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Ravenea rivularis

Common name: Majesty palm · Majestic palm

Ravenea rivularis is a palm native to the riverbanks of Madagascar, where it grows along streams in humid forest. It develops a single trunk crowned with long, arching pinnate fronds, and is commonly sold as an indoor palm despite preferring consistent moisture and humidity.

Fun facts

  • It is considered vulnerable in the wild, with only a few hundred trees estimated to remain.
  • Unlike most palms sold as houseplants, it dislikes drying out between waterings.
  • In ideal outdoor conditions it can eventually exceed 20 m (65 ft) in height.

Care summary

Sun Bright indirect light, some morning sun
Water Keep consistently moist, never soggy
Soil Rich, moisture-retentive but draining mix
Hardiness Zones 10–11
Mature height Up to 3 m (10 ft) indoors, much taller outdoors
Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty Fussy
Propagation Majesty palm is propagated from seed, as the single-trunk plant produces no offshoots to divide. Sow fresh seeds in a warm, consistently moist medium and expect slow, erratic germination over one to three months.

Make your own Majesty palm · Majestic palm profile

Common problems

    • Mist foliage regularly
    • Group with other plants
    • Keep away from heating vents
    • Let top soil dry between waterings
    • Ensure pot drains freely
    • Shower foliage to dislodge mites
    • Raise humidity around plant
    • Filter strong sunlight with sheer curtain
    • Move plant back from window