Care of the palm tree Rhapis excelsa or Bamboo palm |
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The genus Rhapis, family Arecaceae, includes 10 species of palm trees native to China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Some species are: Rhapis excelsa, Rhapis humilis, Rhapis multifida, Rhapis robusta, Rhapis gracilis. Common names: Broadleaf lady palm, Bamboo palm. This species is native to China, Vietnam and Japan. They are evergreen palm trees with slender stems that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height outdoors. The intense green leaves are 30 cm (11.8") long, divided into narrow lobes and fan-shaped. They produce long inflorescences with small yellowish flowers. They bloom in summer. Indoors they do not usually bloom. They are used as indoor plants, potted for patios and terraces, and to form clumps in gardens. Rhapis excelsa needs a semi-shade exposure outdoors and a light exposure but without direct sun indoors. The humidity of the environment must be high; spray the leaves with lime-free water if it's very hot. They resist occasional frosts. The soil must be rich in organic matter and well drained. Water abundantly in summer and more moderately the rest of the year. They do not need pruning. Fertilize with manure in late winter and with mineral fertilizer every 20 days in spring and summer. They can be attacked by fungal diseases if there is excess moisture in the soil. They are propagated from the suckers at the base; cut with a piece of root and plant in normal substrate (in spring or autumn). |
Images of the palm tree Rhapis excelsa or Bamboo palm |
 Rhapis excelsa  Rhapis excelsa  Rhapis excelsa |