The Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis) (also called Majestic Palm) is a most ‘majestic’ palm and draws many favourable comments wherever it is planted. The palms of the Ravenea genus are all endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros.
The genus as a group includes small to large palms but all have single, robust trunks which swell at the base and gradually taper towards the top. R.hildebrandtii and R.nana are small at around 4 metres and T.robustior and R.sambiranensis both grow to 30 metres. The majesty palm is in the middle of the size range and grows to around 12 metres with a trunk of about 30cm in diameter.
The crown is large and untidy. The symmetrical leaves are pinnate or feathery in form and from 2 to 5 metres long. The fronds are often twisted and irregular. Although they will grow in soils of various types, they like full sun.
It is often grown as an indoor plant and will quickly reach 3 metres tall. The fronds are long and an attractive green, giving a touch of class and exoticism to any room.
As a house-plant they need a 25 to 40cm pot. If they become root-bound, re-pot to something larger. A general purpose potting mix which retains water but still drains well is best for this palm. Use an additive such as sand, peat moss or perlite if the soil looks too compacted. A couple of inches of small gravel in the base of the pot will help drainage.
Drainage is important as the roots will rot if they spend their days sitting in water. Place where the plant will get plenty of natural light but not directly in front of a window. Wait till the plant starts to dry out before watering. This will usually be about once a week. Misting the fronds every few days will supply the humidity that most palms love. It will also help prevent spider mite infestation. If the plant does become infested with spider mite, spray with soapy water several times a day until they disappear. If they stay around, you may need to purchase a commercial spray. Leaves turning brown may mean the plant is not getting enough water. Yellowing leaves, on the other hand, may mean too much water. A general slow release fertiliser or a dedicated palm fertiliser can be applied as according to the instructions on the container. Keep the palm looking tidy by pruning off dead fronds 5 to 7cm from the trunk.
As a garden plant, the majestic palm is suited to temperate, subtropical and tropical conditions but needs more room than might be imagined. It also thrives in partially shaded positions. The swollen trunk can become quite large and plenty of room needs to be allowed between majestic palms and other trees. They make a wonderful show when planted as an avenue.
With plenty of water and some fertiliser, the plants will grow rapidly. They are somewhat sensitive to cold but are widely cultivated in subtropical areas.
Whether grown indoors or out, the majesty palm will bring much pleasure.
