How to Grow Rhapis Excelsa - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Rhapis excelsa is a species of fan palm native to southern China and Taiwan. It is one of the most widely cultivated palms in the world. It is a slow-growing palm that can reach up to 6 m in height. It has deeply divided leaves that are up to 1 m in length. The leaf blades are dark green and are covered with black spots. The flowers are small and white, and they are borne in clusters at the base of the leaf blades. The fruit is a small, black drupe.

How to Grow Rhapis Excelsa - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Bamboo palm
  • Cane palm
  • Dwarf Lady palm
  • Parlor palm
  • Table palm

Basic info

  • Rhapis excelsa is an evergreen palm that is native to southern China and Taiwan.
  • It is also known as the fan palm, Chinese fan palm, and broadleaf lady palm.
  • Rhapis excelsa can grow up to 12 meters tall.
  • The leaves of Rhapis excelsa are palmate and can reach up to 1 meter in width.
  • The leafstalks are armed with black spines.
  • The flowers of Rhapis excelsa are small and white, and are borne in clusters.
  • The fruit of Rhapis excelsa is a small, black drupe.
  • Rhapis excelsa is grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world as an ornamental plant.
  • It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • Rhapis excelsa is considered to be an invasive species in some areas.

Planting Process

  1. For rhapis excelsa, first step is to find a place in the garden that is sunny or has partial shade.
  2. The second step is to dig a hole that is twice the size of the pot that the rhapis excelsa is currently in.
  3. After that, put the rhapis excelsa in the hole and fill the hole with soil.
  4. water the plant deeply and regularly.
  5. Fertilize the plant every month during the growing season.
  6. Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  7. During the winter, bring the plant indoors to protect it from the cold weather.
  8. In the spring, transplant the plant into a larger pot.
  9. Divide the plant every few years to keep it healthy.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful rhapis excelsa!

Related plant:
Rhapis Palm

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Rhapis excelsa grows in a variety of soils, from sandy to clayey, as long as the soil is well-drained. It is not particular about soil pH, tolerating both acid and alkaline soils. In the wild, it is often found growing in swampy areas.

Light condition

Not too different with other plants, the Rhapis excelsa needs sunlight to grow. However, this plant is unique in that it can also thrive in low-light conditions. This makes it an ideal plant for indoor spaces that don't get a lot of sun. If you are growing a Rhapis excelsa indoors, be sure to place it in a spot that gets some indirect sunlight each day.

The Temperature

The temperature condition rhapis excelsa is a tropical plant that requires warm weather to thrive. In its native habitat, it typically grows in regions where the average temperature is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can also tolerate brief periods of cooler weather, as long as it is not exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time. When grown in cooler climates, it may not flower as abundantly as it would in its native habitat.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%-70%. The rhapis excelsa, or lady palm, is a species of palm native to southern China and Taiwan. It is a popular houseplant in temperate regions, and is known for its ability to tolerate low light and low humidity conditions. However, the plant will thrive and produce more beautiful foliage if given proper care, including regular misting and placement in a humid environment.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this family of plant is generally not heavy feeders and too much fertilizer will cause the leaves to yellow and drop off. A good rule of thumb is to apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season, and reduce or eliminate fertilizer during the winter months. When it comes to watering, the Rhapis excelsa prefers to have moist, but not soggy, soil. Allow the topsoil to dry out between watering, and then water deeply.

About light

Pruning your Rhapis excelsa is a critical part of plant care. This tropical plant can grow up to 12 feet tall, making it a real statement piece in any home. But if not pruned properly, it can quickly become overgrown and unruly. Pruning not only keeps your plant looking its best, but it also helps to encourage new growth. To prune your Rhapis excelsa, start by removing any dead or dying leaves. Next, trim back any long, straggly leaves. Finally, cut back any leaves that are crowding or shading other leaves. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears. This will help to prevent damage to the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Rhapis excelsa is typically done via rhizome or stem cuttings. Rhizome cuttings are taken from the creeping rootstocks that can be found growing just below the soil surface. Stem cuttings are taken from the canes of the plant. Both types of cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Cuttings should be taken in the early spring or late summer. Rhizome cuttings should be taken from the creeping rootstocks that can be found growing just below the soil surface. The rootstocks should be healthy and disease-free. Cuttings should be taken in the early spring or late summer. Stem cuttings should be taken from the canes of the plant. The canes should be healthy and disease-free. Cuttings should be taken in the early spring or late summer.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate at a moderate rate when they are young. However, their growth rates will decrease as they age. In the wild, these plants can live for up to 100 years. However, in cultivation, they typically only live for around 20 years.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are leaf spot and crown rot. These problems are usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent these problems, water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch and make sure the pot has good drainage. If the plant already has leaf spot or crown rot, remove any affected leaves or stems and make sure to not overwater the plant.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to keep your plants in a shady spot.
  • Rhapis excelsa can grow to be quite large, so make sure you have enough space for them.
  • These plants like to be kept moist, so don't forget to water them regularly.
  • Feed your rhapis excelsa plants with a good quality fertilizer monthly.
  • To encourage fuller growth, pinch back the tips of the leaves periodically.
  • If you live in a cold climate, you will need to bring your plants indoors for the winter.
  • When repotting, be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
  • Rhapis excelsa plants can be susceptible to mealybugs, so be on the lookout for these pests.
  • To keep your plants looking their best, trim off any yellow or brown leaves as they occur.
  • With proper care, your rhapis excelsa plants can last for

Similar Plants

  • Rhamnus excelsa (v) excelsa, excelsa rhamnus
  • Scleropogon excelsus (v) excelsus scleropogon
  • Saccharum excelsum (v) excelsum saccharum
  • Stellaria excelsa (v) excelsa stellaria
  • Myrosmodes excelsa (v) excelsa myrosmodes
  • Hypericum excelsa (v) excelsa hypericum
  • Dichelostemma excelsa (v) excelsa dichelostemma
  • Psychotria excelsa (v) excelsa psychotria
  • Asplenium excelsum (v) excelsum asplenium
  • Agrostis excelsa (v) excelsa agrostis

Source:
UNF - UNF Landscape - Rhapis excelsa - Lady palm
Rhapis excelsa information from the Global Compendium of …
Rhapis excelsa ARECACEAE - APSA - ANU

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