Majestic palm (Ravenea rivularis) is a tropical tree that can grow from 4.5 to 6 m tall in a container or garden but can reach 30 m tall in its native environment of Madagascar. When grown in a container, this slow-growing tree needs bright, indirect light with lots of humidity. Mist regularly to prevent drying out when growing indoors, especially in winter.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Ravenea rivularis, the majestic palm, or majesty palm, is a species of tree in the family Arecaceae. They generally grow to 10 to 12 feet tall and are often marketed in stores as a “houseplant” in a pot, in its natural state, the majesty palm may sometimes grow to 98 feet (30 meters) tall.
It is native to Madagascar; however, it is believed only about 900 plants are currently alive in the wild according to an assessment conducted in 2010. The species grows in several regions of Madagascar, but because those regions are totally surrounded and separated by desert, the natural spread of the species is limited. Despite its fragility as a species in the wild, it has become a very popular houseplant due to its beautiful leaves and slow-growing nature.
In its natural environment, it can reach up to 80 feet (24 m) in height with a spread of 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.5 m). In landscapes, it typically grows to 40-50 feet (12-15 m) in height with a spread of 10-12 feet (3 to 3.6 m). When grown as a houseplant, the Majesty Palm typically reaches a height of 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 m). This palm has a moderate growth rate. In optimal conditions outdoors, it can grow relatively quickly, while its growth indoors is generally slower due to limited space and less ideal growing conditions.
The tapering trunk is straight and robust, 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, with a grayish-brown bark. It lacks a crownshaft, which is a feature in some palm species where the fronds emerge directly from the trunk.
The foliage is perhaps its most striking feature. The arching fronds are large, up to 6-8 feet in length (1.8 to 2.4 m), medium to dark green, and feather-like, creating a dense and luxurious canopy.
The palm produces small, inconspicuous yellowish-white flowers. These are often hidden within the lush foliage and are not a significant feature of this plant. Flowering occurs in mature palms, usually during the warmer months. The exact timing can vary based on the climate and growing conditions.
Post-flowering, it yields small, fleshy fruits. These fruits are round, turning from green to orange-red as they mature.
Ravenea rivularis grows in somewhat isolated humid habitats that are found in the otherwise dry, hot semi-arid climate of southwest Madagascar. Often, they grow huddled along the edges of riverbanks and natural lagoons, but also grow in shallow swamps where they receive ample water and humidity year-round.
Due to its love for warm, moist air which can be difficult to provide consistently in most homes, the most common problem affecting those kept as houseplants is browning leaf tips. To replicate its natural growing conditions, plants should be misted with warm water daily or kept near a humidifier. It should also be watered more frequently than average house plants especially in the spring and summer. That being said, fast-draining soil is preferable, such as soil labeled for cacti, in a well-draining container to allow water to seep through the root system and out of the pot.
Although they can also suffer from lack of sunlight, Ravenea rivularis is much more sensitive to lack of water and humidity.
In addition to ample water, Ravenea rivularis kept as a houseplant requires specialty fertilizer for palm trees which contains more magnesium than all-purpose fertilizers. Slow-release palm fertilizer with an NPK ratio of about 8-2-12 with at least 4% magnesium is ideal. A pinch of epsom salt may also be used as an alternative source of magnesium.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Although majesty palms are understory plants in their natural habitat, indoors it’s a good idea to provide as much light as possible. Plants that are stretching and bleached should be moved into a brighter spot for a few weeks, but don’t expose them to full sunlight.​
Temperature and Humidity
This plant will grow fairly well in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers high humidity but can survive in ordinary household humidity levels. In colder climates where winter air can get very dry; running a humidifier can make the plants happier. Misting the plant daily will also ensure it gets the humidity it craves. Low humidity levels can encourage insect pests.
Watering
Keep the potting media evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Don’t let the plant’s soil get too dry between waterings or you’ll start to lose lower leaves.
