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Fan Tufted Palm Rhapis excelsa

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Rhapis flabelliformis
Phonetic Spelling
RAY-pis ek-SEL-suh
Description

Lady palm is a tropical, evergreen, rhizomatous perennial in the palm family (Arecaceae). The species is native to southern China and Vietnam, where it grows in the understory of wet forests. The genus name is from the Greek for “rod,” presumably alluding to the stems that have been used for walking sticks. The species epithet means “tall,” as this is one of the taller species in the genus.

As an indoor plant, it needs indirect light, withstands deep shade and has low humidity requirements.  It needs well-drained potting soil and regular watering except in the winter when watering can be reduced. It is a good specimen to use near doors because of its tolerance to periodic drafts of winter cold. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Interior plants rarely produce flowers, and the inconspicuous flowers are not likely to be noticed. Plants can be propagated by division of the rhizome.

Lady palms are clustering palms that produce individual stems along underground rhizomes. When planted in the ground, the stems are not produced in a tight cluster, giving the impression of a copse of small palms. The fiber-covered stems are slender and support a crown of several palmately compound leaves.

This is an easy-to-grow houseplant that is also popular in commercial interiorscapes. Potted specimens will happily spend their summers outside, in a shady spot on the patio. They must be brought when the temperature threatens to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as they are tender, tropical palms.

Quick ID

  • Leaves are palmately divided; usually 5 to 7 segments.
  • Apices of the leaflets truncate, looking shredded.
  • Each leaf segment has several folds or plications.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Lady palms are relatively disease resistant, but mild leaf spot diseases can sometimes be seen on them. These palms are susceptible to several insect pests, such as mites, mealybugs, and scales, especially under interiorscape conditions.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#drought tolerant#interiorscape#palm#winter interest#cycad#fantz#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#heavy shade tolerant#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#drought tolerant#interiorscape#palm#winter interest#cycad#fantz#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#heavy shade tolerant#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Rhapis
    Species:
    excelsa
    Family:
    Arecaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China and Vietnam
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    White
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    The ripe fruit is fleshy, oval, and white.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Panicles of tiny, yellow bowl-shaped flowers in spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are palmately dissected, 3-10 segments; segments several-fold, apices truncate and toothed; petiole at least as long as blade.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems are clumped, slender, reed-like; covered in coarse dark fibers.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Heavy Shade
    Humidity