How to Grow and Care for Broadleaf Lady Palms
Broadleaf Lady Palms, also known as Rhapis excelsa, are like the cool, calm cousins of the plant world. With their elegant, fan-shaped leaves and easygoing nature, they make the perfect addition to any home. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or a newbie just getting your hands dirty, these plants are sure to bring a touch of tranquility and style to your space. In this article, we’ll chat about everything you need to know to grow and care for Broadleaf Lady Palms. From choosing the right spot in your home to dealing with pesky pests, we’ve got you covered. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s get those green thumbs working!
Choosing the Perfect Spot
Finding the ideal location for your Broadleaf Lady Palm is key to keeping it happy and healthy. These plants thrive in indirect sunlight, making them perfect for those spots in your home that get bright, filtered light. Think east or north-facing windows where they can soak up the light without getting scorched. If your home is on the darker side, don’t worry! Lady Palms are quite forgiving and can tolerate lower light conditions. However, they might grow a bit slower, so be patient as they adjust to their surroundings. On the flip side, avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can lead to sunburned leaves. Ouch! Temperature wise, these palms are happiest in a range of 60-80°F. They’re not fans of drafts, so keep them away from air conditioning vents or open windows during chilly months. And while they love humidity, they’re quite adaptable to typical indoor conditions. However, if you notice brown tips, it might be time to boost the humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.
Potting and Soil Essentials
When it comes to potting your Lady Palm, think “roomy but not too roomy.” Select a pot that’s just one or two inches larger than the current root ball, which gives the roots space to grow but prevents overwatering issues. Make sure the pot has drainage holes—no one likes soggy feet, not even plants! The right soil mix is crucial for these palms. They prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic mix. You can create your own by combining potting soil with a bit of sand and perlite, or opt for a high-quality store-bought mix designed for palms or cacti. The goal is to mimic their natural habitat, allowing water to flow through while retaining enough moisture for those roots to stay hydrated. If you’re repotting, be gentle with the roots. They can be a bit finicky, so take care to avoid damaging them. A good rule of thumb is to repot every two to three years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Keep an eye out for roots poking out of the bottom of the pot—that’s their way of saying, “Hey, I need more space!”
Watering Wisely
Watering is where things can get a bit tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll have it down in no time. Broadleaf Lady Palms prefer to dry out a bit between waterings, so let the top inch of soil dry before giving them a drink. It’s better to underwater than overwater, as these palms are susceptible to root rot. A good method is to stick your finger into the soil to check for moisture. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. When you do water, make sure to do so thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. This helps prevent the dreaded root rot and ensures the entire root ball gets a drink. During the growing season (spring and summer), you might find they need more frequent watering. In contrast, their water needs decrease in the cooler months, so adjust your routine accordingly. And remember, every home is different, so pay attention to the signs your plant is giving you.
Feeding Your Palm
Like all living things, Broadleaf Lady Palms appreciate a good meal now and then. During the growing season, feeding them once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can help promote healthy growth. Look for a fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants or palms, and avoid anything too heavy in nitrogen. It’s tempting to overfeed in hopes of faster growth, but more isn’t always better. Too much fertilizer can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can damage the roots. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and use a diluted solution. Less is more in this case! In the fall and winter, your palm will enter a period of rest, so you can cut back on feeding. Just like us, they need a break from time to time, so let them recharge without any extra nutrients during these months.
Dealing with Pests
Even the most well-cared-for plants can fall prey to pests. For Broadleaf Lady Palms, the usual suspects include spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. But don’t fret—catching them early and taking action can save your plant from a full-blown infestation. Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of trouble. Look for tiny webs, sticky residue, or white, cotton-like fluff on the leaves and stems. If you spot any of these, it’s time to act! A gentle wipe with a damp cloth can remove many pests, or you can use a solution of water and mild soap to wash them away. For stubborn infestations, consider using an insecticidal soap or neem oil. These are effective yet gentle options that won’t harm your plant. Apply as directed, and keep an eye on your palm to ensure the pests don’t make a comeback.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning might sound intimidating, but it’s an essential part of keeping your Lady Palm looking its best. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape, encourages new growth, and can even prevent disease. Start by removing any brown or yellow leaves. These are usually older leaves that have run their course. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Cut as close to the base as possible without harming the healthy parts of the plant. While you’re at it, check for any dead or damaged fronds that might need removing. This not only improves the plant’s appearance but also allows it to focus its energy on healthy growth. Remember, a little trim here and there can make a big difference!
