rhapis
( RAY - piss )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of palm, commonly called Lady Palm, includes species which need some shade and regular water to do well in the landscape. These palms are native to China and form clumps of dark green foliage atop Bamboo-like upright stems. Trunks are clothed in fibrous leaf sheaths. Use these plants as privacy screening or hedges, as accents in shady beds, in Asian or Zen gardens, or in containers on patios or walkways.
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rhapis Species and Varietals
The genus Rhapis is a member of the plant family Arecaceae and includes 10 distinct species. These palms are closely related to those in Chamaerops (Mediterranean Dwarf Fan Palm). The best growing zones for Rhapis vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm, Broadleaf Lady Palm, Bamboo Palm, Zōng Zhú, 棕竹, Mật Cật or Hèo Cảnh) This species does best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 12-17, 19-24, H1 and H2. It also makes a wonderful houseplant. These palms are hardy down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and reach 5-12 feet tall and just as wide at maturity. The species is native to northern Vietnam and southern China. |
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Rhapis gracilis (Slender Bamboo Palm, Slender Lady Palm, Miniature lady Palm, Slender Brown Bamboo Palm, Thin Cluster Palm, 细棕竹) This species is native to southern regions of China. Fruits are round, and foliage is fan-like and green. These palms form clusters of upright stems topped with deeply divided fronds, and can reach up to 7 feet tall when mature. Slender Bamboo Palm grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. |
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Rhapis humilis (Rattan Palm, Slender Lady Palm, Reed Rhapis, Dwarf Bamboo Palm, Reed Lady Palm, Dwarf Zongzhu, Short Palm Bamboo, 矮棕竹) This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 16, 17, 20-24, H1 and H2. These palms are hardy down to 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and have tall, slender stems. They are commonly grown as indoor houseplants in cooler climates around the globe, and reach up to between 10 and 20 feet when grown outdoors. Indoors, these palms top out at 3 to 6 feet tall and a little less wide. |
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Rhapis multifida (Finger Palm, Jade Palm, Fingertip Palm, Jade Empress Palm, Multi-Split Ground Bamboo, Multi-Cleft Lady Palm, 多裂棕竹) This species of Lady Palm does best in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11 or Sunset growing zones 20-24, H1 and H2. It is hardy to 28 degrees Fahrenheit and typically reaches 6-8 feet tall and 3 feet wide when grown indoors. Outdoors, these clumping palms can reach up to 15 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. Finger Palms are native to southern and Southeastern China. |
Caring for rhapis
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 6.0 and 6.5). 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. Rhapis palms can survive in the landscape for hundreds of years before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Rhapis 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. When grown indoors, the life span of these plants is a few decades.
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. Rhapis palms can survive in the landscape for hundreds of years before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Rhapis 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. When grown indoors, the life span of these plants is a few decades.
Propagation
Rhapis 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 Rhapis By Offset Division
The easiest way to propagate Rhapis 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 Rhapis By Offset Division
The easiest way to propagate Rhapis 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
Rhapis, or Needle Palms, can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases:
- Scale Insects
- Mealybugs
- Spider Mites
- Root Rot
- Leaf Spot
- Iron Deficiency
Gallery
These palms prefer a sheltered spot in the landscape.
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These palms are popular indoor houseplants outside of their preferred climate range.
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Foliage of Needle Palms is narrow and deeply divided.
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Videos
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 555, Rhapis
