Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis 'Majesty Palm')

Last updated: August 3, 2025

The Majesty Palm is a stately and elegant plant, known for its arching, feathery fronds, bringing a touch of the tropics indoors. However, it can be a bit more challenging for beginners due to its specific needs.

Lighting

Majesty Palms thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct morning sun, but intense afternoon sun will scorch their fronds. A spot near a large, bright window is ideal. Insufficient light will lead to sparse, leggy growth.

Watering Routine

Majesty Palms are thirsty plants and like consistently moist soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels slightly dry. Do not let them sit in soggy soil, as this can lead to root rot, but also do not let them dry out completely, as this can cause brown tips and slow growth. Water until it drains from the bottom and empty any excess from the saucer. You'll likely need to water more frequently than your other houseplants.

Fertilizer Requirements

During the spring and summer growing season, fertilize your Majesty Palm every 2-4 weeks.

Type: Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer or a fertilizer specifically formulated for palms.
Commercial Recommendation: Products like Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food (Liquid) or Schultz Liquid Plant Food are suitable. Dilute these commercial concentrates to achieve approximately 100-200 ppm N in your final solution. This is often equivalent to using them at "full strength" or even slightly higher than the package's recommended "half strength" for general houseplants.
DIY Fertilizer Suggestion:
For robust growth, use your homemade 3-1-2 liquid fertilizer concentrate (High Nitrogen) or a balanced 1-1-1 liquid fertilizer concentrate.
- For 3-1-2 concentrate (30,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Moderate to Heavy Feeding" rate, using 3.33 ml to 6.67 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~100-200 ppm N). See recipe details.
- For 1-1-1 concentrate (10,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Heavy Feeding" rate, using 20 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~200 ppm N). See recipe details.
Avoid: Do not fertilize in fall and winter.

Misting Requirements

Majesty Palms require high humidity to truly thrive and prevent brown tips on their fronds. They originate from humid, tropical environments. Mist your palm daily or multiple times a day, especially if your indoor air is dry. Using a humidifier nearby or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water are highly recommended to provide the humidity they need.

Pot Size and Soil Type

Pot Size: Majesty Palms develop extensive root systems. When repotting, choose a pot that is 2-4 inches larger in diameter than its current pot, allowing it room to grow. Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes.
Soil Type: Use a well-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix. A standard houseplant potting mix amended with extra perlite or sand for drainage is good. A mix specifically for palms or a blend of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand will also work well. The key is good drainage while still retaining some moisture.
Repotting: Used this soil mix

2 parts "Palm, Cactus & Citrus Potting Mix" (Miracle-Gro)
1 part pure sphagnum peat moss (Premier)
1 part perlite (Vigoro)