The Traveler’s Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) is one of the most dramatic plants in the tropical landscape — a towering, perfectly flat fan of banana-like leaves on a thick gray trunk. Native to Madagascar, it is not a true palm but a relative of the Bird of Paradise, and it delivers a resort-style focal point that nothing else matches.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Traveler's Palm Breakdown
Appearance:
Enormous paddle-shaped leaves, 6–10 feet long, held on long stalks in a single flat plane, forming a giant fan atop a stout, ringed trunk.
Mature plants produce white, boat-shaped flower bracts similar to a White Bird of Paradise. The fan is said to orient roughly east–west, which gave travelers their bearings and the plant its name.
Growth Rate:
Fast.
Adds height quickly with regular water and feeding, especially in its first years.
Size:
30–50 feet tall at maturity with a fan 15–20 feet across.
Available in 25-gallon (7–8 feet) and 45-gallon (10–12 feet) sizes for immediate impact.
Sunlight Requirements:
Full sun.
Tolerates light shade when young but develops its fullest, most upright fan in open sun.
Water Needs:
Moderate.
Keep the root zone evenly moist, especially while establishing and through the dry season; it is thirsty for its size.
Soil Preferences:
Rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Amend sandy sites with compost and keep a wide mulch ring.
Maintenance:
Medium.
Remove spent lower leaves and the suckers that appear at the base if you want a single clean trunk. Leaves shred in strong wind, so give it some shelter from the prevailing breeze. Feed 2–3 times a year.
Landscape Use:
Specimen and focal point for large yards, estate entrances, pool backdrops, and commercial frontage.
Needs room in every direction — plan for the full spread of the fan.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 10–11.
Happy in South Florida heat and humidity; leaves are damaged by frost.
If you want one plant that announces “tropical” from the street, this is it. Give it space, water, and sun and it becomes the centerpiece of the property.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Traveler's Palm ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Traveler's Palm in Florida
Choose Sun + Clearance
Palms prefer full to partial sun. Allow room for frond spread and future trunk growth.
Plant Slightly High
Dig a wide hole and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade. Palms do not like being buried.
Backfill + Water In
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle. Avoid compacting too aggressively.
Consistent Watering (Critical)
Water deeply and consistently during the first few weeks. Most palm issues come from under-watering early on.
Fertilizer + Pruning
Remove only fully brown fronds. Apply a slow-release palm fertilizer after the palm has settled in.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
Dino's Palms did an amazing job with delivering and installation of my new calusia. Their plants are very affordable and I highly recommend them.
Do not look any further. These guys are awesome. Punctual, WAY more affordable plants than Home Depot, and the quality of plants delivered were far superior than any nursery I've been to. Great to deal with and very professional. Our installer went above and beyond to insure our satisfaction and he was a true professional.
Installed 11 4.5ft clusia plants in my front lawn, quality work finished in great time, thank you!
