Rhapis excelsa are popular houseplants, also known as umbrella palms. The subterranean rhizome develops several trunks that lead to the image of the small group of palms. The leaves emerge from the tube-like trunk at different heights. At first the leaves are light green, later dark green. In the room, the tropical plants grow up to 2 meters high. In their place of origin, rhapis grow under the protection of larger trees, so their light requirements are appropriate. The exotic plants tolerate a partially shaded location best.

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Worth knowing about the Rhapis excelsa

Botanical name: Rhapis excelsa
Other names: stick palm, rod palm, bamboo palm, lady palm, dwarf palm
Use: houseplant, indoor greening, room climate plant, conservatory, shady balcony in summer
Origin: Southeast Asia, China
Leaf: green, fan-like
Special features: The air- purifying effect of the Palm tree. Above all, formaldehyde is filtered out of the room air. The species is best suited for offices and business premises and can also be used in hydroponics. Due to the slow growth, the stick palm is very popular. In a pot, the palm tree can reach a height of 2 m.

In which location does the stick palm feel most comfortable?

The species, also known as the umbrella palm, is very tolerant and adapts well to different locations. A bright spot in the house without direct sunlight is ideal all year round. The indoor palm should be at a temperature of 18 to 25 degrees Celsius if possible. From the end of May you can stay in the garden or on the balcony. It is important to have a place that is protected from rain and in the shade and to gradually get used to the outdoor conditions. The best time to clear outdoors is an overcast day with 20 degrees Celsius. At the end of August you should put the houseplant back inside, as lower temperatures do notare suitable. Good for the member of the Arecaceae family is high humidity.

Fact: Direct sun damages the palm tree. In the shady location the foliage is dark. Leaf lightening is the result of too much light or lack of fertilizer. Make sure that the place is as semi-shady as possible.

How do I properly care for my Rhapis excelsa?

Stick palms are robust houseplants that are decorative and long-lasting without much effort. In addition to need-based watering and regular fertilizing, there is hardly any maintenance work. Small plants can be sprayed with lukewarm water once or twice a year in the shower or outdoors. If the plants are too large and unwieldy for this, wiping the leaves with a damp cloth will help. This removes the dust and supports a good development of the plant. Over time, the lower leaves dry up, they are then separated and the smooth trunks of the palm become visible. A repotin a larger vessel is recommended every 2 to 3 years. Spring is the right time for this. Make sure that the new pot is first provided with a drainage layer at the bottom. Use high-quality green plant soil for repotting.

Our gardening tip: Brown leaf tips are a sign of air that is too dry. As a preventive measure, you can spray the exotic plant with water several times a week.

How do I water my stick palm correctly?

Like almost all palm trees, rhapis require even soil moisture. The plants do not tolerate waterlogging, the leaves quickly turn yellow and the roots rot. Watering every 6 to 8 days is recommended in a bright location in the room. However, the frequency of watering essentially depends on the size of the plant and the room temperature. You can also dive small specimens weekly. Here you place the houseplant in a bucket filled with water and immerse the plant until no more air bubbles rise. The advantage of this method is that the root ball is completely soaked. Excess water must be removed from the coaster or planter.

How do I fertilize my Rhapis excelsa correctly?

The palm plants need regular fertilizer for good development and growth. Use a special green plant fertilizer for this, which contains important growth and vital substances and thus helps the plant to look healthy and fresh. The liquid special fertilizer is dosed according to the instructions on the package. Make sure that the root ball never dries out completely after fertilizing. Start fertilizing in spring and feed your Rhapis every two weeks throughout the summer. Between November and February is not fertilized.

Our care tip: Fertilizing with fertilizer sticks is easy to handle. With this convenient long-term fertilization, the popular houseplant is supplied with all the necessary nutrients, minerals and trace elements for 3 months. Here, too, it is important that the soil and roots never dry out completely.

What pests and diseases can Rhapis excelsa get?

The stick palm is a robust green plant that is extremely rarely attacked by diseases and pests when cared for properly and in the ideal place.

spider mites

The affected leaves have silvery dots on the upper side and webs are visible on the underside of the leaves. It is usually sufficient to spray the plants with water and treat them with plant strengtheners. These organic active agents contain natural plant extracts that contribute to the vitalization of the plant. The infestation occurs mainly in dry air. It is therefore advisable to regularly spray with water.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about stick palms

How can Rhapis be propagated?

The simplest method of propagation is to separate the ground shoots. These plant parts are taken from the mother plant in spring and planted directly into the ground with the existing roots. It is important that the pot is not too big at first and that the young plant is only watered moderately. Regular spraying with low-lime water is better. There are rarely seeds for propagation.

What does the Rhapis flower look like?

The palm species rarely flowers indoors. However, in older specimens, a stalk with many white to cream-colored flowers can appear in the leaf axils.

Where is the best place for indoor palms in winter?

If you would like to use the rod palm as a container plant in summer and have no space in the heated room in winter, a bright and frost-free hibernation in a stairwell or similar is possible. Make sure the substrate is kept dry, but never completely dry out. Ideally, the palm tree should be in the room all year round.

Is the palm tree poisonous?

The palm tree can easily be used as a houseplant because it is not poisonous.