Rhapis excelsa Seeds | Lady Palm
LATIN NAME: Rhapis excelsa
COMMON NAME: Lady Palm
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) is a palm in the palm family. Lady palm clusters slender, bamboo-like canes with broad, fan-shaped, dark-green leaves, and the whole palm carries the fine, elegant look of the indoor room. It is a palm of warm, bright, airy room with rich, moist, free-draining soil. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the palm family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Its behaviour in gardens is well recorded, thanks to a long history in cultivation.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Lady Palm earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Lady palm is a fine, quiet palm of indoor room and study collection. It is a fine, quiet palm of warm, bright, airy room with rich, moist, free-draining soil. Lady palm seeds need a deep pot, steady warmth and even moisture, with light filtered rather than harsh. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Lady palm is a champion air-purifying houseplant of NASA fame and an elegant shade palm.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Lady Palm, and the process is uncomplicated. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Lady Palm has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Lady Palm often pair it with these related subjects: