About
Rhapis excelsa, the lady palm, is a bamboo-like, clump-forming palm producing slender, cane-like, leaf-scarred stems and bold, fan-shaped, dark-green leaves divided into several, broad, ribbed segments. An elegant and popular houseplant and greenhouse palm for a warm, bright, humid position.
About the genus
Rhapis are small, clump-forming palms from southern China and Japan with slender, cane-like stems and deeply divided, fan-shaped, glossy, dark-green leaves. Popular, elegant indoor and greenhouse palms.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Palms
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Architectural
Native toS. China to N. Vietnam
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in well-drained, loamy compost in full light but with protection from strong sun. In the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. See palm cultivation indoors for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at not less than 27°C
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free