r9891 MCKAMEY: L29

Principes,33(3), 1989, pp. 129-I39

Rhapis Palms-Cultivated Speciesand Varieties: Culture and Care of the Ladies

Lvxtc McKeMrY Rhapis Gardens, P.O. Box 287, Gregory,';TX 78359

Rhapis, known as Lady Palms, can be to the modern world of cultivated . found in homes and gardens throughout However, several of these may be grown 'omisnamed the world. The widespread popularity of by Japanesehorticulturists as these multi-cane fan palms can be attrib- varieties" of R. excelsaand R. humilis. uted to their adaptability to a wide range Obviously, the needs further study of soils, climates, and environments. to establish complete order. This difficult Uniquely, they are the only ornamental project is being undertaken by Dr. John palms to have named varieties (cultivars) Dransfield and Laura Fitt of the Royal in green and variegatedforms. While four Botanic Garden, Kew. speciesare well known as elegant land- scapeaccents or indoor ornamentals,oth- CultivatedSpecies of RhaPis remain unknown to cultivation, await- ers Rhapis are some of the easiestpalms in remote areas of Southeast ing collection to grow, but each specieshas its own par- . ticular environment and culture require- can be divided into two basic The eenus ments: no two can be cultivated alike. This robust Chinese subtropicals groups: the idiosyncrasy provides versatility to the Taiwan and'mainland which are native to genus; wherever you may live, at least one smaller Indochinese trop- , and the of the will thrive in your house or to regions in and around icals indigenous landscape. and . Lady palms can be propagatedby divi- and, Rhapis hutnilis sion or seed,depending on species.Rhapis oldest cultivated Chinese species, are the are dioecious, requiring both male and as prized ornamentalsin the Far recorded female plants for successful pollination. R. as early as the l7th Century. These East excelsa and R. subtilis seed are being by having large thick are characterized commercially produced; however, female on sturdy canes 3/+to lVa" to 3 {2 R. humilis and male R. laosensis arc in diameter which gro\r more than B' cm) unknown in cultivation; as a result these (2.5 m) tal7.Rhapis subtilis fromThailand "20th speciesmust be propagated by division. andRhapis laosensisare century" species,being discovered and named by Rhapissubtilis Odoardo Beccari in I 9 I 0 and brought into "ThailandLady Palm" cultivation during the last two decades. Thesehave thinner. smaller leaveson nar- Rhapis sabtilis wastntroduced into cul- row canesless than 3/+"(2 cm) in diameter tivation by Watana Sumawongof Bangkok and seldom exceed B' (2.5 m) in height. during the late 1960s. At that time, Thai- Other specieswere named and described land Lady Palm was thought to be a min- by Beccari and Max Burret during the first iature form of R. humili.s and was distrib- half of this century, trut remain un-known uted under that name until 1984 when it 130 PRINCIPES lVoL. 33

'l'wo I. Two formslorms ofot KhaptsRhapis :subtilis 3' tall in Miami display the wide variation of shapesin this species was recognizedby Dr. Dransfieldand Ms. Being a tropical, R. subtilis requires Fitt to be Beccari'sRhapis subtilis. high humidity and abundant moisture. Thailand Lady Palm is a small species' While all Rhapis can attract scaleinsects, seldomexceeding 6' (2rr,) ofheight. Canes this is the only species severely affected are narrow with neat smooth fiber, brown by spidermites. It hasa temperaturerange in color. Offshootshave stiff, brittle roots of 32oto 90'F (0'to 32oC), but prefers and sucker closeto the main cane' making 60" to B0oF. ThailandLady Palm thrives division almostimpossible. Since males and in humid, tropical climates, but seldom females flower prolifically, abundant adaptsto hot dry regionsor cool subtrop- amounts of seed are available. ical areas.It can be difficult as a house- At least two, if not three forms of R. . subtilisexist (Fig. l). The tallesttype has leaves with broad segmentswhich slightly Rhapislaosensis resembleR. excelsa.A secondform has "Laos LadYPalm" tiny canes,small leaveswith finely divided segments,and slowlygrows 2r to 3' (l m) First discoveredand namedby Beccari tall (see Principes, l7(I)). A third type more than 70 years ago, this small Lady appearsto be a combinationof the others. Palm was brought into cultivation during Cross pollination of these different forms the 1960s by the late David Barry of Cal- may cause the wide variation in seedlings ifornia. The few specimensin America are and mature plants. Unlike the blunt tipped all female divisions of his plants and they R. excelsa, all R. subtili.shave pointed have not yet been critically identified as leaf tips. R. laosensis. MCKAMEY: RHAPIS

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{ fine specimen of Rhapis laosensis,6' tall and 18 years old. Photo courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Garden.

