If you crave that tropical paradise look in your home, a miniature palm tree could be the perfect showpiece. The majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis) is a beautiful tropical palm that can be grown indoors, even though a full grown majesty palm is a rather challenging houseplant. Read on to learn how to keep these plants growing.
The majesty palm is an impressive plant. Majesty Palm grows slowly and can reach up to around the 100-foot (30m) mark in their native Madagascar but are nevertheless possible to grow indoors.
They aren’t going to reach their maximum size indoors of course. In fact, these plants don’t seem to grow to the same mighty heights anywhere outside of their natural habitat. However, if you want to create a tropical paradise in your home, you can add some river banks to the pot of your miniature palm tree.
The fronds of this palm have a delicate texture and a rich green color. The stems of the large and feathery fronds on young indoor specimens usually hide the single trunk. South Florida, California, and other tropical regions frequently use Majesty Palms as garden trees.
Plant Facts
| Scientific name | Ravenea rivularis |
| Common names | Majesty palm, majestic palm |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Plant Type | Palm tree |
| Height and Width | 10 ft. tall (indoors), 5 ft. wide (indoors) |
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Flower colors | White |
| Foliage color | Dark green |
| Sun Exposure | Direct sunlight or plenty of bright indirect light |
| Soil Type & pH | Well-drained, acidic soil |
| Special features | Tropical look, evergreen |
How to Grow a Majesty palm
The secret to success with this majesty palm plant is to make it feel at home indoors by creating the kind of environment it is adapted for. Many growers keep these plants in containers outdoors and overwinter them indoors with good success. Read on for more about growing your own majesty palm. Â
Propagation
The only way to grow new majesty palm plants is from seeds. Fortunately, this is relatively easy to do.
The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and cleaned thoroughly. Palm seeds grow best when fresh and germinate well in a 50/50 mix of peat moss and perlite. Keep the seeds constantly warm and moist for the best results (1).
Soil
The majesty palm needs plenty of water, but should nevertheless be potted in a free-draining medium. The kind of substrate used for succulents and cacti would be appropriate.
If you prefer to mix up your own soil, a standard potting mix that has been mixed with plenty of sand, and even some perlite for good measure will improve drainage. This mix has the added benefit of providing plenty of organic material.
Pruning
Majesty palms do not need much in the way of pruning. Simply remove any dead or yellowing fronds to keep your plant looking neat and vibrant.
Repotting and Transplanting
If you are not happy with the container your plant came in, or you feel it has outgrown its current pot, you will need to repot. When roots are visible above the soil line, the plant probably needs to be moved.
Repotting will probably need to be done every one to two years or so, depending on how much you are increasing the pot size. Select a pot that is slightly larger than the original and has good drainage holes. This is especially important for a plant like this that requires plenty of watering.
How to Care for a Majesty Palm Indoors
The majesty palm is not the easiest house plant to care for. Maintaining the right balance of moisture, temperature, and bright light are the most important requirements for keeping your plant in great health. Read to learn these majesty palm care tips.
Water
The majesty palm likes plenty of water. This palm species grows along watercourses and in moist areas in nature where it has plenty of access to water.
These plants with tropical beauty need to be watered frequently, but it is important that the plant’s crown not be kept perpetually saturated. The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely, but less water will be required in the winter when the temperatures are a little cooler and growth slows down.Â
Sunlight
The majesty palm light requirements are simple. These palms prefer plenty of direct light when mature. When they are baby palms, they must be able to survive like understory plants until they are tall enough to compete with their neighbors for light. By this logic, these palms are better suited to temporary indoor cultivation.Â
Fortunately, they are slow-growing and can tolerate medium indirect light when grown indoors. Nevertheless, they should have access to as much light as possible to really thrive. Rotating the container from time to time will provide more even access to light for plants grown near windows.Â
If you want to place your palm in a bright corner, make sure it is not exposed to direct sunlight. If you are overwintering your plant indoors, it is important to adjust the exposure to light gradually when you move it back outdoors in the spring. A sudden increase or decrease in light exposure and temperature can be stressful to your tropical plant.
Temperature and Humidity
This majestic plant prefers high humidity and high temperatures to replicate their preferred natural environment. These conditions are not always easy to recreate in the home environment.
A south-facing room with large windows and increased humidity by means of a humidifier or daily misting will bring the best results. If you have the space, a position in the bathroom or kitchen would be ideal.
These ndoor plants are not frost-tolerant, which is why so many growers choose to overwinter the majesty palm indoors. They do well in regular household temperatures but will prefer even warmer conditions if possible.
Fertilizer
Palms do best with plant-specific fertilizers because they require higher magnesium levels than other plants. Fertilize in the spring or summer unless you live in a tropical climate where the growing season includes fall and winter.
Pest and diseases
The most common issues seen in these palms are caused by a failure to recreate their favorite warm, bright and wet environment. They can, however, also be affected by pests. Read on to learn more about the most frequently reported issues.
Insect Pests
Majesty palms can be affected by a range of different pests. Spider mites, scale, and mealybugs are common offenders. Application of neem oil and washing with a good shower can be effective means of control on smaller plants.
Disease
Brown leaf tips are a common issue and are often the result of a lack of humidity. Yellow leaves, on the other hand, often indicate too much water. Longitudinal yellow streaks on palm leaves are a typical sign of a manganese deficiency (2).Â
FAQs
Can you put a majesty palm outside?
Yes, Majesty palms can be placed outside in suitable climates where temperatures do not drop below 45°F (7°C). They thrive in warm, humid environments with filtered sunlight.
Do majesty palms like lots of water?
Majesty palms prefer consistently moist soil but should not be overwatered, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
What is the lifespan of a majesty palm?
The lifespan of a Majesty palm can vary depending on its growing conditions and care. With proper care, Majesty palms can live for several years to over a decade.
Why is my majesty palm suddenly dying?
Majesty palms may suddenly start dying due to various factors such as overwatering, underwatering, inadequate light, pest infestations, or root rot. Assess the plant’s environment and care routine to identify and address the specific issue causing its decline.
Conclusion
The majesty palm is not the easiest plant to care for indoors simply because it needs such a bright, warm and wet environment to flourish. These aren’t the kinds of qualities most of us have in our indoor space, but if you are dedicated, this beautiful tropical indoor palm can make a wonderful impact in your home.
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*image by Faithie/depositphotos
References
Reference list:
- Meerow, A. W. & Broschat, T. K. Palm Seed Germination.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP238
- Broschat, T.K. Manganese Deficiency In Palms
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP267
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