Ravenala madagascariensis (Traveller's Palm) Care Indoors; Watering, Propagation, Problems

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Ravenala madagascariensis also called Traveller's Tree, Traveller's Tree or East-West Palm is a palm-like plant which bears paddle-shaped leaves on long petioles, arranged in a fan-shape in a single plane.

The fan comprises of about 30-45 leaves. Each fan is about 10 feet long and about 2-3 feet wide. With age, it progressively loses the lower leaves and reveals a sturdy gray trunk. It is among large-leafed plants ideal for a bold statement in any space.

The Traveller's Palm has sheaths on the stems hold rainwater which could be an emergency source of water for needy traveller's, hence, the common name, 'Traveller's Palm'.

Though called a palm, Ravenala madagascariensis, is not a true palm. It belongs to the family, Strelitziaceae. The genus name, 'Ravenala', comes from 'ravinala' or 'ravina ala' in Malagasy which means, 'forest leaves'.

Traveller's Tree can grow outdoors in warm climates and is ideal for USDA Zones 10 to 11. In the cold regions, it is grown in containers which can be brought indoors during the winter season.

Botanical name: Ravenala madagascariensis
Family: Strelitziaceae
Common names: Traveller's Palm, Traveller's Tree, East-West Palm

Origin

Ravenala madagascariensis is native Madagascar where it is found growing in humid lowland forests, montane forests, grassland or rocky areas 1500 metres above sea level.

Size

Outdoors, Traveller's Palm can grow to a height of 30-50 feet. Indoors, it grows to a height of 8-10 feet. When young it grows fast, therefore, it requires a large space for growth but as it matures is grows much slower. It is among popular tree-like plants for the large spaces.

Flower

The inflorescence comprises of green bracts and white flower which are less attractive than those on Bird of Paradise. The flowers appear in summer, on maturity, after about 10 years. Once pollinated, brilliant blue seeds are formed. Traveller's Tree is one of the favorite flowering plants for the indoors.

Varieties

Ravenala madagascariensis is the only species in this genus which comes in 4 forms (subspecies); Bemavo which is the most common, Hiranirana, Malama and Hororona which is the smallest.

Is Traveller's Palm toxic to pets?

Yes, Traveller's Palm is toxic to humans and pets. If ingested, it can cause digestive upset and other side effects. Keep the plant away from children and pets.

Related Plants

Ravenala madagascariensis is related to Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise Plant) with vivid bright orange and blue flowers, and Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird of Paradise Plant) which bears large, paddle-shaped, grey-green leaves arranged in a fan-like shape.

Traveller's Palm benefits

• Tropical appeal: It adds a dramatic and exotic touch to any space.


• Fast growth: It can grow up to 10 feet in just a few years.


• Drought-tolerant: Once established it can survive short dry periods.


• Attracts wildlife: Outdoors, it supplies nectar for birds and pollinators.

Where to Buy

If you would like to add this elegant plant to your collection, you may obtain Traveller's Palm seeds from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

How to Care for Ravenala madagascariensis Indoors

To care for Ravenala madagascariensis indoors, provide bright light with 6-8 hours of sunshine, warmth of 18-29⁰C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Traveller's Tree requires repotting every 2 years when pot-bound. Pruning is needed to keep the plant neat, to discourage pest and disease infestations and improve ventilation. Keep on reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Water Requirements

Water Ravenala madagascariensis deeply in spring and summer while allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moist but not soggy to avoid rotting, drooping and yellowing leaves.

Cut down watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely as it can result in wilting, drooping and yellowing.

Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant which can cause stunted growth. Ensure that the water is chlorine-free to prevent brown speckled leaf marks.

Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent waterlogging as it can lead to root-rot which is indicated by brown and yellow leaves.

Light Requirements

Traveller's Palm grows best under bright light with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunshine. If the plant does not get adequate light, it will grow slowly and the leaves may become leggy and weak. Therefore, place the plant next to a very bright window or a brightly lit place.

Where the natural light is not adequate, use a grow light to supplement it. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.

Outdoors, Ravenala madagascariensis can be grown under direct sunlight but it needs to be protected from too hot sunshine. Do not expose the plant to direct sunlight before acclimating it as it can lead to sunburn marks (brown leaf spots). It is among sun-loving plants for a sunny spot.

Temperature & Humidity

Ravenala madagascariensis prefers a warmth of 18-29⁰C with a minimum of 13⁰C. Keep it away from sources of drafts like air vents, radiators, heaters, windy doors and windows among others, to prevent sudden temperature changes which can lead to reduced growth, wilting, drooping, yellowing and death of the plant.

Traveller's Palm needs a humidity of 60-70% to thrive. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity as low humidity will result in brown, crispy leaf tips and edges. Maintain proper air circulation to reduce fungal diseases.

Occasionally, clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust to ensure adequate surface area for light absorption and also minimize pests infestation.

Potting Soil

The best soil for Traveller's Palm should be acidic, rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent sogginess while providing the required nutrients. A mix made up of 2 parts potting soil (for nutrients), 1 part perlite or sand (for drainage) and 1 part peat moss or coconut coir (for moisture) is good for this plant.

Fertilizer

Feed Ravenala madagascariensis with a nitrogen-rich, water-soluble fertilizer monthly in spring and summer to promote growth. Do not feed in fall and winter as growth is reduced at this time therefore the plant does not need it. Excess feeding can result in brown leaves.