Designing with Lady Palms
Now that you’re a pro at caring for your Broadleaf Lady Palm, it’s time to think about how it fits into your home decor. These palms are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of styles, from modern minimalism to cozy bohemian vibes. Consider placing your palm in a decorative basket or a sleek, modern pot to make it a focal point in the room. They look stunning in living rooms, bedrooms, or even bathrooms, where they can enjoy the humidity. To create a lush, layered look, group your palm with other houseplants of varying heights and textures. This not only adds visual interest but also mimics their natural environment. And don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through—choose pots and accessories that reflect your style!
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Brown tips: This could be due to low humidity or over-fertilization. Try increasing humidity or adjusting your feeding routine.
- Yellow leaves: Often a sign of overwatering. Check your watering schedule and ensure proper drainage.
- Slow growth: Could be related to low light or nutrient deficiency. Consider moving your plant to a brighter spot or adjusting your feeding.
Remember, no one gets it right every time, so don’t stress over a few hiccups. With patience and observation, you’ll learn what works best for your plant.
Final Thoughts
Growing and caring for Broadleaf Lady Palms can be a rewarding experience, bringing a touch of elegance and greenery into your home. From understanding their light and water needs to tackling pests with confidence, you’re now equipped to make your palm thrive.
At Cafe Planta, we love sharing our passion for plants with you. Whether you’re looking for new houseplants, plant care accessories, or even a fun plant-themed t-shirt, we’re here to help. If you have any questions or just want to chat about plants, feel free to email us or send us a DM on Instagram. Let’s grow together!
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Broadleaf lady palms are tough indoor plants, easy to grow in the average home. Kevin Espiritu explains everything you need to know to keep Rhapis excelsa happy.
Written by Kevin Espiritu Horticulture review by Sarah Jay Last updated: April 19, 2024 | 6 min read
Lady palms (also broadleaf lady palm or bamboo palm) are a strange species of fan palms that actually don’t exist in the wild. They were created by Chinese cultivators, with the species name Rhapis excelsa.
They’re exceptionally good houseplants, great for adding a tropical touch to your interiors. They’re also easy to care for and safe to keep around pets and children, making them ideal for gardening beginners with families.
These plants can be a little fussy in the wrong conditions. Find out how to keep them happy in your home with this guide.
Overview
Plant Type Houseplant
Family Arecaceae
Genus Rhapis
Species Rhapis excelsa
Exposure Bright indirect light
Height 14′ outdoors
Watering Requirements Moderate
Maintenance Moderate
Soil Type Houseplant mix
What is a Lady Palm?
Lady palms come from China and are some of the easiest palms to grow. Scientifically known as Rhapis excelsa, these plants first gained popularity in Japanese palaces, spreading through Europe and America in the 1770s and 1850s respectively.
Lady palms can reach as high as 14 feet and have palm fronds 6 to 12 inches across. They have a moderate growth rate, growing around a foot in height each year in the ideal subtropical temperatures. If grown indoors, the growth rate is a bit slower.
There are many different types of broadleaf lady palm, usually split into two main groups: green and variegated. A few are so rare that they’re considered collectible.
Standard bamboo palms are relatively easy to find and great for filling corners, particularly if you purchase a larger plant from the start.
Perhaps the most popular variegated Rhapis excelsa is ‘Zuikonishiki’. Despite its unique look, it’s not majorly difficult to grow. Variegated types should be grown in cooler temperatures and out of direct sunlight to prevent burning or discoloration.
Planting
Lady palms are shade plants that appreciate higher temperatures, which is why they are usually grown as houseplants.
If planted outside, lady palms attract many kinds of tropical butterflies and can even serve as a home to nesting birds. But since they don’t tolerate cold well, only those in USDA Zones 9 and above should consider planting outdoors. You can also keep them protected in a greenhouse.
Your lady palm will likely be happy in the container it came in for a few months, or at least until it has adapted to the conditions inside your home. If it appears rootbound or you want to switch to a more decorative container, repotting is required.
Choose a container one or two sizes up from the current one. Don’t choose a container much larger than the original, as this can stunt growth rather than boost it. Plant in a soil mix with a similar texture, or a specialized houseplant mix designed to improve drainage.
Tease the roots before transferring the plant to the new container to encourage them to grow outwards. Fill in any gaps with soil and press around the base to settle any air pockets. Water immediately and place the pot back in its original home.
How to Grow
Lady palms are relatively low-maintenance, but need to be placed in the right environment to avoid a few common growing problems.
