The Majesty Palm, Ravenea rivularis, is a tropical plant prized for its elegant, feathery fronds. Native to the riverbanks of Madagascar, this palm thrives in consistently moist, warm, and bright conditions. Its popularity as a houseplant has grown, but its size potential varies dramatically depending on its environment. Whether the palm is planted in the ground or confined to a container is the sole factor determining the dimensions it will ultimately achieve.
Maximum Outdoor Dimensions
When the Majesty Palm is grown in the ground within its ideal tropical or subtropical climate, its size potential is unrestricted. In its native habitat, this species can reach towering heights of up to 80 feet, sometimes approaching 100 feet in perfect conditions. This stature is supported by a robust trunk that can measure up to a foot and a half in diameter. A mature outdoor specimen typically achieves a considerable spread of 15 to 25 feet wide, creating a broad, full crown of arching fronds. While it is sometimes used in landscaping in warm climates, these large sizes are rarely replicated outside of its endemic range.
Indoor Size Constraints
Growing the Majesty Palm indoors changes its maximum size because the container severely restricts its root system. A healthy, mature indoor Majesty Palm typically reaches a height range of 8 to 15 feet, often limited by the ceiling height of the room. The physical constraint on the root zone prevents the palm from accessing the vast resources needed to fuel the massive growth seen outdoors. Consequently, the indoor growth rate is significantly slower, and its overall spread is usually limited to 4 to 6 feet wide. Confining the roots in a pot is the mechanism that allows this naturally massive tree to function as a manageable, albeit large, houseplant.
Managing Growth Rate and Size
Outdoors, with ample water, light, and fertilization, the Majesty Palm is a moderate to fast grower, but indoors, its growth is generally slow and manageable. Indoors, the palm may add about one foot of new growth per year. The most effective way to manage the palm’s size is through container management. To maintain a specific size, slow the growth rate by only repotting when absolutely necessary and increasing the pot size by only two inches at a time. Pruning should be limited strictly to removing fronds that have turned completely brown or yellow, as cutting healthy, green fronds will harm its overall health.