Ravenala madagascariensis aka Traveler's Palm

Taxonomy

Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as the traveller's tree, traveller's palm or East-West palm, is a genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants native to Madagascar that belongs to the family Strelitziaceae, closely related to the southern African genus Strelitzia and the South American genus Phenakospermum. It is easily identified by its large fan-shaped foliage that is made up of broad green leaves growing from green stalks emerging from the center. It has long been a desired specimen in gardens due to its unique shape and easy care, reaching heights of 30'-50' feet in its native habitat, while also being frost-resistant. Some older classifications include these genera in the Banana family (Musaceae). Five other species have recently been described from Madagascar, adding to this genus of rare and captivating plants.

Common names

Traveler's Palm, Traveler's Tree, Traveller's Tree

How to care for Traveler's Palm

Difficulty

Traveler's Palm presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Traveler's Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Traveler's Palm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Traveler's Palm thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Traveller's Tree.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Traveler's Palm to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia