Nutrigation and Soil Care
Majesty palms, or Ravenea rivularis, enjoy having their roots moist at all times. Properly watering your Majesty Palm will ensure the palm is healthy and growing. Water your Majesty Palm when the top inch or so of the soil starts to dry out. water the Majesty Palm until the soil is saturated, and then allow excess water to drain off. Use lukewarm water to irrigate your Majesty Palm once or twice a week. In order to feed your plant adequately, use a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or 8-8-8) during the spring and summer months.
The soil should be kept slightly acidic with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. You can use acidic fertilizers and milled sphagnum peat to help maintain the recommended pH level. To improve the soil’s porosity, add some sand, perlite, or other such material to increase the drainage.
Light and Temperature
Majesty Palms prefer bright sunlight and grow best when placed in a spot that gets moderate to bright sunlight, but does not receive direct sunlight all day. If the light is too intense, the leaves and leaflets can get burned. An east-facing window is typically the ideal location since it will receive light without getting direct sunlight.
Your Majesty Palm should be kept in an area where the temperature is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter months, make sure to keep your Majesty Palm away from drafty windows and cold air.
Humidity Levels and Pruning
Majesty Palms prefer moderate to high humidity, making indoor care much more challenging. Place several trays of pebbles and water near the pot and mist the foliage every morning to add moisture to the air. Another trick is to set a humidifier near your palm to keep the humidity level. Prune your Majesty Palm every year to keep it looking its best and to maintain a manageable size. Use sharp pruning shears to cut off yellow and brown leaves just above where they join the stem.
Pest Control and Disease Prevention
Majesty Palms are susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to stay vigilant and inspect the plant regularly to check for signs of problems. Indoor plants can be regularly targeted by spiders, mealybugs, mites, and scale. If you see any signs of pests, treat with an insecticidal soap. Diseases, such as crown and root rot, can be prevented by making sure to use well-draining soil, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and minimizing stress on the palm.
Re-potting
Majesty Palms grow slowly, so re-potting your plant to a bigger pot only needs to be done every one or two years. The best time to re-pot your Majesty Palm is in late spring after the temperatures have warmed and before the heat of summer sets in. When re-potting, use a potting soil formulated for houseplants.
Troubleshooting Tips
Droopy leaves can be a sign of over-watering or underwatering, so always keep an eye on the soil and make sure the top inch or so of the soil is dry before watering again. Yellow leaves indicate the soil is too alkaline, while brown leaf tips are a sign of high temperatures or low humidity levels. Brown patches on the foliage and webbing on the leaves can be a sign of insect infestation. If your palm is not receiving enough light, the foliage will be pale green or yellow.
Aesthetics
Majesty Palms are wide and full with a list of beautiful fronds that can easily fill a space and give it an exotic, tropical vibe. The Majesty Palm can be used as a floor plant or as a centerpiece for tables and desks. It can also be used in large planters and as a dramatic backdrop for smaller plants. To give your Majesty Palm a lush, full appearance, use a liquid fertilizer every other week during the spring and summer months and prune regularly to remove brown and yellow foliage.
Conclusion
Although Majesty Palms require extra attention and maintenance, they can bring beauty and life to any indoor space when cared for properly. By following these simple steps, your Majesty Palm will stay healthy and vibrant.
