Majesty palm care: watering, light and repotting
Also called ravenea · Ravenea rivularis · Arecaceae family
7 d in winter
How often to water the majesty palm?
Allow about 4 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 7 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
A river palm: its soil should stay slightly moist but never waterlogged. It needs plenty of light without scorching sun, and humid air.
Misting every 3 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The majesty palm likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 5–10 ft (1.5–3 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Yellowing fronds
Cause: Not enough light or soil too dry. What to do: Move it closer to a window and water as soon as the surface dries.
Fine webbing under the fronds
Cause: Spider mites, encouraged by dry air. What to do: Shower the foliage and mist more often.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the majesty palm?
About every 4 days in spring and summer, and every 7 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the majesty palm?
The majesty palm likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the majesty palm?
Yes, misting every 3 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the majesty palm?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the majesty palm safe?
The majesty palm is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the majesty palm needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.