Common
name: "Lady Palm" or " Minature Fan
Palm"
Latin name: Rhapis excelsa - synomyn Rhapis
flabelliformis
Native
to: South China
Growth habit: An upright columnar palm usually not
over 8 feet in height and 6 foot in width.
Flowers: No
Temps: Normal indoor temps
Humidity: Not critical. Pests: Watch for spider
mites.
Lighting:
Pictured
Houseplant: 10" Lady Palm
Houseplant
Cultural
information: Rhapis excelsa is a slow growing palm that
is well suited to life indoors. They are usually found in high end
installations such as hotel lobbies, airports and malls.
"Lady Palms" are fairly diverse in where they can be
placed in the home or office. They will grow in bright filtered
light down to direct artificial light only. Water usage will
depend on interior temperatures and lighting. In a bright, warm
environment your Rhapis will need water once or twice per week. In
low light water once a week at the most. Allow the surface of the
soil to dry down about one inch... then water until a small amount
runs into the drip tray. Never allow your plant to get
"bone" dry or wilt. Feed bi-monthly with a balanced
plant food such as Peter's Plant Food. Propagation is difficult.
Rhapis excelsa palms are available in nearly any container size from
small 6" starter plants to 8 foot tall specimens.
