Care of the plant Ravenala madagascariensis or Traveller's tree |
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The genus Ravenala, family Strelitziaceae, only includes the species Ravenala madagascariensis, native to the island of Madagascar. Common names: Traveller's tree, Traveller's palm, East-West palm. They are curious plants with a fan shape and a trunk covered with the petioles of the leaves that reach 10 meters /32.8 feet) in height (3 meters/9.84 feet in a pot). The long ribbed leaves are bright green and reminiscent of the banana tree (Musa). The flowers are white and very similar to those of the Strelitzia alba; they do not usually bloom indoors. If the climate is subtropical or tropical, Traveller's tree is used as isolated specimens, in small groups or in rows. In colder climates it's used as greenhouse plants or as houseplants. Ravenala madagascariensis prefers full sun exposure but can grow in semi-shade; indoors, place it in a well-lit place with direct sunlight for at least several hours a day. The temperature should not drop below 15 ºC (59 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of leaf mulch, coarse sand, and topsoil. Transplant the young specimens annually (in spring); For adult plants (more than 5 years old) it is enough to renew the surface part of the substrate every spring. Water with lime-free water abundantly but waiting for the substrate to dry. Spray the plant daily with lime-free water in the warmer months. Fertilize in spring and summer with slow-release fertilizer such as rods that dig into the ground or mineral fertilizer pellets. Ravenala madagascariensis does not need pruning. If the humidity is not correct Traveller's tree can be attacked by mealybugs. Traveller's palm is propagated from seeds sown in a hot seedbed. |
Images of the plant Ravenala madagascariensis or Traveller's tree |
 Ravenala madagascariensis |