Rhapis excelsa
Lady palm, Ground rattan, Miniature fan palm, China cane, Partride cane, Bamboo palm
Also known as Chamaerops excelsa, Rhapis flabelliformis, Chamaerops excelsa Thunb.
- Height × spread
- 3.3m × 3.3m
- Position
- Part shade
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This palm has never been found growing wild and is only known through cultivated stock. It is a clump forming palm with slender stems covered in dark brown fibres when young. The large leaves are held on long slender stems, big fans divided into a whorl of spoke like glossy-green segments. It has small clusters of cream flowers and greenish fruits. This plant is highly architectural and, to maximize its effect, it is best to carefully remove some stems and leaves. This small palm can be grown indoors in a bright spot away from direct sun. It is happy in any reasonable compost that isn't too alkaline or acidic. It is not drought tolerant and should be watered regularly. It is a slow growing form, likely to reach a maximum of 3.3m height and spread, though often only achieving 2m (7ft). There are many dwarf cultivars.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 3.3m
- Spread
- 3.3m
- Height in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Mediterranean garden, Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade, likes light shade, tolerates dense shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Dry and shady soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 10C minimum temperature
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant food monthly
Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water moderately in winter
Water moderately.
Give a small amount of water so that the plant doesn't become flaccid (leaves lose their firmness and may droop or look lifeless), or dessicated, but do not saturate the compost or leave it standing in water.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Houseplant compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality house plant compost.
Indoor temperature · Planting
10C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.