Canes are Dencil thin and as with R. standsalmosr 6' (2 m) tall (Fig. 2). Laos ,btrlrs.har e slick neat fiber.Thin leaves Lady Palm is relativelyeasy to divide,but rth wide segments curve downward pro- remains scarce in supply. Culture is not r,Jing a very graceful effect. One of the difficult thoroughly water when slightly i,lest cultivated specimens is displayed at dry and keep temperaturesbetween 30o -rirchild Trooical Gardens in Miami and and 90o F (-1" to 32" C). R. laosensis lvor. 33 LJZ PRINCIPES

CaMornia' These are more than 60 3. Rhapis humilis at The Huntington Botanical Garden, San Marino, years old.

growsbest in humid tropical areas,but will Only male plants are known in culti- must be by ud"pt to warm subtropical climates. yation; therefore, propagation division. Small container specimens under RhaPis humilis 6t tall are scarce since roots are brittle "slender LadYPalm" and slow to establish; as a result, clump divisions are more successful than single is the Native to China, this subtropical cane separations. tallest of all Rhapis, often exceeding lB' (6 m) in height. Large leaves with many Rhapisexcelsa narrow segments enveloP slender canes, "Large o'slender LadYPalm" and creating the name Lady Palm'" "MiniatureLadY Palms" Someof the first imported into America in the early I900s are still majestically Rhapis excelsa is the most well-known growing at The Huntington Botanical Gar- and widely cultivated species' easily adapt- sub- Jen in San Marino, California (Fig. 3). ing to most interiors and tropical or Primarily usedas towering landscapespec- tropical landscapes throughout the world. imens on the American west coast' R. It has a multitude of named varieties in humilis thrives in cool subtropicalclimates green and variegated forms. - with temperaturesfrom l8o to 90o F ( 7' Historically, R. excelsa have been used more than to 32" C). Those grown !n tropical regions as classic ornamental palms for the suffer in hot summer heat and can exhibit 300 years. They were cultivated by slow growth and loss of vigor. Japanese elite in the early 1600s, intro- r98el MCKAMEY:RHAPIS

A. Lynn McKamey at one end of the serpentine hedge of Rhapis excelsa (Large Lady Palm) at Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami. B. Lynn McKamey and Paul Drummond at the other end of the same hedge.

'luced to Europe in 1774, and became Large thick leaves with blunt tips have "parlor :'rized American palrirs" during wide segments, giving R. excelsa its occa- "broadleaf rhe 1850s. The popularity of this species sional name lady palm." Its , an be attributed to its ease of care, dura- sturdy canes are covered with coarse, dark I'ility, insect resistance, and long life. brown fiber. This species tolerates tropical Rhapis excelsa consists of two groups: and subtropical temperatures from 20o to "Large :lre common Lady Palm" grown I00' F (-5o to 38" C) and will accept irom seed or divisions, and the highly both humid and dry climates. It is a prolific "Miniature :efined Lady Palms" devel- producer of offshoots which adds ,,ped by Japanese enthusiasts into named fullness and provides an easy method to .arieties by selective cloning. increase numbers by division. In addition, "Large The Lady Palm" can grow to seed is often available from Taiwan and :rrore than 14' (4 m) of height. Unlike R. should be available soon from growers in iumilis which has tall, slender clusters of Florida. -tems- R. excelsa clumps can gain enor- The green and variegated Japanesecul- :lous width, often having a diameter as tivars of Rhapis excelsa, collectively "ide as their height (see back correr). In known as Miniature Lady Palms, were ,939, Fairchild Tropical Gardens of Miami developed through selective cloning of :,lanted twelve single cane divisions 6' (2 choice, unusual specimens from Taiwan. :r) apart; today, these multi-cane palms Each named variety has a unique leaf shape -tand in a l0' to 12' (3 to 4 m) tall hedge and growth habit (see Principes lB(3) and "hich is more than 9' (3 m) wide and 80' 27(4)). Because of a preference for min- 16 m) long (Fig. a). iature plants, the Japanese propagate the lVor.33 I34 PRINCIPES

