As a new plant owner, it is common to get confused between types of plants, especially plants belonging to the large palm family.
Most palms look similar or have similar needs.
Cat and Majesty palm are two gorgeous palm plants that are perfect for growing indoors.
The plants may look fairly identical to those who are new to owning plants, but their upkeep differs vastly.
This article will compare the two plants so that you can decide if you want either of them or both!
What Is Cat Palm?
The Cat Palm is a gorgeous indoor palm plant that makes for a beautiful backdrop in your living space.
This palm is very similar to the Areca Palm except that the stems of the areca are yellow-golden while the leaves of the Cat Palm are green.
If you are inclined towards an Areca Palm, but the size constraints are limiting you, go for a Cat Palm.
It is a smaller version of the Areca Palm.
The Cat Palm loves shady areas, though it will still tolerate the sun.
However, it grows pretty slow, and up till the height of 6 to 8 feet.
Cat Palms need to be regularly hydrated, but they do not tolerate sitting in extremely damp soil.
What Is Majesty Palm?
The Ravenea rivularis, commonly known as the Majesty Palm, is quite a large tree in its natural environment.
True to its name, it is quite majestic and elegant looking, with green fronds growing from multiple stems.
In its form as a houseplant, the Majesty plant resembles a Kentia Palm while it is less than a few years old, but once it grows up, the Majesty Palm begins to look like the royal palm.
The Majesty Palm requires plenty of effort to grow, and this palm is usually recommended for people who like the experience of growing a unique palm.
Those who are not expert gardeners often opt for the Kentia Palm or Bamboo Palm instead.
This palm is a native of Madagascar, where it grows in humid conditions.
Cat Palm vs. Majesty Palm - Similarities
There are no similarities between the Cat and Majesty Palm apart from the fact that they are palm trees.
Even though they belong to the same tree family, these two plants could not be more different.
The difference between them is also an advantage for those who are choosing between palm plants.
The Cat Palm is more suited for beginners and those who do not want to extend too much effort towards the upkeep of the plant.
The majesty palm is a high-maintenance palm and needs to be cared for in a certain way.
One similarity that comes to mind is that both these plants are prone to having spider mites on them.
Spider mites are dangerous and barely visible, so it is best to routinely check the leaves and roots of these plants if you have them.
The best way to get rid of mites is to take the plant outside, spray it in soap water and let it dry for a while before bringing it back in.
Cat Palm vs. Majesty Palm - Differences
The Cat and Majesty Palm differ in a few ways.
Here are the factors that differentiate the two palm plants:
1. Indoor Care
The Cat Palm is very easy to grow indoors.
It is not a delicate plant, making it easy for even first-time plant owners to care for it.
All the Cat Palm needs are moist soil and bright, indirect sunlight to grow healthy.
All the palms that belong to the Parlor Palm category, including the Cat Palm, can be cared for effortlessly.
Majesty Palm, to achieve its majestic appearance, requires plenty of resources such as full, bright sunlight, regular feeding, water, and frequent misting.
The palm plant needs all of its needs met to be strong and to thrive.
If proper care is not provided, the palm begins yellowing and drooping.
The leaves begin turning brown, withering, and then falling off.
Any plant would wither away without the right amount of moisture and sunlight, but this holds truer for Majesty Palm.
2. Infestations And Other Issues
In terms of pests and other sorts of plant issues, both palms are equally susceptible to them, especially spider mites in low humidity conditions.
However, it is said that the Majesty Palm is more prone to pests than the Cat Palm.
This information is not scientifically backed, so it is better not to base your decision on this factor while deliberating between the two plants.
The reason behind Majesty Palm being more susceptible to spider mites is that the Majesty Palm needs more humidity and frequent watering.
Therefore, it's easy for the plant to dry out completely.
Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and can resort to infesting the dry fronds of the Majesty palm.
3. Size And growth
The Cat Palm grows four to six feet in height, and this is an ideal height for a houseplant.
It is neither too large nor too small for those who want to decorate their hallways or living rooms.
The Cat Palm is also a slow grower, so this plant will not outgrow its container regularly.
On the other hand, the Majesty Palm can grow up to eighteen feet indoors and eighty feet outdoors.
This is a fairly large palm tree, but its height indoors can be restricted by using a small pot for it to grow in.
Now, let's have a look at the FAQs below.
FAQs
Cat Palm is called so because one of the names of this plant is Cataract Palm.
Cat Palm is short for Cataract.
Yes, Majesty Palm can thrive indoors if taken care of well.
However, it is not advisable for beginners to keep the plant at home.
It is difficult to maintain the plant, and a lot of time needs to be devoted to it.
Cat Palms are known to purify the air.
Having a Cat Palm means having a beautiful plant that purifies the air and improving the aesthetics in your home!
Water the Cat Palm every 5-7 days depending on the temperature of the room and the light it receives.
No, the Majesty Palm and Areca Palm are two different plants.
The easiest way to tell the difference is that the Areca Palm's fronds are more relaxed and cascading downwards, while the Majesty Palm has sharp fronds.
Their needs are relatively similar, but when it comes down to choosing one plant, one of them will be more suited to your home than the other.
Over To You
Well, I hope you enjoyed this comparison guide of Cat Palm vs. Majesty Palm.
If you still got any more questions, please let me know in the comments.
If you found this guide useful, do share it with your friends and family.
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