Lady palm care guide
Rhapis excelsa
Also known as: Broadleaf lady palm, Rhapis palm
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Lady palm
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water well once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; in midsummer it dries fast, so water in the morning or evening.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- As temperatures fall, wait about a day or two after the topsoil dries before watering.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 12 days
- Water sparingly about three to four days after the soil dries; mist the leaves in a dry room.
Light and placement for Lady palm
Bright shade out of direct sun is generally ideal; it tolerates dim spots well, but strong summer sun yellows and scorches the leaves, so outdoors keep it under eaves or tree shade.
Overwintering Lady palm
Overwintering guide: 0°C (32°F) or above
Fairly cold-tolerant: in mild regions it generally overwinters under eaves; when nights drop below 0°C or hard frosts continue, move it indoors and water sparingly.
Fertilizing and repotting Lady palm
Fertilizer
From April to September, a small dose of slow-release fertilizer about every two months; too much browns the leaf tips, and none is needed in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Lady palm
- Direct summer sun turns the leaves yellow and scorched.
- Spider mites in dry heated air leave the leaves faded and speckled.
- Water left standing in the saucer rots the roots.
Tips for growing Lady palm
- Snip dead leaf tips following the leaf shape so the cuts blend in.
- When the clump gets crowded, divide it at repotting time to make new plants.
- It grows slowly, so avoid moving it into an oversized pot.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
