Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis) Rhapis excelsa
Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis) (Rhapis excelsa) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Arecaceae family, native to Southern China and northern Vietnam (known mostly in cultivation). It grows 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) tall and 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–521 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern China and northern Vietnam (known mostly in cultivation) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
Is Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis)
- How far apart should I plant Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft).
- Does Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis) flower?
- About 261–521 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lady palm (bamboo palm, rhapis). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- A clump of thin, fibre-wrapped canes topped by deeply split, glossy fans. Bred and treasured in Japan since the Edo period (kannonchiku), with many variegated forms; ideal for shady courtyards and indoors.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Date palm Phoenix dactylifera
- Açaí palm Euterpe oleracea
- Mexican fan palm Washingtonia robusta
- African oil palm Elaeis guineensis
- Areca palm (golden cane palm) Dypsis lutescens
- Chilean wine palm Jubaea chilensis
- Joey palm Johannesteijsmannia altifrons