Large Kentia Palm

Some plants whisper. The Large Kentia Palm makes an entrance. If you want instant impact without the wait, this is the shortcut: because Kentias grow famously slowly, buying big means someone else has already put in the years of patient growing for you. You just take the credit.

Despite the size, it's no diva. It's safe around pets, perfectly happy in the corners other plants sulk in and forgiving of the odd missed watering. There's no rapid growth spurt to manage and no constant fussing required, just a ready-made statement that behaves itself beautifully. All of the wow, none of the work.

Known botanically as Howea forsteriana, the Kentia hails from Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia and has been lending interiors a little grandeur since Victorian times, when no fashionable parlour was complete without one. Some trends deserve to last. It's happiest in bright, indirect light but copes brilliantly in shadier spots, only asking for water once the top of the soil has dried out. Living room, hallway, office or that big empty corner you've been meaning to deal with: this is the plant that finishes the job.