Commonly known as:Â Giant Majesty Palm
Botanical name:Â Ravenea rivularis
If you’re looking for a genuinely large indoor palm, the Giant Majesty Palm certainly delivers.
Standing over 2m tall in a 35cm pot, these are substantial, established palms with long stems carrying masses of narrow green leaflets. As the fronds arch outwards, they create an impressive canopy that gives the plant plenty of width as well as height.
Ravenea rivularis originates naturally in Madagascar, where it grows in moist areas along rivers and waterways. That gives you a very useful clue about how to look after one: this isn’t a palm that wants to be left bone dry.
Keep the growing medium consistently moist without leaving the roots waterlogged. A plant of this size can use a surprising amount of water during hot weather, so don’t assume a large pot means you’ll hardly ever need to water it.
Light is equally important. Majesty Palms want loads of bright natural light, and a position close to a large window is ideal indoors. Some gentle direct sun is beneficial once the palm has acclimatised.
Regular feeding helps maintain those enormous fronds and supports fresh growth from the centre of the palm. An occasional hose-down is also one of the best things you can do for it. It removes dust from the many leaflets and helps discourage spider mites.
Give this palm good light, consistent moisture and proper nutrition and you’ll have an impressive living plant that already brings serious height into a room from day one.
Giant Majesty Palm Care Guide
Water – How often should I water my Giant Majesty Palm?
Majesty Palms enjoy consistent moisture and shouldn’t be left to dry out completely.
Water thoroughly once the upper layer of the growing medium starts to dry, making sure the entire root ball receives water and excess can drain freely.
Remember that you’re dealing with a very large palm in a 35cm pot. During hot weather and active growth, it may use water considerably faster than you expect. Check the growing medium regularly rather than relying on a fixed schedule.
Don’t confuse consistent moisture with permanently soggy soil, though. The roots still need drainage and oxygen.
Light – Where should I put my Majesty Palm?
Give it loads of bright natural light.
Position it close to a large window or glass door where the entire palm receives good light. Gentle direct sunlight is beneficial, and stronger sun can be introduced gradually once the plant has acclimatised.
Don’t put a 2m palm into a dark corner simply because it fills the spot perfectly. Poor light will eventually result in weaker growth and a declining palm.
Humidity – Does a Majesty Palm need high humidity?
Majesty Palms appreciate humidity, particularly during hot and dry conditions.
Good airflow is important too. If practical with a palm this size, an occasional outdoor hose-down is excellent. Thoroughly wash the fronds from top to bottom to remove accumulated dust and help discourage spider mites.
Soil – What growing medium should I use?
Use a growing medium that provides good drainage while retaining consistent moisture around the roots.
Milled Bark Growing Medium works well, and Perlite can be added to improve drainage and airflow through the root zone.
Avoid very heavy growing media that become compacted and waterlogged.
Feeding – Does my Giant Majesty Palm need fertiliser?
Definitely. A palm carrying this amount of foliage needs regular nutrition to keep producing healthy new fronds.
Controlled Release Fertiliser provides balanced, consistent nutrition over time and is particularly convenient for a large container.
Novatec Soluble Fertiliser is another excellent option when you want to push strong, active growth.
Regular feeding during the warmer growing months will make a noticeable difference.
Repotting – When should I repot my Giant Majesty Palm?
Don’t rush. A 35cm pot already provides a substantial root volume.
Wait until the roots have properly filled the container before moving it up, and then choose one sensible pot size larger. With a palm this large, stability is also important, so make sure any decorative planter you use provides a secure base.
Pests – What should I watch for?
Spider mites are the big one to watch for on Majesty Palms.
Those numerous narrow leaflets give mites plenty of places to hide. Regularly check the undersides of the foliage, particularly during hot, dry weather.
Thoroughly hosing the entire palm from time to time is one of the simplest ways to keep the foliage clean and make conditions considerably less favourable for spider mites.
Temperature – What temperatures does a Majesty Palm prefer?
Majesty Palms prefer warm conditions and should be protected from very cold temperatures and frost.
Keep them away from cold winter drafts. During the colder months, growth will slow and the large root ball will take longer to use water, so always check the growing medium before watering.
FAQ’s
Q: Can a Majesty Palm handle some direct sunlight?
Yes. Gentle direct sun is beneficial, and the palm can tolerate stronger light once gradually acclimatised. Avoid suddenly moving nursery-grown foliage into harsh full sun.
Q: Why are the tips of my Majesty Palm turning brown?
Check the moisture first. Extended dry periods are a common cause, particularly with a large palm using plenty of water. Very dry air or mineral build-up in the growing medium can also contribute to brown tips.
Q: Should I cut brown tips off the leaves?
You can trim badly browned tips for appearance, following the natural shape of the leaflet. More importantly, work out why they’re browning so the fresh growth remains healthy.
Q: Why is one of the lower fronds turning yellow?
An occasional older lower frond will naturally decline as the palm produces fresh growth from the centre. If several fronds begin yellowing together, check your light, watering and root conditions.
Q: Is the Majesty Palm pet safe?
Ravenea rivularis is generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
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