Traveler's Palm Plant Care

Traveler's Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) belongs to the Strelitziaceae family within the Ravenala genus. Traveler's Palm is native to Madagascar. Traveler's Palm is also known as Travelers Palm, Ravenala.

Traveler's Palm displays a large, clumping plant growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 12 ft. Traveler's Palm produces unique paddle-shaped bracts with small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Traveler's Palm every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Traveler's Palm thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Ravenala madagascariensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Traveler's Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Traveler's Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Traveler's Palm every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Traveler's Palm is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Traveler's Palm can spread to about 12 ft (3.7 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 12 ft (3.7 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Traveler's Palm while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Traveler's Palm is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Traveler's Palm can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Traveler's Palm is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Traveler's Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Traveler's Palm is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Traveler's Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.