Rhapis excelsa - The Lady Palm

Rhapis, also known commonly as the Lady Palm, can be found in homes and gardens throughout the world. They adapt to a wide range of climates, soils, and environments. This is one reason for their widespread popularity for use indoors.

There are basically four named varieties of Rhapis cultivated and one in particular - Rhapis Excelsa.

Rhapis excelsa “Lady Palm” is the most well-known and widely cultivated species, easily adapting to most interiors and used in both tropical and subtropical landscapes throughout the world. One distinction of Rhapis Excelsa is that it has a multitude of named varieties in green and variegated forms. Many of these named varieties would be considered collector’s items with quite a few of the varieties being selected dwarf types.

The “Lady Palm” can grow to more than 14′ of height with clumps reaching enormous width, often having a diameter as wide as their height.

Large thick leaves with blunt tips have wide segments, giving Rhapis excelsa its occasional name “broadleaf lady palm”. The sturdy canes are covered with coarse, dark brown fiber. This species tolerates tropical and subtropical temperatures from 20 to 100 degrees F and can handle both humid and dry climates. It is a prolific producer of rhizome offshoots which adds fullness and provides an easy method to increase numbers by division. In addition, seed is occasionally available.

Growth Rates

The growth rates of Rhapis excelsa vary with culture and environment. In commercial production the Lady Palm usually grows 8″ to 12″ in height per year. When Rhapis are grown indoors as houseplants, the growth rate decreases considerably. Find a plant that fits an area indoors and you won’t have to worry about the Rhapis outgrowing its space and it can work as a natural air cleaner.

Generally speaking growers would classify Rhapis as being slow growers. A typical 6 - 8" potted plant has been growing in the nursery for minimum of 2 years. It is not unusual for the larger sizes to be nursery grown for 4 - 7 years. This is one of he reasons that you will find Rhapis more expensive then other palms in the stores. Believe me, they are worth the expense.

You will find two styles of “Lady Palms” in your nurseries and garden centers. One I would call a “butterball”. These plants have been grown from seed, have a lot of canes and a 3-4′ plant can be 3-3 1/2′ wide. They are full of leaves from top to bottom and you will usually find these in pot sizes from 6″ up to 14″. The other style is a more upright and open plant. These plants have been dug from the field and are thinner in appearance but have more height. You will usually find these in pot sizes from 14" up to 28" and heights ranging from 5 - 14′. They are more of a specimen plant with each one having a different look.

Rhapis are some of the easiest palms to grow, but each species has its own particular environment and culture requirements. This makes Rhapis very versatile. Both 6″ and 8″ pots can be used as table top and accent plants, while 10″ and up are free standing specimens. Wherever you may live, Rhapis is one plant that will thrive in your house or landscape.

Related Articles

• Indoor Palms Like Rhapis, Kentia, Chamaedorea All Add A Tropical Look To Homes - Learn care basics like feeding the best Indoor Palms used as houseplants. Big upright palms, small table top palms, tough varieties, and ones you should stay away from - if you’re planning on using them as houseplants. Indoor palms can experience some pest problems but a safe natural pest control option is the way to
• Chamaedorea Metallica - Metal Palm Tree - A Tough Small Palm - Palms are generally thought to be these great towering plants we can tie our hammock to and watch the sunset. There are also many small palms and a few that can fit very nicely indoors along with cleaning the air. We’ve looked at Chamaedorea elegans ‘Bella’ also called the Neanthe Bella palm. Let’s look at another