Rhapis palm is a species of fan palm (Arecaceae subfamily Coryphoideae, tribe Trachycarpeae) in the genus Rhapis, probably native to southern China and Taiwan. It is one of the most widely cultivated palms in the world and has long been planted in Chinese temple gardens and Japanese gardens. It is also known as the "lady palm", "fan lady palm", or simply "fan palm".
Related plant:
Rhapis Excelsa
About soil condition, the rhapis palm prefers rich, loamy soil that is well-drained but moist. The plant does not tolerate long periods of drought nor excessive moisture. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will brown and drop off. If the soil is too wet, the plant may develop root rot.
Just like other plants, the Rhapis palm enjoys basking in the sun. It's optimal sun exposure is 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day, but can tolerate lower levels if its leaves are being burned by the sun. If you notice the leaves of your Rhapis turning yellow, it's likely getting too much sun.
The temperature condition that is ideal for the rhapis palm is one that is warm and humid. This palm does not do well in areas that have a lot of direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch. Rhapis palms require a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and they prefer an environment that is moist and has high humidity. If you live in an area that meets these conditions, then the rhapis palm would make a great addition to your home.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and crisp. If the humidity rises above 60%, the leaves will start to yellow.
For the fertilizer, this family of plant generally needs a lot of nitrogen and potassium. They are heavy feeders and the sooner you start fertilizing the better. I like to use a water-soluble fertilizer for the rhapis palm. You can find this type of fertilizer at most garden stores. The root system of most palms is not very deep, so you don't need to worry about digging a large hole. Just make sure the hole is big enough to accommodate the root ball.
Pruning documents. The Rhapis palm is a beautiful, stately plant that adds an elegant touch to any indoor setting. Though it is relatively low-maintenance, this plant does need to be pruned on occasion to remove dead or yellowing leaves. Pruning also encourages new growth, which keeps the plant looking its best. When pruning your Rhapis palm, be sure to use sharp, clean shears. Make cuts at an angle, just above a node (the point where leaves emerge from the stem). Remove any leaves that are brown or yellow, as well as any that are excessively long or drooping. It's okay to prune back quite a bit - this plant is very resilient and will quickly bounce back.
Propagation of Rhapis palms is best accomplished by division of the clumps. This is best done when the palms are actively growing, typically in spring. Each clump should be divided into 3-5 sections, making sure that each section has several healthy leaves. The sections can then be planted in moist, well-draining soil. Once planted, keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide bright, indirect light. Rhapis palms are slow growers, so be patient when waiting for new growth.
Usually, the plant growth rate will be determined by the amount of light it receives. In general, higher light levels will promote faster growth, while lower light levels will result in slower growth. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it is always best to consult with a professional before making any changes to your plant's light exposure.
Common problems for this kind of plant are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. All of these pests can be controlled with a Diazinon or Malathion pesticide. If the plant is infested with mealybugs, it is best to remove them by hand.
Source:
UNF - UNF Landscape - Rhapis excelsa - Lady palm
Palm, Rhapis Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
Lady Palm, Bamboo Palm, Lady Finger Palm - Texas A&M University