Soil
These palms are acid-loving plants that do best with a pH level as low as 5.0, so don’t worry about a peat-based mixture acidifying and hurting your majesty palm. A standard potting mix, with some extra peat mixed in, is an ideal growing medium for majesty palms. These palms need good drainage to prevent water-logged roots.​
Fertilizing
Feed with a weak liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season and not at all during the winter. If your indoor palm plant starts to stretch out, then reduce or stop fertilizing. A fertilizer mix designed for cacti is a good choice.
Applying Epsom salts once a month will supply adequate magnesium and prevent the yellowing of the leaves. ​​Plants might also require supplemental iron to prevent additional yellowing and leaf loss. Follow the product label instructions for the application of iron.
Pruning
Fertilize about 7-10 days before you plan to prune a Majesty Palm; this encourages new growth at the pruning site. Quickly prune any yellow fronds or those that show signs of fungal or bacterial infection. Pruning should be done at the base of the frond stem. Always use very sharp scissors or cutting shears when pruning any houseplant.
Propagation
Majesty palms are raised exclusively from seed, and commercial production of seeds is somewhat limited. It’s highly unlikely that home growers can get access to seeds. Propagation through stem cuttings is also not an option. However, division, or separating the offset “pups” from the mother palm, is a viable option. This method is best done when you need to repot the plant so the plant is not stressed by moving it around too much. Here are the steps for division:
- Remove the plant from its pot by gently rolling it out of the container while it’s on its side. Do not yank the palm from its pot from an upright position.
- Look for pups, or offshoots, from the mother plant that you can potentially separate from the root ball.
- Massage the root ball with your fingers to relax and soften it so you can untangle the pups. To help separate roots, use a disinfected, sharp knife if needed. You can even trim the roots of the pups if they are too long for new pots.
- Place offshoots in pots with fast-draining soil. Water the pots in a sink until it starts to drip from the bottom, but do not let the pot sit in water.
- Put pots in a bright spot, like its mother plant. Fertilize the baby palms in about a month. 2
Potting and Repotting
This palm may need to be repotted annually, but more likely every other year since it grows slowly. When repotting, be careful not to damage the root ball and use a large, heavy container to prevent the palm tree from tipping over. Pots made from clay or ceramic will help stabilize these plants, which can get top-heavy.
A standard potting mix blended with additional peat moss works well as a growing medium.
In cold-winter regions, it’s quite common to move these plants back and forth between an outdoor patio and an indoor location as the seasons shift. Make sure to get your plant indoors before freezing weather arrives.
Overwintering
During the winter, a majesty palm likes a slightly cooler temperature, 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, winter care remains the same.
How to Get to Bloom
Majesty palms rarely bloom until they are fully mature—and indoor plants rarely bloom. Large outdoor trees planted in the landscape may produce white flowers followed by red fruit once they are full-sized, but the blooms are not showy, so there is no reason to encourage them.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
Majesty palms are vulnerable to pests including aphids, scale, and whitefly. Low humidity levels make this plant especially susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the least toxic option, such as a horticultural oil.
Common ProblemsÂ
A majesty palm will show you that it isn’t doing well by changing the color of its leaves. Here’s a rundown on the reasons why your majesty palm isn’t looking as green as you’d like.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leaves are the most common problem with majesty palms. Here are reasons why leaves turn yellow:
- It needs more light.
- It’s not being watered enough.
- It’s being overwatered.
- It needs more humidity in its environment.
- The plant has a nutrient deficiency and needs gentle fertilizer.
Leaves Turning Brown
If the leaves are turning crispy brown, the palm is getting too much sunlight and needs to be placed in a spot with less direct light to avoid leaf burn. If leaves are beginning to turn brown at the tips, the plant is probably not getting enough water. If you notice brown spots developing on the leaves, that’s likely an insect problem.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
It’s popular in landscaping for its majestic appearance. Also, it’s a favorite indoor palm due to its ability to adapt to indoor conditions.
