Question
how often should we water and how much water does it need. The pot is 12 inches and the plant is about seven feet tall.  Should we spray the leaves.   Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Kathy,

Whenever I receive inquiries about Majesty palms (Ravenea Rivularis), I cringe. I am afraid this is one plant I can never recommend because it just does not fare well indoors, except perhaps in a greenhouse. It requires copious light, humidity, water, and fertilizer. Growers and retailers love majesty palms because they grow very large and very quickly allowing them to satisfy the public's desire for a large plant at a low price. Unfortunately, they rarely last much longer than a year in a typical home setting.

Indoors, they must have direct sun to even have a fighting chance. Then their roots must be kept constantly moist. It is best to water thoroughly (until  a little water trickles through the drainage holes) whenever the top inch or so of soil feels dry.

When they are growing vigorously, they require lots of fertilizer, particularly the minor element magnesium. (Stay away from Miracid or any other fertilizer that lowers the pH and prevents the nutrients from being absorbed.) Finally, if you manage all that, you must be prepared to treat spider mites regularly because they love majesty palms.

I am sorry to be negative about this plant, but you should be aware of just how difficult it is to maintain indoors. BTW, the better nurseries don't grow and sell these palms anymore because of their poor history.

Keep your fingers crossed and your expectations low with this plant.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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