Lady Palm

Rhapis excelsaAlso known as: Broadleaf Lady Palm, Bamboo Palm, Miniature Fan Palm

The Lady Palm is a refined, slow-growing palm with glossy, fan-shaped leaves divided into finger-like segments. Native to China and Taiwan, it's been cultivated for centuries and is prized for its elegant appearance and exceptional tolerance of indoor conditions. It grows 4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 m) indoors with multiple stems.

Easy Care

Low to Medium Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Low to Medium Light

Temperature Range
50-80°F (10-27°C)

Ideal Temp
68°F (20°C)

Pet Safe

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. While it's safe to have around pets, ingestion of any plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 7-10 days, keep soil evenly moist
Summer	Every 5-7 days
Fall	Every 7-10 days
Winter	Every 10-14 days, slightly drier

Prefers consistent moisture but tolerates some drying. Avoid waterlogged soil.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Weekly
Summer	2-3 times per week
Fall	Weekly
Winter	Weekly

Tolerates average humidity but benefits from occasional misting.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer
Summer	Monthly
Fall	Every 6-8 weeks
Winter	No fertilizing

Light feeder - avoid over-fertilizing.

Pruning

Frequency: Remove dead fronds and thin crowded stems

Best Season: Spring

Cut dead fronds at base. Can remove outer stems to control spread.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 3-5 years

Best Season: Spring

Very slow grower - rarely needs repotting. Use well-draining potting mix.

Propagation Methods

Division of clumps
Seed propagation (very slow)

Common Problems

Brown leaf tips: Low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer salts
Yellow leaves: Overwatering or lack of nutrients
Scale insects: Check stems and undersides of leaves regularly
Slow growth: Normal - one of the slowest indoor palms

Pro Tips

One of the most adaptable palms for indoor conditions
Pet-safe for homes with cats and dogs
Excellent for Japanese-style interiors
Very long-lived - can survive for decades

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