Rhapis Palm Care Instructions
Thank you for choosing Joey’s Houseplants! Your support is greatly appreciated. Enjoy your new Rhapis Palm!
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
Rhapis Palm grows best in bright, indirect light, though it tolerates lower light better than many palms. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry, then soak the soil thoroughly and allow excess water to drain. Keep it in warm, stable conditions with well-draining soil. Avoid soggy roots, prolonged drought, harsh direct sun, and cold drafts.
Light
Rhapis Palm prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to medium or lower light. Growth will be slower in lower light. Strong direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, may scorch or yellow the leaves.
- South-facing window: Keep the plant several feet back from the glass or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
- East-facing window: This is often an excellent location because it provides gentle morning sun and bright, indirect light.
- West-facing window: Place the plant back from the window or filter hot afternoon light to prevent leaf burn.
- North-facing window: A large, unobstructed window may work well. If growth becomes sparse or very slow, add a grow light.
Rotate the plant about a quarter turn every couple weeks so all sides receive light. If moving it into brighter conditions, make the change gradually.
Water
Check the soil after arrival. Do not water simply because the plant was shipped. Water only if the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
Insert a finger or moisture meter several inches into the soil. When the upper portion has dried, give the plant a full, thorough watering until excess water drains from the bottom. Empty any water that collects in a saucer or decorative pot.
Rhapis Palm prefers slightly even moisture but should never remain soggy. Do not allow the entire root ball to stay bone dry for an extended period. Do not follow a strict watering schedule—light, temperature, season, pot size, and soil all affect how quickly the plant uses water. Water less often during winter or in lower light.
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 suitable, although moderate humidity helps keep the leaf tips looking their best. Keep the plant between approximately 60–85°F and away from cold drafts, air-conditioning vents, and heating vents. Avoid temperatures below 50°F. Brown leaf tips can develop from very dry air, inconsistent watering, or mineral and fertilizer salts.
Your Rhapis Palm may be placed outside during warm weather, but keep it in shade or filtered light, introduce it gradually, and bring it indoors before temperatures become cool.
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
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 into the soil until the tip reaches approximately two inches above the bottom of the pot. Be careful not to force the probe through any roots. Check several areas of the soil for an accurate reading. Water when the upper portion of the soil has dried, then soak the soil thoroughly and allow excess water to drain. Wipe the probe clean after each 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!
