Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm)

Reminiscent of bamboos, Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm) is a small evergreen palm with upright, slender, bamboo-like canes bearing delicate, glossy, dark green, fan-shaped leaves. Each leaf is about 20 in. long (50 cm), and is divided into 5-10 narrowly oblong lobes. The sturdy canes are covered with brown fibers which fall as the plant ages, revealing the bamboo-like trunks. In summer, small panicles of tiny yellow flowers are borne among the leaves. Lady Palm can withstand temperatures down to 18ºF (-7ºC). Slow-growing and ridiculously easy to grow, Rhapis excelsa is popular as a houseplant, lending a rich tropical look to the home. It is also useful as a foundation plant, in shady borders and quite effective as an accent in a shrub border.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 6-15 ft. tall and wide (180-450 cm). Will spread by rhizome offshoots.
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates close to full shade. Plants grown in direct sun tend to fade to yellow green and burn if not provided adequate moisture. Drought tolerant once established.
• Excellent indoor plant. Plant in a loam-free compost in full light but with protection from strong sun. In the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter.
• No pruning required.
• No serious disease or pest issues. Keep an eye out for mealy bugs, scale and spider mites.
• Propagate by seed sown at not less than 80ºF (27ºC).
• Native from China to Vietnam.