Kentia Palms
Kentia palms are valuable slower growing palms that do well in the coastal areas of Southern California. They should be given shelter from prevailing winds and allowed plenty of sunlight. They are prone to diseases such as pink rot and can be attacked by scale insects as well as other pests. Recently these palms have been affected by a condition called “Leaning Head Syndrome”.
It is believed by many in the industry that this is a result from a fungal infection. Multiple treatments with fungicides have produced results where the trees have resumed normal growth patterns. Kentia palms can also be infected Thielaviopsis stem or trunk rot. Be careful to minimize physical damage to the trunks of the palms. (Kentia Palm on left has symptoms of leaning head syndrome.)