Majesty palm

Majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis) is a riverbank palm from Madagascar sold as a large houseplant. It is less forgiving than many palms: NC State Extension says it needs high humidity, bright indirect light and consistent moisture, and may be difficult to grow indoors. Keep it at 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C), out of direct sun, cold drafts and direct heat. Indoors it reaches 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 m) and grows slowly. Watch for spider mites in dry air, and avoid overwatering, which causes root rot. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Choose a majesty palm if you have a bright room with no harsh direct sun, can keep the air humid and remember to water often. If your space is dim or dry, a more tolerant palm or houseplant will be easier to keep looking good.

Majesty palm basics

The majesty palm, Ravenea rivularis, is grown worldwide as a container plant. It is the only species in its genus grown as a houseplant, and growers often put 3 or more plants in one pot to make it look full.

Majesty palms are native to Madagascar, where they grow along the edges of rivers and streams. NC State Extension notes the species is becoming rarer in the wild because of deforestation and habitat loss.

Majesty palms have long, arching, medium to dark green fronds up to 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) long. In their native habitat they can grow up to 100 feet (30 m) tall, but indoors they usually reach 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 m).

Plant care for majesty palm

Majesty palms need more attention than many houseplants. Bright light, humidity and steady moisture are the three things to get right.

Light requirements

Give majesty palm bright, indirect light, and avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. A spot near a bright window with a sheer curtain works well. Many indoor palms benefit from a plant light (I like the SolTech Pendant Light).

In low light, majesty palm grows poorly and the leaves can yellow. NC State lists inadequate light as one cause of yellow leaves.

Humidity levels for majesty palm

Majesty palm comes from a humid tropical habitat and needs high humidity. NC State gives an ideal temperature range of 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C).

If your home is dry, run a humidifier near the palm, especially if the leaf edges turn yellow or brown. NC State notes that low humidity can also bring insect pests. Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heat vents.

Watering majesty palm trees

Majesty palm prefers consistently moist soil. Water when the surface just starts to dry, and do not let the pot dry out completely.

Water until it drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer. Moist is the goal, not soggy, since overwatering can cause root rot.

Best potting soil for majesty palm trees

Plant your majesty palm in a quality potting mix that holds moisture but still drains. NC State lists moist loam or clay soils with high organic matter in its native habitat. Use fresh potting mix when repotting.

Fertilizing Majesty Palm trees

Fertilize during spring and summer, following the product label. Use an indoor tropical plant food or one formulated for palms.

Fertilizing can be decreased or skipped in the wintertime. They only actively grow during the spring and summer months, so they don’t need as much fertilizer to grow and thrive in the winter. Here are some more tips about fertilizing majesty palm.

Pruning majesty palm trees

If an entire frond turns brown or yellow, cut it off near the base with clean scissors or pruning shears. Do not pull it off, since that can damage the surrounding tissue.

If there are leaves on your majesty palm that are only brown or yellow on some parts rather than the entire leaf, like at the edges, then cut off the area that has been affected, and leave the rest of the leaf on the tree.

Read more about Majesty Palm care.

How to repot the Majesty Palm

Majesty palms usually need repotting every couple of years, when roots fill the pot.

When you repot your Majesty Palm, remove the tree from its previous pot and place it into the new one. The new pot should be at least 2 inches in diameter larger than the previous pot that the majesty palm was in.

After you remove the Majesty Palm from its previous pot, gently break up the roots so they will grow outwards rather than further into the root ball.

After you set the palm in its new pot, fill around the root ball with fresh potting mix. Keep the trunk straight and at the same depth it was growing before. Firm the mix lightly and water well.

Pests affecting Majesty Palms

NC State Extension says majesty palm has no serious diseases or pests, but advises monitoring for spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and scale. Treat small outbreaks with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following the label.

Spider mites thrive in dry air. Raise the humidity, and rinse the fronds in the shower if the plant is small enough.

For scale, gently scrub the insects off the stems with a soft brush, then treat with horticultural oil.

For aphids and mealybugs, remove as many as you can by hand or with a strong spray of water, then treat with insecticidal soap. Repeat weekly until no new insects appear.

Why are Majesty Palms so popular?

Majesty palms are popular because they bring a tropical look indoors, grow slowly as houseplants, have an upright habit that fits corners and are non-toxic to cats and dogs, according to NC State.

Frequently asked questions

How much light does a majesty palm need?

Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Low light causes poor growth and yellowing.

How often should you water a majesty palm?

Keep the soil consistently moist. Water when the surface starts to dry, let excess drain away and never leave the pot standing in water, since overwatering causes root rot.

Why are my majesty palm leaves turning yellow?

NC State Extension lists inadequate light, too little water, overwatering, low humidity and nutrient deficiencies as causes. Check light and watering first.

Is majesty palm safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. NC State Extension lists majesty palm as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses.

How tall does a majesty palm get indoors?

Indoors it usually reaches 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 m). In its native habitat in Madagascar it can grow up to 100 feet (30 m).