Ravenala Madagascariensis (Traveler's Palm)

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Ravenala is a genus of flowering plants with a single species, Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as the traveler's tree, traveler's palm, or East-West palm, from Madagascar.
• It is not a true palm but a member of a monocotyledonous flowering plant family, Strelitziaceae.

SOIL REQUIREMENT

• Prefers moist but well-drained soil.
• Moist and well-drained means exactly what it sounds like.
• Soil is moist without being soggy because the texture of the soil allows excess moisture to drain away.
• Most plants like about 1 inch of water per week.
• Amending your soil with compost will help improve texture and water holding or draining capacity.
• A 3-inch layer of mulch will help to maintain soil moisture and studies have shown that mulched plants grow faster than non-mulched plants.

FEEDING/FERTILIZER REQUIREMENT

• Feed travelers palm plants once in spring, summer, and autumn, using a fertilizer formulated for tropical plants or palms.
• A good, all-purpose fertilizer is also acceptable.
• Prune outer leaf branches as needed, and deadhead wilted blooms if you don't want the plant to self-seed.

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

• This tree loves a sunny spot, faring best when exposed to full sun.

WATER REQUIREMENT

• Check the soil moisture with your finger.
• If the top 2-4” (5-10cm) of soil is dry, or plants are wilted, it is time to water.

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