Traveller's Palm - Ravenala madagascariensis - 10L / 25cm / XL

The ideal large specimen without taking up space in all directions. The Traveller's Palm is not a palm, it's a giant herb that grows in a spectacular flat fan formation and named Traveller's Palm due to the east-west leaf orientation of their leaves, this predictable characteristic allowed wayward travellers in Africa to move in the right direction.

Available only in urban Auckland & Whangarei

Ideal for intermediate plant keepers or beyond.

Light Requirements: Bright Indirect Light is ideal, handles full sun.

Moisture & Soil Requirements: Must have evenly moist soil with good drainage in warm seasons - never soggy soil. Dial back watering frequency in winter unless you have dry air inside. Let this plant partly dry out between watering, the top 5cm or so can be dry before requiring water. If in doubt, use a moisture metre.

Growth & Nutrients: Clumping growth habit, large banana-like leaves grow in a fan formation. Trunks develop over time but usually when planted outdoors. Can handle dry spells. Suits large apartments or homes with high ceilings and lots of light. Outdoors these plants do well when protected from wind and frost in Northland only. To limit leaves splitting, only plant in a sheltered courtyard or against a sunny wall. Aggressive root system so keep this plant away from water pipes. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser for containers in spring and summer.

Temperature, Humidity & Ambient requirements: Prefers warm, humid environments inside but tolerates a range of humidity levels. Humidity aids the leaves unfurling correctly, mist new growth if your home is dry.

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets and people.