| Temperatures as low as -5° C
are tolerated by
R. excelsa as it is quite cold hardy, particularly
when grown under shelter, and it also grows in climates where it may be
exposed to prolonged periods of cold weather. Very hot weather, particularly
when the air is very dry, may cause damage which can be prevented by adequate
watering, mulching and growing under other plants or pergolas and occasional
hosing of foliage with a fine spray or mist can also help to maintain a
higher relative humidity. As an indoor plant
Rhapis excelsa has
no palm rival. (Not even Howea. ) Its ability to handle low light intensities,
low humidity, varying temperatures plus its suitability to pot culture,
small to moderate size and slow growth rate make this palm ideal for indoor
culture.
Disease
and Problems: Rhapis excelsa has very few pests or diseases
to trouble it. The only major pests are scale and mealybug. Scale can be
easily controlled by physical removal, wash off with high pressure jet
of water, or scrape off with cotton wool buds, or by chemical control with
White Oil, or a systemic insecticide such as Rogor or Metasystox. Mealybug
can be removed physically but it usually requires chemical control. For
total control usea systemic insecticide and apply as a soil drench as mealybug
often invades the roots of a plant, However, pest disease problems are
few. The only problems I have had being root rot caused by fungus attack
because of poor cultural practices and brown or black fungal spot on the
leaves, usually symptomatic of poor nutritional status.
Brown or black fungal spot is usually
caused by poor cultural practices. To prevent the disease, buy only good
quality plants and don't crowd plants too much so as to allow unimpeded
air flow to reduce conditions ideal for the fungus. If leaf spot does occur
remove and burn the affected leaves. Thin out plants or space potted plants
to improve ventilation and finally spray all affected plants with a preventative
fungicide such as Benlate or Mancozeb.
For best results water only when
the first few centimetres of soil or potting mix are dry and then water
thoroughly so that there are no dry areas around the plant roots. In well
drained soils and mixes this should result in a good balance of water and
air. The large amounts of water leach out accumulated salts, toxins and
carry oxygen to the roots. The better the quality of water applied the
better your plants will grow in the long run, particularly plants grown
in containers. Plants held indoors benefit by being taken outside when
it is raining or being placed under a sprinkler for a period of time. Brown
leaftips are often caused by an excessive accumulation of fertiliser salts
in the potting mix. Thorough leaching will overcome this problem.
Named
Varieties:
Rhapis excelsa 'KOBAN'
'KOBAN', the most popular variety,
has wide leaf segments, a medium growth rate, and a full spreading growth
habit. Besides being "distinctively different", this easy-to-grow Rhapis
is an excellent interior palm.
Rhapis excelsa 'DARUMA'
'DARUMA' is a classic cultivar with
leaves resembling the large "standard" Rhapis excelsa. It has a medium
growth rate and a tall, upright shape. This variety is a favorite of those
who prefer narrow leaf segments and the traditional look of Lady Palms.
Rhapis excelsa 'TENZAN'
'TENZAN', an extremely unusual Lady
Palm, has long curving leaves and an elegant slender form. A fast grower,
it is the tallest of all named varieties.
R. excelsa 'KODARUMA'
'KODARUMA', the ultimate mini-palm,
is the shortest of all Rhapis. This slow grower puts lots of energy into
producing pups, so it grows "out" more than "up'. Small leaves on miniature
canes personifies the word "dwarf".
Rhapis excelsa 'GYOKUHO'
'GYOKUHO' is a pixie palm with small
oval leaves and a short bushy growth habit. It slowly adds only a few inches
of height per year and produces numerous offshoots. Nicknamed the "bush
baby", this variety is a favorite of almost everyone.
Rhapis excelsa 'ZUIKONISHIKI'
This regal Rhapis has white and
green striped leaves which distinguish it as the most vivid variegated.
Rhapis excelsa 'ZUIKO-LUTINO'
Creamy white leaves with, green
stripes. A sport of 'Zuikonishiki", the unusual name was chosen from the
term "lutino", used to describe white birds having a touch of color.
Rhapis excelsa 'CHIYODAZURU'
This exceptional variegated is one
of the most perfectly striped varieties. Each leaf displays fine, narrow
pen-stripes. Easy to grow.
Rhapis excelsa 'KOTOBUKI'
An outstanding variegated with a
tall, elegant form. White stripes on green leaves. |