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'Tenzan'6'tall' right: /t. excelsa'Koban' 2Vz'tall' R' excelsa 5. Named varieties of Rhapis excelsa.Leftto 'Darumai Rhapis Gardens' atd' R' excelsa 3' tall' Photo by ,r891 MCKAMEY: RHAPIS

Two examples of Miniature Lady Palms which stay very compact and bushy: on the left is R. excelsa 'Gyokuho'which rodaruma'more than eight yearsold and only 18" tall in a7" pot; on the right is R. excelsa is five years old and 12" tall in a 5" pot. Photo by Rhapis Gardens.

"dwarf ' .,irest growing strains and further with culture and environment. In com- .,' palms by restricting rool systems in mercial production with B0% shade and :rv pots, using coarse sand or small gravel, subtropical temperatures, the slow growing :,d limiting fertilizer applications. How- Miniature varieties can add 3" to 6" (7 to .er. if these cultivars are given unre- l5 cm) ofheight each year, whereas Large "minia- :ricted growth conditions, some Lady Palms usually increase 8" to 12" (20 'Koban,' 'Daruma,' lres" such as and to 30 cm). If Rhapis are grown indoors lenzan' can eventually exceed 6' (2 m) as houseplants, these rates decrease con- ' height (Fig. 5). When I wrote the book siderably. '. cret of the Orient (McKamey 1983), Although some young seedlings of com- :.eestimated maximum height of Japanese mon R. excelsa may first resemble certain rltivars was 4t; we now have many spec- named varieties, most will eventually "standard" 'iens B' (2.5 m) tall. This interesting dis- develop the same basic "Texas ,very has led to the nickname appearance and leaf shape. In contrast, zed dwarfs," although I am sure others the named varieties will maintain their dis- :n grow them just as large! However, tinctive characteristics, a result of long- 'Kodaruma' 'me cultivars such as and term selective cloning. ,,rokuho' are true dwarf Ladies by stay- Variegated Rho,pis are seedling sports. : relatively short and reaching only 4' Within a random group of 10,000 seed- : height after 30 years (Fig. 6). lings, perhaps only five will sprout striped Crowth rates of Rhapis excelsa vary leaves, and of these just one may remain [VoL.33 136 PRINCIPES

On a stableplant. a variegatedPattern cannot be experimentally controlled or changed, but brightness of stripes can be enhancedwith proper cullure. An example 'Chiyodazuru,' is one of the most popular in , which has narrow stripes on green leaves. Intense sunlight and heat can fade leaves, or strong fertilizer can mask, but not delete, the stripes. For best color, this variel) needscool lemperalures-medium light, and medium fertilizer rates-easily accomplished by growing indoors or in dense shade.

OtherJaPanese Cultivars of Rhapis

Japanesehorticulturists have developed *ore than 100 named cultivars. While sl ft. eyrelso. 'Zuikonishiki,' most of theseare varietie" Rhapis excelsa a variegated 7. called KANNONCHIKU, others are green cultivarshown in a 6" pot.This specimen is 15" tall and variegated cultivars of SHURO- andeight years old. Photo by RhapisGardens' " CHIKU, translated Rhapis humilis'" will eventually reach 6' (2 a stable plant and retain a good striping Although these resemble a delicate, pattern. This is then propagated by division m) in height and do of the towering R. humilis io provide the basis of a new variegated dwarf form they may prove to be c.,liirrut. In Japan, only a few named vari- grown in Calilornia. species more closely related eties display perfect stripes on every leaf; an Indochinese inflorescencesawalt most have random striping patterns-no to R. subtilis. Several Dr. Dransfield and Ms' Fitt, two are exactly alike. Usually' new offsets inspection by may soon be solved' will carry the striping habit of the leaf so ihe mystery "mother" with cultivars directly ahove on the cane' Those familiar Japanese 'Zuikonishiki'is or obtained Ladies such Rhapis excelsa one of the mav have noticed 'Himedaruma' classified as a most popular variegateds' being easy to as'Rhapis (R. excelsa); however, grow and a prolific producer of offshoots KANNONCHIKU it is noted in the book The Miniature Palms (nig. f 1. However, it generally yields-less "imported to be of the group" thin 40% choice pups with the other 607o of lapan (i.e., i.o- places other than Taiwan and being an interesting assortment of those 'Hime- On inspection, having more green than white stripes or southern China). to be R. laosensis as is more white than green. The rare, very daruma' appears 'Otohime.' I suspect, finest variegated pups are classified another variety the curious culti- 'Ayanishiki' whereas those with mostly therefore, that some of 'Zuiko-Lutino'' could be iden- white leaves are renamed vars of KANNONCHIKU of the lost speciesof Beccari The creamy-white stripes in these cultivars tified as some "golden Time and will tell. contain chlorophyll" which can and Burret. a fascinating group of palms, support growth and sustain theplant' Other Rha,pis are 'Kotobuki' love and admiration varieties such as have stripes having captured the centuries. The charm nith albinocells which are exlremely sen- ofplant collectors for diverse family of Ladies sitive lo slrong light or extreme heal' ani elegance of this esel MCKAMEY:RHAPIS

