Tropical plants provide some of the most interesting conversation pieces due to their vibrant colors and unique shapes.
The Travelers Palm, aka Ravenala madagascariensis (ra-VEN-ah-la mad-uh-gas-KAR-ee-EN-sis) is a perfect example of both.
Known best by the common name traveler’s palm, this fan-shaped broadleaf evergreen isn’t actually a true palm but a member of the Strelitziaceae family, aka White Bird of Paradise.
Other common names are traveler’s tree and east-west palm (in the US, the common names may have the alternate spelling of traveler’s palm or traveler’s tree).
The names refer to its use by travelers as a source of fresh water, who gather rainwater from the leaf bases and bracts.
As its scientific name suggests, this tree hails from the rainforests of Madagascar. There are four subspecies, which are generally referred to in botanical circles by their local names.
- Bemavo is the largest and most natively common variety.
- Hiranirana is found wherever breaks in the rainforest occur.
- Malama is the rarest of the four
- Horonorona is the smallest and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental perennial.
Travelers Palm Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Ravenala Madagascariens
- Common Name(s): Travelers Palm
- Synonyms: None
- Family & Origin: Strelitziaceae family, native to Madagascar
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: 10-11
- Size: Grows up to 30 feet tall
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity
- Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures, between 60-80°F
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Water: Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged
- Fertilizer: Fertilize every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer
- Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs, as well as root rot if overwatered
- Propagation: Propagate through division or by planting seeds
- Plant Uses: Makes a great indoor or outdoor statement plant, can also be used for privacy screening.
Travelers Palm Care
Traveler Palm Size and Growth
Horonorona, the variant most commonly cultivated, achieves an average adult height of 30 to 50’ feet tall. By comparison, its largest kin, Bemavo, may achieve a height of 100’ feet.
The central trunk of this species can measure up to 12” inches in diameter and lacks branches.
The fan comprises of a single, vertical plane of petioles ending in 20 to 30 banana-like leaves. The leaves measure 5′ to 10’ feet long and 2′ to 3’ feet wide, with the petioles matching or exceeding the leaf length.
Because of the immense width and height proportions, this is one of those South Florida “palms” that work best in more expansive landscapes and with larger homes.
The cupped bases of each leaf stalk can retain as much as a full quart of water, creating a source of drinking water for passers-by.
While young, the trunk is subterranean, leaving the fan at ground level. When it finally emerges, it sheds the lowest leaves, resulting in leaf scar rings.
These plants grow to be enormous, with huge leaves sprouting from long stems in a flat, fan-shaped pattern like a peacock’s tail.
At the base of the trunk, new shoots appear, with the leaves tightly curled up inside. Numerous suckers will sprout at different times from around the trunk’s base.
Being slow to develop, a traveler’s palm won’t flower until it’s ten years old. Once flowering begins, it will bloom mainly in summer but may produce flowers throughout the year.
The resulting seeds are edible, giving this plant quite a few practical uses.
The growth rate is fast until a trunk begins to develop. Then the plant settles into a nice, moderate pace.
Flowering and Fragrance
Travelers-tree is ideal for creating an exotic, tropical effect with its very large, banana-like leaves, each up to ten feet long and held in fan-shaped formation, and the unusual, small, creamy white flowers held erect in boat-shaped bracts.
During the summer months, the traveler’s palm produces continual white or chartreuse blooms, the nocturnal inflorescence opening every 2 to 3 days.
The exact number of open blooms will vary, with the three-petaled flowers emerging from boat-shaped spathes, giving them a similar appearance to the famous bird-of-paradise.
The leaves always grow in an east-west direction so a lost traveler can find his way. One that is – well, you decide: Stand in front and make a wish in good spirit – and the wish will come true.
This Bird of Paradise relative produces large amounts of nectar, which not only attracts pollinators but is an important food source for native lemurs.
Once fertilized, the flowers give way to 3 ½” inch wooden capsules filled with seeds covered in bright blue arils.
