Belmore Sentry Palm Howea belmoreana
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Grisebachia belmoreana
- Kentia belmoreana
- Phonetic Spelling
- HOW-ee-a bel-more-AY-na
- Description
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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:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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'.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Green
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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.
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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