How to Prune a Kentia Palm

The kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) is a low-maintenance indoor houseplant that requires pruning in hot climates to eliminate dead leaves, as the dead leaves are a potential fire hazard if left on the plant. Pruning is also necessary to prevent disease from spreading from leaf to leaf. In cool climates it is not as important to remove dead leaves, but can be done to improve the appearance of the plant. Clipping can be performed year-round to maintain the health of your plant and requires a sharp pruning tool to ensure a clean cut.

Things You'll Need

• Gardening gloves
• Pruning shears
• Yard-waste bag

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cover your hands with gardening gloves to protect your hands from the plant's spiny base.

   • 2

     Pull back the leaves of the plant and inspect the plant for brown or black spots on the leaves. Dark-colored spots on the plant's leaves indicate the leaves are dying and are safe to be removed.

   • 3

     Hold down the dying or dead leaf with one hand and cut the leaf off as close to its base as possible with a clean cut.

   • 4

     Pick up the clipped leaves from the plant and place them in the garbage or in a yard-waste bag to dispose of them.