Palm | Kelapa Sawit

Last week I was communicating with friends and growers in different parts of the world to see how the Kentia Palm industry was doing. A great majority of Kentia Palm seed and seedlings are exported worldwide from either Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island or Australia. The bulk of these exports are destined for Europe.
If you would have read my book you would have learnt that an abundance of Kentia Palm seedlings are grown in Dutch greenhouses in Aalsmeer or in Sicily in Italy. Kentia Palms grown in Europe are produced in a more upright style so that they can be accommodated in smaller homes and business areas. Without a doubt European growers produce/grow the best quality Kentia Palms. The plants are always nice and green and have no tip burn what soever.
Being one of the most durable palms for indoor use the Kentia Palm has always been a growing commodity that was profitable for growers. However in recent years over production in Europe has seen selling prices plummet. My contact in Europe tells me that a 120cms ( or three and a half feet ) potted Kentias with multiple plants per pot ( 5-7 ) are selling for 4 Euros, and a number of specialist Kentia Palm growers there have gone bust.
It is a shame that Kentia Palms cannot be imported into the United States with selling prices such as those!!!
In my next post I'll outline the state of the Kentia Palm market here in the USA.