Majesty Palm

Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis) gives you a full tropical crown without the decades of waiting. It grows fast to about 7m tall and 3m wide in a warm garden, carrying long arching fronds on a single clean trunk.

Why you'll love it

• Fast to a real canopy. Unlike most feature palms it puts on height quickly, so a garden reads as established in a few seasons.
• Pet friendly. It is listed as non toxic to cats and dogs, which is rare among the palms people plant indoors.
• It tolerates wet feet. This is a riverbank palm in Madagascar, so damp corners and irrigated beds that drown other palms suit it.
• Heat and humidity are no problem. Long humid summers keep it growing and the fronds hold their colour through the worst of the heat.

Where it works best

Poolside. The fronds are soft rather than spiny and the trunk stays clean, so it works close to paving and water without becoming a litter problem.

Pots, balconies and courtyards. A container holds it far smaller and slower than its 7m potential, which is exactly what a courtyard needs. Use a wide pot and be prepared to water often.

Indoors and feature planting. It earns its place as a single specimen in a bright room, and in the ground one plant near an entry does the work of a group.

Growing Majesty Palm in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade outdoors, bright indirect light inside. This is a tropical, subtropical and warm temperate palm, and it is frost tender.

Soil. Rich and moisture retentive. Work compost through the backfill and mulch 75mm deep, clear of the trunk. It handles heavier ground better than most palms.

Water and feed. Water generously and often. This palm suffers from drying out far more than from staying damp. Feed a slow release palm fertiliser in early spring and again in summer.

Pruning. Remove only fully browned fronds, cutting close to the trunk. Never cut the growing point at the top of the trunk, because a single trunked palm cannot reshoot from it.

What to expect when it arrives

Four sizes are grown. The 300mm and 400mm pots are young plants, ideal indoors or as the value choice for a bed you can let fill in. The 110L is a substantial garden plant with a formed trunk, and the 285L is a mature specimen with immediate height.

Some frond bruising or tip browning after transit is normal and grows out. Expect new fronds within six to eight weeks in warm weather. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Start with our essential overview of palm tree varieties.
• Compare the full palm tree range.
• See other plants for poolside gardens.
• Browse more plants that are safe for pets.

Common questions

How big will it get in a pot?

Much smaller and slower than in the ground. Potted plants typically settle around 2m to 3m rather than 7m, and indoors they are slower again.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Majesty palm is listed as non toxic to cats and dogs, so it is a sensible choice for a house or garden where pets chew foliage.

Why do the frond tips go brown indoors?

Almost always underwatering or dry air. This palm wants consistently moist roots, so water thoroughly, never let the mix dry through, and keep it away from heating and air conditioning outlets.

Will it survive a frost?

No. It is frost tender and cold damages the fronds quickly. In cool temperate districts grow it as a potted or indoor plant rather than putting it in the open ground.