repotting, caution should be used when handing the roots  

Often confused with Howea forsteriana, the Howea belmoreana is much more slow growing, smaller at maturity, and the foliage is much more curved.  It is typically not grown as a house or indoor plant as high humidity is important to the health of this plant.  When grown indoors, a height of 10' can be expected, while in the wild heights can reach 40'.

The severe curve of the leaves makes this tree narrow, which allows this plant to be placed in an area where other palms may not fit well.  

Although it can be grown from seed, however success is rare.  When grown indoors, seeds are typically not produced.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Intolerant of cold, full sun, and wind.  Cold temperatures, below 28 F can cause leaf burn.  Full sun can damage the foliage.  

Watering at the base of the plant can lead to rotting and death.  Root rot can occur when the soil is allowed to remain in soggy soil.  

Cold drafts can cause the leaves to drop.  Other issues include brown leaf tips which is caused by dry air or under watering.  Leaf spot can occur when overwatering and with a sudden change in temperature. 

Insects that effect this plant include Scales, Mealy Bugs, and Red Spider Mite.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#showy leaves#flowering tree#ornamentals#indoor tree#indoor#tropical palm#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical tree#tropical#wind damage prone#ornamental tree#showy#flowering
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#showy leaves#flowering tree#ornamentals#indoor tree#indoor#tropical palm#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical tree#tropical#wind damage prone#ornamental tree#showy#flowering
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Howea
    Species:
    belmoreana
    Family:
    Arecaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Accent or ornamental plant.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Lord Howe Island & Norfolk Island, Australia
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Textural
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Cascading
    Columnar
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    Dark red to reddish-brown, ovoid fruits.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Flower Description:
    Drooping, pendulous spikes of flowers form from the leaf axil.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Fronds
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Other/more complex
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The arching leaves curl to almost a half circle. They can reach a length of 10'.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Green
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The ringed, green trunk (stem) of this palm can to approximately 6" in diameter and bulge at its base. Young stems are green, and will gray as the tree ages.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Vertical Spaces
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Flowering Tree
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Dry Soil
    Humidity