The Majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis) is a new kid on the block when it comes to house plants. It was brought to Florida from Madagascar within the past 40 years or so, and now it is a more widely popular house plant.
Consider the Majesty Palm a step-up from the Parlor Palm. Majesty Palms require a bit more attentiveness and mindful care than simple Parlor Palms, but the connoisseur of house plants will find them a handsome addition to his collection. If that’s you, you’ll want to keep reading.
Success with Majesty palms is found in a sweet spot–a balance between light, water, and fertilization (VanZile, 2021). Excess nutrition (and warm conditions) without sufficient light is a recipe for long, gangly fronds (Ibid.), while excess light to the neglect of fertilizer and water will scorch a Majesty’s foliage (Ibid.). Look for the balance–the sweet spot amongst light, fertilizer, and water.
In general, Majesty palms require bright, indirect light. Avoid both deep shade and direct sunlight. Water your palm consistently, and only allow it to dry slightly between waterings. It is very important that Majesty palms do not dry out significantly, as this will cause its leaf marins to turn brown and die (Cespedes, n.d.).
Limit your fertilization to one or two annual applications of a balanced fertilizer applied in the spring and summer. If your palm begins to stretch, back off on fertilization (and make sure plant has enough light).
Are you wanting to go a step beyond the run-of-the-mill house plants? Majesty palm might give you that next challenge you’re looking for. And its beauty will reward you.
Sources
Cespedes, D. (n.d.) A Guide to Growing Majesty Palms Indoors. Retrieved 8/23/21 from https://www.costafarms.com/get-growing/news/a-guide-to-growing-majesty-palms-indoors
Dyer, M. H. (2018). How to Care for Indoor Potted Majesty Palms. Retrieved 8/23/21 from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-windmill-palm-container-70041.html
Majesty Palms (Ravenea Rivularis): Learn how to care for the Majesty Palm and other palm varieties! Retrieved 8/23/21 from https://www.thesill.com/blogs/plants-101/how-to-care-for-majesty-palm-ravenea-rivularis
VanZile, J. (2021). Majesty Palm Plant Profile. Retrieved 8/23/21 from https://www.thespruce.com/grow-ravenea-majesty-palms-indoors-1902882