Rhapis Excelsa

Rhapis excelsa "Large Lady Palm" and "Miniature Lady Palms"   Rhapis excelsa is the most well-known and widely cultivated species, easily adapting to most interiors and tropical or subtropical landscapes throughout the world. It has a multitude of named varieties in green and variegated forms.  Historically, R. excelsa have been used as classic ornamental palms for more than 300 years. They werecultivated by the Japanese elite in the early 1600s, introduced to Europe in 1774, and became prized American "parlor palms" during the 1850s. The popularity of this species can be attributed to its ease of care, durability, insect resistance, and long life.  Rhapis excelsa consists of two groups: the common "Large Lady Palm" grown from seed or divisions, and the highly refined "Miniature LadyPalms" developed by Japanese enthusiasts into named varieties by selective cloning.  The "Large Lady Palm" can grow to more than 14' (4 m) of height. Unlike R. humilis which has tall, slender clusters of stems, R. excelsa clumps can gain enormous width, often having a diameter as wide as their height. In 1939, Fairchild Tropical Gardens of Miami planted twelve single cane divisions 6' (2 m) apart;today, these multi-cane palms stand in a 10' to 12' (3 to 4 m) tall hedge which is more than 9' (3 m) wide and 80' (26 m) long. 
Large thick leaves with blunt tips have wide segments, giving R. excelsa its occasional name "broadleaf lady palm". Its sturdy canes are covered with coarse, dark brown fiber. This species tolerates tropical and subtropical temperatures from 20 to 100 degrees F (-5 to 38degrees C) and will accept both humid and dry climates. It is a prolific producer of rhizome offshoots which adds fullness and provides an easy method to increase numbers by division. In addition, seed is occasionally available. 
The green and variegated Japanese cultivars of Rhapis excelsa, collectively known as "Miniature Lady Palms", were developed through selective cloning of choice,unusual specimens from Taiwan. Each named variety has a unique leaf shape and growth habit. Because of a preference for miniature plants, the Japanese propagate the slowest growing strains and further "dwarf" the palms by restricting root systems in tiny pots, using course sand or small gravel, and limiting fertilizer applications. Below, the 'CHIYODAZURU' in a 5" by 7" (13 by 18 cm) bonsai pot is 10years old and only 24" (60 cm) tall.  However, if these cultivars are given unrestricted growth conditions, some "miniatures" such as 'Koban', 'Daruma', and 'Tenzan' can eventually exceed 8' (3 m) in height. When I wrote the book Secret of the Orient (McKamey 1983), the estimated maximum height of Japanese cultivars was 4' (1.3 m); at Rhapis Gardens, we now have many specimens over 6' (2 m) tall.This interesting discovery has lead to the nickname "Texas sized dwarfs," although I am sure others can grow them just as large! However, some cultivars such as 'Kodaruma' and 'Gyokuho' are true dwarf Ladies by staying relatively short and reaching only 4' of height after 30 years such as the ones shown below.Large thick leaves with blunt tips have wide segments, giving R. excelsa its occasionalname "broadleaf lady palm". Its sturdy canes are covered with coarse, dark brown fiber. This species tolerates tropical and subtropical temperatures from 20 to 100 degrees F (-5 to 38 degrees C) and will accept both humid and dry climates. It is a prolific producer of rhizome offshoots which adds fullness and provides an easy method to increase numbers by division. In addition, seed is occasionallyavailable.  The green and variegated Japanese cultivars of Rhapis excelsa, collectively known as "Miniature Lady Palms", were developed through selective cloning of choice, unusual specimens from Taiwan. Each named variety has a unique leaf shape and growth habit. Because of a preference for miniature plants, the Japanese propagate the slowest growing strains and further "dwarf" the palms by...