Rhapis Excelsa

The “Lady Palm tree” believed to originate from southern China can grow to a height of more than 14′
foot tall with clumps reaching enormous width, often having a diameter as wide as their height. Growth
rates of Rhapis excelsa vary with culture and environment. In commercial production the Lady Palm
usually grows 8″ – 12″ inches in height per year.

It grows from multiple stems, each topped with upright fronds. When grown indoors as houseplants,
the growth rate decreases considerably. R. excelsa grows up to 4 m in height and 30 mm in diameter in
multi-stemmed clumps with glossy, palmate leaves divided into broad, ribbed segments. Stems to 2.5 m
tall, with sheaths 15–21 mm in diam., without sheaths 8–12 mm. The thin stems of Rhapis excelsa can
reach 25cm (10 inch) in height and up to 2cm (0.8 inch) thick forming clusters of foliage. These stems are
wrapped with mats of brown fiber. As the lower leaves fall off, they leave scars on the stems, creating
an attractive bamboo-like appearance.

Jon VanZile. 2017. Growing the Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa) Indoors.
(https://www.thespruce.com/growing-rhapis-excelsa-palms-1902881)

Ed Vaile. 2017. Rhapis Excelsa. (http://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Rhapis_excelsa)