Lady palm care: watering, light and repotting
Also called rhapis, broadleaf lady palm · Rhapis excelsa · Arecaceae family
12 d in winter
How often to water the lady palm?
Allow about 7 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 12 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
One of the palms most tolerant of shade and dry air. Grows slowly.
Misting every 7 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The lady palm is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 45 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 3–6 ft (1–2 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Brown tips
Cause: Hard water or thirst. What to do: Water with water that has stood overnight, without letting the root ball dry out.
Yellow patches
Cause: Direct sun. What to do: Give it filtered light.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the lady palm?
About every 7 days in spring and summer, and every 12 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the lady palm?
The lady palm is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Should you mist the lady palm?
Yes, misting every 7 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the lady palm?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the lady palm safe?
The lady palm is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the lady palm forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.