Rhapis Palm Care Instructions
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There is a chance your plant may show signs of stress after shipping. This is completely normal. Unbox it promptly and place it in bright, indirect light. Keep it away from drafts and avoid moving it repeatedly while it adjusts. Your Rhapis Palm should begin to settle in within 7–10 days, although it may take a few weeks to fully adjust to its new home. A small amount of browning or leaf-tip stress during this period can be normal.
Quick Care Summary
Give Rhapis Palm bright, indirect light. Let the soil dry completely throughout the pot. It can stay dry for up to 4–5 days before you water thoroughly and let excess drain. Average household humidity is usually sufficient. Keep it above 60°F and away from drafts and vents.
How to Find the Right Spot for Your Plant
A simple way to determine a good spot for your plant is to turn off all the lights in the room and place your plant where you'd like to keep it.
If the area receives plenty of natural light, it's likely a good spot. If the area is dark or receives very little natural light, you'll want to find a brighter location.
Light
Rhapis Palm grows best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate somewhat lower light, though growth may slow. Not all windows provide the same amount of sunlight. Here's a simple guide to help you find the right spot for your houseplant, ranked from most to least sunlight.
1. South-Facing Windows — Most Sunlight
South-facing windows typically receive the most sunlight throughout the day.
If your window is unobstructed by trees, porches, or nearby buildings, direct sunlight can be intense. For plants that prefer indirect light, position them just outside the direct sun's path or use a sheer curtain to soften the light.
If trees, a covered porch, or nearby buildings reduce the amount of direct sunlight coming through your window, thus creating a more shaded spot, your plant may be perfectly happy right in front of it.
2. West-Facing Windows — Strong Afternoon Sun
West-facing windows receive afternoon and evening sunlight, which can be particularly intense.
If direct sunlight enters your window, place plants that prefer indirect light off to the side or use a sheer curtain.
If trees, a covered porch, or nearby buildings reduce the amount of direct sunlight coming through your window, thus creating a more shaded spot, your plant may be perfectly happy right in front of it.
3. East-Facing Windows — Gentle Morning Sun
East-facing windows receive morning sunlight, which is generally gentler than afternoon sun.
Many houseplants do well directly in front of an east-facing window, even with some morning sun.
For plants sensitive to direct sunlight, position them slightly off to the side or use a sheer curtain.
If trees, a covered porch, or nearby buildings reduce the amount of direct sunlight coming through your window, thus creating a more shaded spot, your plant may be perfectly happy right in front of it.
4. North-Facing Windows — Least Sunlight
North-facing windows generally receive the least direct sunlight and provide softer, indirect light throughout the day.
Most houseplants can be placed directly in front of a north-facing window without worrying about intense sunlight burning their leaves.
A north-facing window may work for Rhapis Palm if it is large and unobstructed, though growth may slow. Add a grow light if the spot stays dim.
Remember
Window direction is only part of the equation! Trees, porches, buildings, curtains, and even the time of year can affect how much sunlight reaches your plant.
The goal is to match your plant's light requirements to the actual amount of light entering your home.
Grow Lights
If your home does not get enough natural light, a grow light can make a big difference for your Rhapis Palm. LED grow lights are easy to use: affordable options come in stylish designs that fit your home, and one can cost about $5 a month to run, depending on its wattage, hours of use, and your electricity rate. Choose a grow light rather than relying on a regular room lamp. Grow lights are designed to deliver enough plant-usable light to support healthy growth. Position it according to the manufacturer’s directions, and use a timer for about 12 hours a day for best results. Eight to ten hours may be enough if the light is strong or your plant also gets some natural light.
Water
Let the soil dry completely throughout the pot before watering. Insert a moisture meter or wooden skewer until its tip is about two inches above the bottom of the pot. If you find any moisture, wait. After the soil dries fully, you can wait up to 4–5 days before watering. Then water thoroughly until excess runs from the drainage holes.
Do not follow a fixed schedule. Light, season, temperature, pot size, and soil affect how quickly the pot dries.
Soil
Use a well-draining houseplant soil that still holds a little moisture. FoxFarm Happy Frog can work well when mixed with orchid bark and perlite to improve airflow and drainage. Always use a pot with drainage holes. Compacted or decomposed soil can reduce airflow around the roots and contribute to yellowing.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is optional. Your plant can remain healthy with proper light and watering, but light feeding may encourage steady growth.
If desired, use Jack’s Classic Houseplant Special approximately once a month during spring and summer while the plant is actively growing. Wait until the plant has adjusted to its new home for at least two weeks, and introduce fertilizer gradually:
- First application: Half the recommended amount
- Second application: Three-quarters of the recommended amount
- Third application and beyond: Full recommended amount
Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter, or when the plant is stressed or not actively growing. Never use more than the package recommends. If fertilizer salts build up on the soil or pot, flush the soil thoroughly with plain water and allow it to drain.
Repotting
Rhapis Palm grows slowly and prefers to be slightly snug in its pot. Repot after the plant has adjusted and only when roots are circling the pot, filling the container, or growing heavily from the drainage holes. Choose a pot with drainage that is only 1–2 inches wider than the current root ball. An oversized pot holds extra moisture and increases the risk of root rot.
It is recommended to simply drop the plastic grow pot into the finished decorative pot until repotting is actually needed.
Humidity & Temperature
Average household humidity is usually sufficient. Keep Rhapis Palm above 60°F and away from cold drafts, air-conditioning vents, and heating vents. If moving it outdoors in warm weather, introduce brighter light gradually.
Pet Safety
Rhapis Palm, also known as Lady Palm, is considered non-toxic to dogs and cats. Even non-toxic plant material can cause mild stomach upset if a pet eats enough of it, so discourage chewing and contact your veterinarian if you have concerns.
Accessories
The following instructions apply if your order included a plant stand or water meter.
Plant Stand
Assemble the stand by connecting the two pieces at their center points, then place it on a stable, level surface. Pull the ends apart to open the stand as wide as possible. Carefully place the plant in the center, holding it securely so it does not fall while the stand is still open. Gently push the ends inward until they fit snugly around the pot and hold it securely in place.
Water Meter
Insert the probe until its tip is about two inches above the bottom of the pot. Check several areas without forcing it through roots or rhizomes. When the soil reads dry throughout, follow the timing in the Water section. Wipe the probe clean after use, and do not leave it in the soil permanently.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about your plant, please reach out to support@joeyshouseplants.com. Thank you for supporting Joey’s Houseplants. Enjoy your new Rhapis Palm!
