You'll love this palm.
ABOUT THIS PALM
South American Travelers Palm Tree (ravenala guyannensis) – aka Phenakospermum – Not many people know about the existence of this forgotten South American cousin of the Madagascan Travellers Palm. At home in northern South America, it makes a desirable and very fast growing ornamental for tropical and warm subtropical areas; and is also an excellent potted plant when young, due to its unusual shape. Its leaves are arranged in a single plane in a fan-like manner and at maturity it produces huge, upright, Heliconia-like inflorescences. Phenakospermum is still virtually unknown in cultivation.
The growth rate of South American Travelers Palms will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
The growth rate of South American Travelers Palms will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
QUICK SPECS
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OUTDOOR
Zone 10a-11
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PATIO
Zone 4a-11
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SOIL TYPE
Rich Moist
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% SUN
80-100%
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POT SIZE
2x2x7″ Deep
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INCLUDES
One Plant
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PALM TREE CARE
South American Travelers Palms are easy to grow trees that require little care. They add a wonderful accent to any outdoor space, garden or patio. In cooler zones a containerized palm can be relocated indoors for the winter months. In the northern end of their grow zone South American Travelers Palms require indoor protection or heavy mulching during the winter months.
When you receive your new palm, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water in the bottom and moving it to a shady location. You can then add some mulch to the bucket to keep your plant standing upright. The mulch will also supply nutrients while in storage. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new palm.
When you receive your new palm, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water in the bottom and moving it to a shady location. You can then add some mulch to the bucket to keep your plant standing upright. The mulch will also supply nutrients while in storage. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new palm.
CONTAINER SIZE
All palm varieties grow very well in containers, indoors or on the patio. Allow enough room for growth generally a 10″ to a 20″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice to get started. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your palm will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
South American Travelers Palms enjoy well drained but moist, rich organic mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky or arid soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new South American Travelers Palm, fertilize sparingly at least 6 inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the tree. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 10a-11, find your zone here. This Palm requires 80-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is often best. In the northern end of their grow zone South American Travelers Palms should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before winter.
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
At the nursery these palms are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant this palm in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All South American Travelers Palms for sale will vary in size. In the spring, plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Plants designated with a sku ending in -4, -6 or -8 will arrive in a standard 4 inch, 6 inch or 8 inch round growers pot respectively. Our new, reusable, recyclable deep plugs are 7 or 9 inches deep and 2 or 2.5 inches in width. Products growing in these pots are easy to transplant and allow for deeper roots and faster growth, they are designated with a sku ending in -7 or -9. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. For more information, click the “best packaging” link at the bottom of this page.
Note:
Before leaving, South American Travelers Palms are inspected, watered, and pruned. Larger plants, generally those that ship in 8″ pots, will be topped to 36″ or 48″ overall, depending on the variety, if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and generally secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts.
You may want to order your South American Travelers Palm Tree (ravenala guyannensis) online now while they are in stock, supplies are limited.
Zone.10a Zone.10b Zone.11a Zone.11b