Light
Lady palms can handle direct sun when slowly introduced to full sunlight over time. However, the ideal conditions that match their native habitats are bright indirect sunlight. This is found in areas close to bright windows but just out of the path of the direct sun.
To boost growth, you can also provide some gentle morning sun. Keep your lady palm out of direct afternoon sun, as this harsh light can scorch the leaves and lead to discoloration.
If you move it to a sunnier spot suddenly, the leaves will likely turn yellow and their tips might burn. However, if you allow the plant to acclimate slowly over time, the burning will go away as the plant adjusts to the increased amount of light.
Water
Lady palms prefer soil that is constantly moist. Their thin leaves wilt quickly when they don’t have enough moisture. Keep an eye on the soil and water when the top inch or two has dried out, depending on the size of your container.
Avoid overwatering your palm, as standing water in the soil will promote root rot. It can tolerate minor dry periods, but it’s best to check the soil often to prevent discoloration.
Soil
Lady palms will adjust to different soil types well outdoors. But when confined to a container, the soil mix should drain well to prevent any risk of root rot.
Most houseplant soil mixes are suitable for lady palms kept as indoor plants. These contain amendments to retain some moisture while draining quickly. You can also make your own by amending regular potting soil with perlite and coconut coir.
If you’re keeping your container outdoors on a patio or in a greenhouse, the soil will dry out slightly quicker. You can still add perlite to the mix to improve drainage but use slightly less than you would when potting indoors to stop the soil from drying out too quickly.
Temperature & Humidity
Lady palms grow best in tropical conditions and don’t tolerate cold well. Luckily, keeping them as houseplants provides protection from sudden temperature dips. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 45°F (7°C) for extended periods, as this can damage the leaves and stunt growth.
Higher humidity levels (around 50% and higher) will keep the leaves lush and green. In drier conditions, you may notice the edges of the fronds turning brown. In that case, move the plant to an area with higher humidity or invest in a humidifier.
Fertilizing
When planted in high-quality soil and repotted regularly, you don’t need to worry about feeding your lady palm often.
You can give it a boost with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season if needed, but these plants are highly sensitive to overfertilizing. You’ll do far more damage feeding too much than you would not feeding at all.
Maintenance
Keep the plant thinned by removing any leaves that have become discolored or dried out. This will aid in ventilation, preventing the risk of disease. If new growth is brown or dead, the entire plant should be cut back to the soil and repotted to encourage new growth.
Repot every few years to refresh the soil or when the palm outgrows its current container. Follow the same steps in the Planting section, choosing a slightly larger container and a fresh soil mix.
Propagation
Lady palms are commonly propagated by division. They produce so many roots that dividing the rhizomes after a few years of growth is not only easy, but it can be beneficial for growth too.
Wait until the root system has become root-bound before dividing to tackle two tasks in one. Divide the roots into two or three sections and replant them into new containers. Don’t worry about damaging a few roots in the process. They will grow back.
Propagation from seed is not recommended unless you’re an experienced gardener with a lot of patience. It takes around seven years before a propagated lady palm will reach the sizes you see in nurseries.
Common Problems
Lady palms are not difficult plants. However, there are a few key problems to watch out for to ensure your plants stay healthy.
Yellow Leaves
The most likely culprit is too much light. Lady palms will acclimate to a lot of light, but they react by turning yellow. This could also be caused by incorrect watering. Check the soil and if that isn’t the problem, move the plant to a shadier spot.
Wilting
Typically caused by underwatering. Lady palms like well-draining soil that is constantly moist (but not soaked).
If you’re already following these watering guidelines, then the plant may have outgrown the pot or container it’s planted in. Only repot if you’re sure the plant needs it, as repotting when the plant is stressed can exacerbate problems.
Pests
Scale insects are the nastiest pests that may attack your lady palm. It can be hard to see them, as they love hiding underneath the leaves of your lady palm, near the base of each leaf. To get rid of them, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply a light mist of either in intervals of seven to ten days.
Spider mites are hated by gardeners as they are tough to spot and cause plenty of damage. To get rid of them, use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to immediately kill them. Be sure to inspect your plant fully. Wipe down the entire plant if necessary.
Diseases
Rhapis excelsa is susceptible to root rot. The following pathogens can infect your lady palm’s root system and cause the plant to die:
- Fusarium
- Pythium
- Rhizoctonia
- Penicillium (also known as pink rot)
The best way to prevent these pathogens from destroying your plant is to watch for the signs of root rot and treat liberally with a fungicide specifically designed to combat root diseases. Also watch your watering and don’t let the container sit in standing water.
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