Caring for your Traveller's Palm
Traveller's Palm
(Ravenala madagascariensis)
A dramatic and tropical ornamental plant known for its iconic fan-shaped leaves and striking architectural presence.
Native to Madagascar, the Traveller’s Palm is a member of the Strelitziaceae family, related to the bird-of-paradise, not a true palm. It can reach heights of 1–4 m in cultivation (up to 10 m in the wild) and features large, paddle-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 m long, arranged in a distinctive spiral fan pattern. This bold, sculptural plant adds a tropical focal point to gardens, landscapes, or poolside areas, offering an exotic, statement-making silhouette.
The name “Traveller’s Palm” comes from the plant’s ability to store rainwater at the base of its leaf stems, which historically served as a water source for travelers.
Caring for your Traveller's Palm
Difficulty level: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Watering schedule: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during warm months
Soil type: Well-draining, fertile soil
Climate: Prefers warm, tropical to subtropical conditions; sensitive to frost
Pet friendliness: Yes