The Majesty palm tree is a common houseplant, which is easy to grow but requires special care and attention. This article provides tips on how to care for a majesty palm tree.
The majesty palm, known botanically as Ravenea rivularis, is a popular houseplant which is identified by tall stalks of bladed green foliage. It is a large indoor plotted plant that grows fast, up to 10 feet tall. Known for its large-bladed fronds, this indoor palm plant, with proper attention in the form of adequate care, adds beauty and class to any room and enhances the interior of a house to a great extent.
This plant grows well in temperate, tropical, as well as sub-tropical climates, and thrives well in a partially-shaded area receiving dappled sunlight. However, the majesty palm can be grown either inside or outside the house, and just requires good soil, water, and the right amount of sunlight for its growth. So, if you are planning to grow this amazing tree in your house, here are some tips on how to care for a majesty palm.
Soil Type
A good general purpose potting soil, i.e. a soil that retains water yet drains well, is considered best for a majesty palm tree. The soil should be well-aerated and if it looks too tight, you can add sand or perlite and peat moss to loosen it. For potting the plant, use a 14 to 16 inch pot with a hole. Add nearly 1 to 2 inches of pea gravel to the bottom of the pot to provide proper drainage, or else the roots that sit in the water may rot.
Watering
The most important factor in the care program is watering the plant. It is vital to keep the tree moist at all times without letting it dry completely. Since the plant dwells in slightly-high humidity levels, a daily mist on the fronds will add plenty of beauty to the plant. In case the foliage tips start turning brown, it means that you are under-watering the plant. On the other hand, if they are becoming yellow, you may be over-watering it. Hence, be careful while watering the majesty palm plant.
Pruning
Trim the damaged, diseased, or dying foliage by gradually tugging them off the trunk if they are loose, or cutting them off with loppers or a small hand saw. When the tree grows upward, new foliage appears at the top of the plant, while the lower foliage turns brown and dries up. Hence, it is better to prune such fronds in order to keep the plant from utilizing the energy on them, and use or store that energy for new and healthy plant growth. You can prune the stalks to within 2 to 3 inches of the trunk.
Fertilizers
The most common pest to this plant is spider mites, which can be treated by misting the plant with a soapy water mixture twice or thrice a day. However, if the mites persist, use a powerful, commercial spray (pesticide) until they are gone. Use slow-release fertilizers containing the two most important micro nutrients, magnesium and calcium, or those that are formulated with a 3-1-3 or 15-5-15 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, once or twice a day to reduce maintenance time and promote healthy plant growth.
For feeding the majesty palm, select one of the many palm foods available in the market and use them as per the manufacturer’s instructions around the pre-watered root ball. As long as you understand what type of environment your majesty palm tree needs, growing it will not at all be difficult. Hence, follow the aforementioned majesty palm care tips and let this beautiful tree grace your home for years and years.
