Ravenea rivularis aka Majestic Palm

Taxonomy

Genus Ravenea Family Arecaceae Order Arecales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Ravenea rivularis, also known as the majestic palm or Majesty Palm, is a species of tree found in the family Arecaceae. Native to Madagascar, it can sometimes grow up to 98 feet (30 meters) tall, though when kept as a houseplant in a container, it usually grows between 9 and 13 feet (3 and 4 meters) tall. It has beautiful, upward-arching, thin-fingered leaves and grows best in humid habitats found in warm, dry, semi-arid climates. Though it has become a popular houseplant, it is considered near threatened, with only 900 remaining in the wild. To keep it healthy, it needs to be misted with warm water daily and have soil with fast-draining characteristics, like cacti soil, in a well-draining container. It also likes specialty fertilizer for palm trees with an NPK ratio of 8-2-12 and at least 4% magnesium, or a pinch of epsom salt. With these requirements, Ravenea rivularis can bring an air of the tropics to any space.

Common names

Majestic Palm, Majesty Palm

How to care for Majestic Palm

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Majestic Palm is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Majestic Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Majestic 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

Majestic Palm requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Majesty Palm is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Majestic Palm to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Majestic Palm is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Majestic Palm does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Majestic Palm should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Majestic Palm as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Majestic Palm’s native range is Madagascar and Comoros.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Majestic Palm with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.

More info:
Wikipedia

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