The beautiful and regal Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis) hailed originally from the tropical country of Madagascar. Although the Majesty Palm makes a beautiful addition to any plant lover's ensemble, the plant should not be left outdoors for an extended period when temperatures plunge to frigid levels in winter. Unless a homeowner has a greenhouse on their property outside with excellent temperature control and proper levels of humidity for their Majesty Palm, leaving this tropical native outdoors in winter could prove disastrous.
A Majesty Palm needs to live in temperatures ranging between 35 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit thrive. Anyone who lives in zones 9 through 11 for plant hardiness can grow palms outdoors without too much worry. If you live in a zone where frost or bitter cold occurs, Majesty Palms should not be left to fend for themselves outdoors in the winter or grow unpotted. It is best to bring the plant indoors to prevent damage from frosty temperatures, snow, and ice.
Palms are hardy and sought-after for their visually stunning fronds, but if exposed to temperatures 10 degrees below 35 Fahrenheit, they may not be able to recover. It is possible to protect a palm during winter temperatures outdoors by wrapping a burlap cloth around the trunk and placing protective covers over the fronds.
Majesty Palms are beautiful landscape features, but there is much to know about keeping them alive during the winter. Keep reading to make sure that you have this essential information.
Fortify Your Palm for Winter
Yes, some types of palms can survive wintry temperatures, but most palms, like the Majesty Palm, thrive in tropical and subtropical conditions. Ideally, the Majesty Palm makes an excellent indoor plant if they receive bright enough, indirect sunlight, moisture, and care. It would be foolhardy not to grow a Majesty Palm in a pot outdoors, especially if the plant needs to be transferred indoors for protection.
A Majesty Palm at maturity can reach dizzying heights of 15 to 20 feet, but luckily, palms grown indoors are slow to reach their full height. Gardeners should fertilize their palm every three months with a slow-release fertilizer during spring and summer. Giving a palm sufficient fertilizer over time helps strengthen palms so they can survive a dip in temperatures over the winter season. During winter, Majesty Palms prefer conditions where the temperature is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Caution should be taken not to overwater or overfertilize palms, which can lead to damaged roots or fronds. Additionally, one should consider changing up a palm's pot size every two to three years as needed. Remember, a potted palm does perform well in a space where the root system is slightly crowded.
A Healthy Palm is a Happy Palm
A healthy palm can better survive a few cold days, provided the palm has enough protective covering, moisture, and fertilizer. As soon as warmer temperatures arrive, any covering like a burlap tarp, sheets, or covers should be removed from a palm's trunk. The top of a palm may be more tricky to cover, as the heads on the fronds of a tall Majesty Palm are often left exposed. All coverings should remain on a palm until the danger of frost passes. Whenever possible, attempt to bring a palm indoors for its best protection.
The Majesty Palm will alert its owner if it is having any health problems. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and too much water can lead to a palm's fronds turning brown. A palm may not be positively responsive to remedies if you do not see any green at the base of a leaf's stalk. Too much water and poor drainage can lead to fungus, rot, parasites, and irreparably damaged root systems. Love your Majesty Palm, treat it well, prepare it for winter, and it will love you back for years to come!
What Temperature Can a Majesty Palm Tolerate?
The Majesty Palm of the Ravenea genus makes a desireable houseplant. However, because the Majesty Palm originally hails from the warmer climate found in Madagascar, the plant requires a limited temperature range and humidity to thrive. Palms of this sort can be grown indoors and outdoors, but they will be in better health if they are grown in temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit at day. The Majesty Palm can tolerate a 10-degree drop in temperature at night.
During the cold season, a Majesty Palm should not be subjected to temperatures lower than 55 degrees. Ideally, grow a Majesty Palm in a pot in case it needs to be brought indoors if there is the threat of extreme cold or frost.
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How Do You Winterize a Majesty Palm?
A Majesty Palm most certainly should be winterized. If your palm is growing outdoors in a zone that is not 9 through 11, the plant should be brought indoors over the winter, or transferred to a greenhouse. If your palm is only going to be subjected to less than desirable temperatures, and you are unable to move it indoors, wrap the palm in protective covers, and use stakes for added support.
Cold temperatures can cause a palm to die, or suffer intense damage that will require intensive treatment to reverse. Fronds can rapidly brown if exposed to cold and frost, and a plant lacking any green may find it too challenging to bounce back and recover.
Protect and prepare your Majesty Palm by giving it adequate fertilizer during the spring and summer season. Make sure that your plant is healthy, receives bright enough, indirect light during the day, and keep it far from drafty windows and air conditioner units. Wipe down the fronds and inspect for encroaching parasites, fungus, or other potential damage.
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Can Palms Survive Snow?
The Majesty Palm may be incredible enough to clean indoor air, but surviving snow presents a nearly impossible challenge. Exposure to frigid temperatures when snow is present may mean sudden death for an outdoor plant, even if it is covered with burlap covers or another form of protection. Cold weather and too much moisture can rapidly damage fronds and root systems. It is best to err on the side of caution and only grown palms outdoors that are cold-hardy or can be transferred indoors during winter if needed.
How Can I Best Prepare My Palm for Winter?
Ensure your Majesty Palm is healthy and free from visible signs of disease and robust when winter arrives. Give your Majesty Palm enough nutrients throughout the year, control drainage and moisture levels, and allow the plant to thrive in warm temperatures with humidity. If you live in a region where temperatures will plunge below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, you will want to grow a Majesty Palm indoor. Only choose palms that are hardy against colder temperatures outdoors, or have a greenhouse ready to protect and nurture palms over winter.
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Check out this rustic looking pot for plants on Amazon.
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