Ravenala madagascariensis
Ravenala madagascariensis
Traveler’s Palm
◆
Taxonomy
Family Strelitziaceae · Genus Ravenala
Description
Ravenala madagascariensis, known for its striking hand-fan of giant leaves, is a bold tropical statement plant. Despite the nickname “traveler’s palm,” it’s not a palm but a relative of Bird of Paradise. Give it warmth, sun, and moisture and it will reward you with lush, architectural foliage and, when mature, spectacular white flowers.
Common Names
Traveler’s PalmTraveler’s TreeRavenalaMadagascar Traveler’s Palm
Context
nativeRegion
Eastern Madagascar rainforests and moist lowlands.
usdaZones
10–11 (9b with protection)
companionPlants
Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise), Heliconia spp., Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger), Musa spp. (Banana), Codiaeum variegatum (Croton), Cordyline fruticosa, Bromeliads
culturalUses
Iconic symbol of Madagascar; leaf bases can hold water historically used by travelers; leaves and petioles used for thatch and craft materials; dramatic focal point in tropical landscapes.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to bright, indirect light; part shade when young or in very hot, dry climates. Indoors, place in the brightest spot.
WateringKeep evenly moist in growing season; water deeply, then let the top inch of soil dry. Reduce slightly in cooler months. Avoid soggy soil.
SoilRich, loamy, well-draining mix with organic matter; slightly acidic to neutral pH. For containers, use a chunky tropical or palm mix.
FertilizerFeed with a balanced, slow‑release palm or tropical fertilizer with micronutrients 2–4× during spring–summer; supplement monthly with dilute liquid feed.
HumidityPrefers high humidity (50%+); mist, group plants, or use a humidifier in dry interiors.
TemperatureIdeal 65–90°F (18–32°C). Protect from cold; avoid below 50°F (10°C) and frost.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen, fan-forming monocot with a palm-like trunk and huge paddle leaves arranged in a single plane.
Mature SizeTypically 20–50 ft (6–15 m) tall, 10–25 ft (3–8 m) wide; smaller in containers/indoors.
Growth RateModerate to fast in warm, humid climates; slower in containers or cooler areas.
BloomingLarge, boat-like bracts with white flowers on mature plants, mainly spring–summer; seeds with vivid blue arils. Fruit/seed set rare outside native range.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cool seasons.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Division of basal suckers/offsets
DifficultyModerate (seed slow to germinate; division easier on established clumps).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for both seed starting and division.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove old, torn, or yellowing leaves and spent flower stalks; thin basal suckers if a single-trunk form is desired. Avoid cutting green trunks.
RepottingRepot every 2–3 years or when rootbound into a heavy, wide container; use a well-draining, rich mix. Avoid frequent disturbance once large.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites; treat early. Prevent root rot with drainage; occasional leaf spot may occur in stagnant humidity.
ToxicityGenerally not considered highly toxic to pets or people, but sap may irritate skin; avoid ingestion.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.