traveller's tree

Traveller's tree (Ravenala madagascariensis) enjoys indirect sunlight and needs to be kept moist. Water the plant deeply whenever the top 2 inches of soil are dry to the touch. Lower the amount of watering during winter but do not allow the pot to sit in water. Water enough to keep the soil lightly moist, a good way to check is to stick your finger in the soil. It should be slightly damp. Too much or too little water can cause root rot or decline of this species.

The traveler's tree (Ravenala madagascariensis) prefers full sun to partial shade, and should have at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This species tolerates some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Ideally, it should be watered often in the summer and more sparingly in the winter when the weather is cooler. However, the traveler's tree is relatively drought tolerant, and can even survive with minimal water.

The traveller's tree (Ravenala madagascariensis) should be pruned in early spring or in the fall. This species generally does not need much pruning. However, it is suggested to remove dead, diseased or damaged branches as they appear. To keep the tree’s shape, some light pruning should be done. It is also a good idea to remove anycrossing branches as these can create weak spots. You can also selectively thin out the foliage to reduce the size and to allow light to reach inner areas of the tree. When doing this, it is important to only remove a few branches at a time to avoid causing shock or damage to the plant. Generally, no more than 15% of foliage should ever be removed in 1 pruning session.