Raffia palm Plant Care
Raphia gabonica S.Mogue, Sonké & Couvreur
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Featuring huge fan-shaped leaves that can reach up to 25 feet in length, this species from West Africa is a stunning sight. Plant collectors are drawn to Raphia gabonica for its unique appearance and rarity, making it a prized addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Raffia palm?
Water Raffia palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Raffia palm?
Raffia palm (Raphia gabonica) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Raphia genus. Raffia palm is native to Central Africa, West Africa. Raffia palm is also known as Gaboon palm.
Raffia palm displays a tall, palm-like tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Raffia palm produces small, inconspicuous flowers on large inflorescence.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Raffia palm?
Raphia gabonica requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Raffia palm Need?
Raffia palm thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Raffia palm Prefer?
Raphia gabonica grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Raffia palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Raffia palm?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Raffia palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Raffia palm?
Feed Raffia palm every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Raffia palm?
Repot every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Raffia palm?
Raffia palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to raffia palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Raffia palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Raffia palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Raffia palm?
Raffia palm is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Raffia palm Need?
Raffia palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Raffia palm is native to Central Africa, West Africa. In cooler regions, grow Raffia palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Raffia palm is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Raphia genus — compare its care with other Raphia species on PlantoScan.
Raphia is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Raffia palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Raphia gabonica S.Mogue, Sonké & Couvreur, family Arecaceae (first published in PhytoKeys 111: 19 (2018)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Raffia palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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