Light and Temperature
This tree loves a sunny spot, faring best when exposed to full sun. It can tolerate partial shade and do best when young in an area where the base stays somewhat shaded. Eventually, it will grow to a full sun height.
East-west palm has a narrower temperature tolerance and should only be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.
Temperatures dipping below 60° degrees Fahrenheit will begin to stress the tree, and anything below 40° degrees Fahrenheit can kill it.
Watering and Feeding
The Travelers palm needs soil that remains consistently moist due to its rainforest origins. However, you should be careful not to overwater the plant.
Travelers palms need regular water – another reason to keep the base in a partly shaded area while it’s young and getting established.
Although the plant is relatively disease resistant, a well-drained planting site produces the healthiest growth.
While some variants have been known to grow in poor soil, adding a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season will result in a healthier and faster-growing tree.
Avoid adding too much fertilizer, as that can damage plants.
Plant with top soil or organic peat moss added to the hole. Fertilize 3 times a year in spring, summer, and autumn using a quality all-purpose or palm fertilizer. Trim off outside leaf branches as needed (and as long as the plant is reachable).
Soil & Transplanting
A rich, loamy soil with neutral to mild acidity works best for travelers palm plants. The soil should be able to retain some water without becoming too wet.
Brown leaves are a sign of over-fertilization and if the soil does not have good drainage.
You should only repot the plant if you see that the roots are poking through the drainage holes.
Pot the baby plant in moist, well-aerated soil, and ensure that the mother plant is properly covered back up in the soil.
A standard potting mix will do wonders for your plant. You can also include things such as compost, which will help increase drainage.
Agave Flower Grooming And Maintenance
This tree doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. However, root suckers will create clusters of foliage if not removed, distorting the trademark shape of the agave flower.
How To Propagate Ravenala Madagascariensis
Traveler’s tree may be propagated by both seed and division. The quickest method is to locate rooted suckers, which grow near the main stem.
Separate these at the beginning of the rainy season and plant them to get a head start on new growth.
The seeds require a little more effort. Plant them in moist, sandy soil and keep them at around 68° degrees Fahrenheit. Germination is a slow process for this plant.
Once the seedlings have reached two months of age, they may be transplanted into a rich, loamy soil.
Make sure they have full sun, and add some moss or other organic matter when transplanting to help ensure their roots stay moist.
Travelers Palm Pest or Disease Problems
Due to the frail nature of the leaves, this plant should be sheltered from high winds. It also fares poorly in drought conditions.
Some of the diseases include the leaves of the plant turning yellow. This usually happens due to a lack of nutrients, or if you end up over-watering the plant.
The plant is non-invasive, but has been known to host Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and is susceptible to various forms of leaf spot and root rot. Spider mites may also infest this tree.
While some parts of the Travelers Palm plant are edible, other parts are poisonous if consumed. Individuals with bee allergies should use caution around this plant, which attracts pollinators.
Suggested Uses For The Travelers Palm
Beyond the obvious visual appeal, traveler’s palm’s high nectar production attracts a wide range of pollinators. This not only includes nectar-feeding birds and insects, but some species of bat.
The bright blue seeds are edible and have a mealy consistency, while the arils have no flavor. Oil extracted from the seeds and their arils can be used for cooking and is midway between coconut butter and palm oil in composition.
Additionally, the plant’s ability to catch rainwater makes it a useful source of extra drinking water. Finally, the sap may be used to create sugar.
Parts of this plant have had a range of uses beyond the obvious ornamental value. The seed oil is considered antiseptic, while the leaves have been used in roofing and as a packing material.
The petioles and midribs are also used in construction as wall materials, while the bark makes good flooring for traditional huts.
Traveler’s palm is too large for the average garden but makes great accents for larger landscapes where it may be the central showpiece.
Growing as a container plant will help limit the tree’s size, but it cannot be easily moved for overwintering.