Rhapidophyllum
( rap - ih - doe - FILL - um )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Needle Palms, these trees do well in sun or shade and take moderate to ample water to perform well in the garden. They grow in dense, suckering clumps that slowly spread. These are hardy palms, able to take temperatures down to below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and typically reach between 6 and 8 feet tall and just as wide at maturity. Foliage is deep green and deeply divided. The common name for these trees refers to the black spines present towards the base of each leafstalk and on seeds. Use Needle Palms in the garden as bold textural accents, foundation plantings, as a security barrier, or simply as understory foliage. Take care when planting these palms in the garden, as their sharp spines can be physically dangerous to people and pets.
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Rhapidophullum hystrix is the sole species in its genus, which is a member of the plant family Arecaceae. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Jubaea (Chilean Wine Palm), Pritchardia (Fan Palm), Syagrus (Queen Palm) and Phoenix (Date Palm). Needle Palms grow well in USDA hardiness zones 6a-10b or Sunset growing zones 4-24 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).
Caring for rhapidophyllum
Take care when planting these palms in the garden, as their sharp spines can be physically dangerous to people and pets.
These trees should be planted in a place where they will receive full to partial sun. In climates that experience a lot of heat and intense sun, they will appreciate at least some late afternoon shade. In milder climates, it is more common to see them planted in full sun, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sun each day. Ensure that soil is well-draining and acidic to slightly alkaline (with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.8). If local soils are particularly heavy, make sure to amend the planting site with plenty of organic material, perlite and/or sand. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the planting area to increase soil moisture retention, maintain constant soil temperatures and suppress weed growth. Make sure that the mulch does not touch the trunk itself. Water newly installed trees regularly (daily for the first two weeks in the ground, and then lessened) as they establish a strong root system. Mature trees should also receive regular waterings. As a rule of thumb, irrigate when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Occasionally prune trees to remove dead palm fronds, taking care to not do any damage to the trunk. These palms can grow to be quite tall, so a professional tree maintenance service may be required to maintain safety in the garden. In climates with cool, dry winters, these palms are best grown in containers. This way, they can be brought indoors or into a greenhouse or other protected area over the cooler months of the year. Rhapidophyllum palms can survive in the landscape for hundreds of years before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Rhapidophyllum Indoors
Place your palm in a spot in the home that gets as much light as possible. The ideal exposure for these palms is at least six hours of direct sun each day. Keep palms away from drafty areas; they prefer humid conditions and will not perform well indoors if they are exposed to too much cooling air, for example from a window or ventilation system. To increase humidity around the indoor palm, use a spray bottle to spritz it every once in a while. Ensure that soil is well-draining and amended with plenty of perlite, and that the container has adequate drainage holes on the bottom. Water regularly; irrigate whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. To increase soil moisture retention and regulate soil temperature, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant in its pot, being sure to not allow the mulch to actually touch the trunk itself. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
These trees should be planted in a place where they will receive full to partial sun. In climates that experience a lot of heat and intense sun, they will appreciate at least some late afternoon shade. In milder climates, it is more common to see them planted in full sun, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sun each day. Ensure that soil is well-draining and acidic to slightly alkaline (with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.8). If local soils are particularly heavy, make sure to amend the planting site with plenty of organic material, perlite and/or sand. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the planting area to increase soil moisture retention, maintain constant soil temperatures and suppress weed growth. Make sure that the mulch does not touch the trunk itself. Water newly installed trees regularly (daily for the first two weeks in the ground, and then lessened) as they establish a strong root system. Mature trees should also receive regular waterings. As a rule of thumb, irrigate when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Occasionally prune trees to remove dead palm fronds, taking care to not do any damage to the trunk. These palms can grow to be quite tall, so a professional tree maintenance service may be required to maintain safety in the garden. In climates with cool, dry winters, these palms are best grown in containers. This way, they can be brought indoors or into a greenhouse or other protected area over the cooler months of the year. Rhapidophyllum palms can survive in the landscape for hundreds of years before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Rhapidophyllum Indoors
Place your palm in a spot in the home that gets as much light as possible. The ideal exposure for these palms is at least six hours of direct sun each day. Keep palms away from drafty areas; they prefer humid conditions and will not perform well indoors if they are exposed to too much cooling air, for example from a window or ventilation system. To increase humidity around the indoor palm, use a spray bottle to spritz it every once in a while. Ensure that soil is well-draining and amended with plenty of perlite, and that the container has adequate drainage holes on the bottom. Water regularly; irrigate whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. To increase soil moisture retention and regulate soil temperature, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant in its pot, being sure to not allow the mulch to actually touch the trunk itself. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
Propagation
Rhapidophyllum palms are best propagated by division, or separation of basal offsets from a parent plant. To propagate your Needle Palm, follow the instructions below:
Propagation of Rhapidophyllum By Offset Division
The easiest way to propagate Rhapidophyllum palms is by removing offsets and replanting them. Offsets are best propagated after they've had adequate time to grow alongside their mother plant. The larger the offset, the more likely it will be able to make it on its own. To propagate your plant by offset division, grab a clean blade, trowel and a pot filled with soil half amended with gritty sand. Once you've gathered your materials, follow these steps:
Propagation of Rhapidophyllum By Offset Division
The easiest way to propagate Rhapidophyllum palms is by removing offsets and replanting them. Offsets are best propagated after they've had adequate time to grow alongside their mother plant. The larger the offset, the more likely it will be able to make it on its own. To propagate your plant by offset division, grab a clean blade, trowel and a pot filled with soil half amended with gritty sand. Once you've gathered your materials, follow these steps:
- Loosen the soil around the bottom of your plant where the pup has formed and locate the root that is connecting it to the parent plant. Cut the attachment with a sharp trowel. Take care to not cut off any of the other roots that are coming out of your offset.
- Gently dig up the offset, keeping as many roots attached as possible. Plant in a pot filled with potting mix and lightly moisten the soil, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the container in an area that receives bright light and stays relatively warm.
- Water every time the top inch or two of soil dry out, but don't saturate the soil. After a few weeks of this watering schedule, the offset should be ready to be planted outside in its permanent home. Then, follow the regular care instructions.
Problems and Pests
Rhapidophyllum, or Needle Palm, trees can have issues with the following pests and diseases:
- Mealybugs
- Scale Insects
- Palm Leaf Skeletonizer
- Spider Mites
- Ganoderma Butt Rot
- Root Rot
- Crown Rot
Gallery
Needle Palm foliage is deeply divided.
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These palms are naturally understory trees, and prefer partial shade to full sun.
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These palms can be grown in containers or in the ground.
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Videos
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Check out the variety of cultivars available in this species.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 555, Rhapidophyllum hystrix