Flush out accumulated salts (which may have arisen from the water or fertilizers) regularly, by running a steady stream of water through the soil until it comes out through the drainage holes. Repeat the process several times to get rid of most salts.

Repotting

Repot the young Traveller's Palms at the beginning of the growing season, into a pot one size larger to provide adequate space for growth.

The mature tree requires repotting every 2 years into a pot 1-2 sizes larger; it prefers to be root-bound. Use a heavy pot to prevent the plant from toppling over as it can become top heavy.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining soil to prevent root-rot. Check out these pots with drainage holes on Amazon.

Pruning

Pruning Traveller's Palm involves removal of dead blooms and yellow leaves to maintain the plant neat as well as discourage pest and disease infestations.

Get rid of suckers from the base of the trunk to avoid overcrowding and improve ventilation to reduce pest and disease infestations.

Always use sterilized tools to prune your plants to minimize cross-contamination. Ensure that the cutting tool is sharp enough to make clean cuts to avoid unnecessary injuries which can lead to disease infestations.

Traveller's Palm Outdoor Care

Traveller's Tree can be grown outdoors in the warm climates and is ideal for USDA Zones 10-11 where there is no threat of frost, though it can tolerate upto 0⁰C for a short period without much damage.

Grow Traveller's Palm in full sun to light shade. However, protect the plant from harsh hot sunshine to prevent scorching (brown leaf spots).

Where the summers are very hot, grow Traveller's Tree in a shaded spot or in containers which can be easily moved to a shaded area when the sun is too hot.

Plant the Traveller's Palm in a sheltered place away from strong winds as they cause the leaves to be torn and ragged.

Ensure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils as they retain too much water which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.

Keep the soil moist through out the growing season for optimum growth. allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings and avoid soggy soil. Cut down on watering during the cold season since growth is reduced at this time.

Fertilize Traveller's Palm with a nitrogen-rich, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

Withhold fertilizer during the cold season as growth is reduced at this time and excess fertilizer can lead to brown leaves.

Space Traveller's Tree 6-8 feet apart as it is a large plant. Keep it 8-10 feet away from buildings as the roots are invasive.

Ravenala madagascariensis Propagation

Traveller's Palm propagation is best done at the beginning of the growing season, from seeds or by plant division at repotting time.

1. Ravenala madagascariensis propagation from seeds

Ravenala madagascariensis seed propagation is slow & difficult. It requires patience and works best in warm climates.

1. Collect fresh seeds from a mature plant.


2. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the outer shell.


3. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep in moist, well-drained soil.


4. Cover the set up with clear polythene to a create warm and humid conditions to hasten germination and establishment of the plants.


5. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


6. Maintain the soil moist thorough out and avoid soggy soil as it can cause rotting.


7. Germination should occur in about 6-8 weeks.


8. Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.

2. Ravenala madagascariensis propagation by plant division

Ravenala madagascariensis propagation by division is faster and more reliable than seed propagation.

1. Locate a healthy sucker (offshoot) growing at the base of the parent plant.


2. Use a sharp knife to separate the sucker, ensuring it has some roots attached to hasten establishment.


3. Pot the sections in moist, free-draining soil in individual pots.


4. Position the set up in a well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


5. Keep the soil moist until new growth emerges on the sections.


6. Ensure that the crown of the sections is above the soil level to avoid rotting.


7. Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.

Ravenala madagascariensis Problems & Remedies

Traveller's Palm problems are yellow leaves, brown leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Yellow leaves

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Ravenala madagascariensis are low light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, temperature stress, nutrients deficiency among others.

How to fix it

Low light: Place the plant in bright light with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunshine or use a grow light if you do not have enough light in your home.

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out and do not allow the soil to dry out completely for too long.

Soggy soil: Use a pot that has a drainage hole and free-draining soil.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like radiators, windy doors, drafty windows, hot stoves, AC units and others.

Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant with a nitrogen-rich, water-soluble fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.

Brown leaves

The main causes of brown leaves on Ravenala madagascariensis are inconsistent watering, soggy soi, exposure to hot sunshine, temperature stress, salts buildup among others.

How to fix it

Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry and do not allow the soilball to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.

Exposure to hot sunshine: Though the plant can tolerate sunshine, keep it way from hot midday sun to avoid scorching.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like hot air vents, AC units, radiators, open doors and others.

Salts buildup: Regularly, leach out excess salts by thoroughly drenching the soil until the water drips through the drainage hole.

Brown, crispy leaf tips and edges

Brown and crispy leaf tips on Traveller's Palm are caused by too dry air. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together.

Pests

Common pests of Traveller's Palm are spider mites, mealybugs and scales which are common in dry conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the infested plant and treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil as indicated by the manufacturers.


2. Damp-wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to keep the pests away.


3. Regularly inspect the plant for these pests and take timely corrective measures.


4. Maintain the plant well pruned to reduce the hiding and breeding places for these pests.


5. To elevate the humidity, group the plants together, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

Diseases

Ravenala madagascariensis is prone to root-rot which is promoted by soggy soil. It is characterized by rotting, yellowing, browning, leaf loss followed by sudden plant collapse.

How to fix it

1. Slip the plant out of its pot, rinse off the soil from the roots and inspect the roots.


2. Cut away brown-black mushy roots and treat the healthy roots with a fungicidal solution as recommended by the manufacturer.


3. Clean and disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution and repot the plant in fresh soil.


4. Make sure the soil is well-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to avoid waterlogging.


5. Keep the soil dry for a few days before beginning the regular watering.


6. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

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