How to Grow Traveler's Palm
Wikimedia Commons
Traveler's Palm
Ravenala madagascariensis
treeThe Traveler's Palm is a striking tropical tree native to Madagascar, known for its enormous, fan-shaped arrangement of blue-green leaves that can reach 20+ feet in height. Despite its common name, it is not a true palm but rather a member of the Strelitziaceae family. It produces stunning orange and blue bird-of-paradise-like flowers and can live for decades when properly cared for.
When should you plant Traveler's Palm in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Traveler's Palm timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Traveler's Palm
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Traveler's Palm
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Traveler's Palm dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; requires frost-free tropical or subtropical climates
Sign up free to see if Traveler's Palm grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Traveler's Palm timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 small leaves emerging from seed
Keep soil warm (75-85°F) and consistently moist. Use bottom heat for faster germination. Provide bright, indirect light.
Juvenile
2-3 yearsYoung plant developing characteristic long, paddle-shaped leaves in a fan pattern; plant is 2-6 feet tall
Water regularly during growing season. Feed with balanced fertilizer monthly. Ensure excellent drainage. Prune dead leaves.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 yearsPlant developing full fan canopy with numerous large leaves; trunk becoming more prominent; 8-15 feet tall
Continue regular watering and monthly feeding. Remove dead or damaged leaves. Stake young plants if needed for wind protection.
Flowering
2-4 monthsLarge orange and blue flowers emerge in clusters from leaf bases; flowers are bird-of-paradise-like in appearance
Maintain consistent moisture and full sun exposure. Apply slow-release fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage blooms. Flowering occurs in spring/early summer.
Fruiting & Maturity
Ongoing at maturityLarge woody seed pods develop; plant fully mature at 20+ feet with established trunk and dense fan canopy
Plant is self-sufficient and requires minimal intervention. Collect seed pods for propagation or remove if desired. Prune lower dead leaves for aesthetic appeal.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil; prune heavily infested leaves; wash with soapy water
-
Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants; remove by hand with alcohol-dipped cloth
-
Increase humidity by misting; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe
-
and
Hand-pick; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); prune affected leaves
-
Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh, well-draining soil if detected early
Uses
Traditional water source
CulinaryThe leaf bases famously collect rainwater that early travelers could drink, giving the plant its common name. The water is clean and fresh. [source]
Ornamental landscape specimen
HouseholdThe distinctive fan-shaped foliage and stunning orange-blue flowers make it a dramatic focal point in tropical and subtropical gardens, patios, and large indoor spaces. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftThe exotic bird-of-paradise-like flowers are stunning in floral arrangements and last well in water, providing a striking tropical accent. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe flowers attract birds, particularly sunbirds and other tropical species, making it valuable for supporting wildlife in garden ecosystems. [source]
Privacy and screening
HouseholdThe large fan canopy provides excellent privacy screening and wind protection when planted in rows, while creating tropical shade in outdoor spaces. [source]
Harvest Tips
Traveler's Palms are ornamental and do not produce edible fruit for harvesting. Collect seed pods in fall when they turn brown and begin to split naturally. Extract seeds and clean before propagation. Cut flowers can be harvested for fresh arrangements when fully open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Traveler's Palm earned its name because early travelers crossing Madagascar's dry regions used the rainwater collected in the leaf axils as a source of fresh drinking water.
- 🌱 Despite the common name 'palm,' it is not a true palm at all but belongs to the Strelitziaceae family—the same family as the Bird of Paradise flower.
- 🌱 The massive leaves can grow up to 20 feet long and spread into a perfect fan shape, sometimes containing 15-20 leaves arranged like a peacock's tail.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Traveler's Palm planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Traveler's Palm seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Traveler's Palm timeline →