When grown indoors, majesty palm will add about one foot of growth per year until it reaches four to six feet, then slows down dramatically. It is faster-growing as an outdoor plant where its roots are free to roam—it is occasionally used as a landscape tree in California, South Florida, and other tropical regions. Majesty palm has a reputation for being somewhat of a temperamental plant. Kentia palm, bamboo palm, or parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) plants are generally better choices for beginner indoor gardeners.
Light
Although majesty palms are understory plants in their natural habitat, indoors it’s a good idea to provide as much light as possible. Plants that are stretching and bleached should be moved into a brighter spot for a few weeks, but don’t expose them to full sunlight.
Soil
These palms are acid-loving plants that do best with a pH level as low as 5.0, so don’t worry about a peat-based mixture acidifying and hurting your majesty palm. A standard potting mix, with some extra peat mixed in, is an ideal growing medium for majesty palms. These palms need good drainage to prevent water-logged roots.
Water
Keep the potting media evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Don’t let the plant’s soil get too dry between waterings or you’ll start to lose lower leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant will grow fairly well in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers high humidity but can survive in ordinary household humidity levels. In colder climates where winter air can get very dry; running a humidifier can make the plants happier. Misting the plant daily will also ensure it gets the humidity it craves. Low humidity levels can encourage insect pests.
Fertilizer
Feed with a weak liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season and not at all during the winter. If your indoor palm plant starts to stretch out, then reduce or stop fertilizing. A fertilizer mix designed for cacti is a good choice. Applying Epsom salts once a month will supply adequate magnesium and prevent the yellowing of the leaves. Plants might also require supplemental iron to prevent additional yellowing and leaf loss. Follow the product label instructions for the application of iron.
Types of Majesty Palm
There are no named cultivars of Ravenea rivularis. There are only about 20 species in the Ravenea genus, all of them considered seriously endangered. R. rivularis is the only species commonly cultivated for garden or houseplant use.
Pruning
Pruning duties are generally limited to simply removing any fronds that have turned brown or yellow. This is all that’s needed to keep the plant looking good.
Propagating Majesty Palm
Majesty palms are raised exclusively from seed, and commercial production of seeds is somewhat limited. It’s highly unlikely that home growers can get access to seeds. Propagation through stem cuttings is also not an option. However, division, or separating the offset “pups” from the mother palm, is a viable option. This method is best done when you need to repot the plant so the plant is not stressed by moving it around too much. Here are the steps for division:
Potting and Repotting Majesty Palm
This palm may need to be repotted annually, but more likely every other year since it grows slowly. When repotting, be careful not to damage the root ball and use a large, heavy container to prevent the palm tree from tipping over. Pots made from clay or ceramic will help stabilize these plants, which can get top-heavy. A standard potting mix blended with additional peat moss works well as a growing medium. In cold-winter regions, it’s quite common to move these plants back and forth between an outdoor patio and an indoor location as the seasons shift. Make sure to get your plant indoors before freezing weather arrives.
Overwintering
During the winter, a majesty palm likes a slightly cooler temperature, 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, winter care remains the same.
Common Pests
Majesty palms are vulnerable to pests including aphids, scale, and whitefly. Low humidity levels make this plant especially susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the least toxic option, such as a horticultural oil.
How to Get Majesty Palm to Bloom
Majesty palms rarely bloom until they are fully mature—and indoor plants rarely bloom. Large outdoor trees planted in the landscape may produce white flowers followed by red fruit once they are full-sized, but the blooms are not showy, so there is no reason to encourage them.
Common Problems With Majesty Palms
A majesty palm will show you that it isn’t doing well by changing the color of its leaves. Here’s a rundown on the reasons why your majesty palm isn’t looking as green as you’d like.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leaves are the most common problem with majesty palms. Here are reasons why leaves turn yellow:
It needs more light.It’s not being watered enough.It’s being overwatered.It needs more humidity in its environment.The plant has a nutrient deficiency and needs gentle fertilizer.
Leaves Turning Brown
If the leaves are turning crispy brown, the palm is getting too much sunlight and needs to be placed in a spot with less direct light to avoid leaf burn. If leaves are beginning to turn brown at the tips, the plant is probably not getting enough water. If you notice brown spots developing on the leaves, that’s likely an insect problem.
