Rhapis excelsa aka Large Lady Palm
Taxonomy
Rhapis excelsa, commonly known as broadleaf lady palm or bamboo palm, is an evergreen fan palm native to Southern China and Taiwan, cultivated for its low light and humidity requirements and beautiful addition to any decor. It is not known in the wild, and the genus name is Greek - rhapis, meaning "needle"; the species name is Latin for "tall". It is a slow growing palm with large shiny dark green fronds with blunt tips, multiple sturdy stems, and is quite pricey but well worth it in the end. It needs indirect light, withstands deep shade, has low humidity requirements and is good to use near doors because of its cool air tolerance in winter. Lady palms are relatively disease resistant, however leaf spot diseases can sometimes be seen on them.
Common names
Large Lady Palm, Bamboo Palm, Fern Rhapis, Broadleaf Lady Palm, BreguHow to care for Large Lady Palm
Difficulty
Caring for Large Lady Palm is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Large Lady Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Large Lady Palm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Large Lady Palm prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Large Lady Palm as it grows vertically.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Rhapis Genus