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8. An interesting group of Rhapis excelsa in Riverside, California.

rovide unlimited choices for everyone , . . drenched several times (leached) to flush 'rrr-where. impurities and excesssoluble salts. Soil. Rhapis will grow in almost any CultureTips for All Rhapis well-drainedsoil, but prefer a mixture rich in humus (pH 5.5 to 7.0). Pot in African Light. In landscapes, all species of violet type mix or plant slightly above r,hapis prefer filtered light or partial shade. ground level, amending your garden soil --ocate in east, south, and north exposures as needed.All roots and the base of canes ,r under a canopy of trees. Placement in should be covered to retain moisture and ',.rll sun without protection will cause unat- stimulate the addition of new offshoots. -ractive yellow-green leaves, stress, and Potting. Lady Palmsprefer to be slightly .iow growth. Indoors, alI Rhapis grow best root-bound. Soil density should be firm- ,r bright, indirect light near a window or not loose,not packed-and allow water to -.vlight. R. excelsa is the most adaptable slowly filter through. ', low light areas. Fertilizer. AII Rhapis are relatively Watering. Rhapis should be thor- slow-growing plants and need very little ughly watered by soaking or drenching fertilizer. As a guideline, apply only Vz the 're entire root system. R. subtilis rnust recommendedrate required by other plants :t kept constantly moist; if it dries, it will in your home or landscape.Let leaf color :ecline or die. R. excelsa. R. humilis. and be a guide: rich green indicates that fer- :1. Iaosensis should be allowed to become tilizer levels are adequate;apply nutrients :imost dry between thorough irrigations. when a slight overall yellowish color is I'rvice each year, potted Rhapis should be detected. lVoL.33 t38 PRINCIPES Florida, all speciesof RhaPis Rhapis can suffer from trace element in Miami, in the area remained comPletelY deficiencies which produce yellowing grown Ieaves,distorted new growth, or general unaffected. FreezeDamage. ProtectedLady Palms decline.Since the exact cause of a defi- survive temperaturesbelow their ciency can often be hard to determine can often low. The tallest canesmay without laboratory tests, use fish emulsion recommended or frozen, but provide pr-o- whenevera problemis susPected' be damaged tection for lower, younger offshoots' In A Warniig for Excesses'RhaPis and lows, all visible caneswill die, but many other palmscan be highly sensitive extreme may sProut bY summer' to excessivebo.on, fluoride. and chlorine new offshoots Diaision. The besttime to divide Rhopls in water supplies, which will cause fast spring or early summer when the spreadingblack tip burn. Use the purest is during are actively growing. Single-cane water at ailableuntil the problem is cor- palms should have at least six leaves rected. iilri.iott. roots before being separated' Brown Zips. Slight brown tip fringe is and several well-drained soil using containers common on al7 Rhapis. Black tip burn is Pot into larger than the root system' not typical and can be caused from iust slightly severallower leaveson eachcane i-p.oplt watering, overfertilizing, and R"*ouL stress.Place in a humid area or other excesses. to reduce until the palmsresume active Damagedleaf tips can be trimmed with mist daily serratedscissors (pinking shears)'Cut in srowth. Be aware that R. subtiLis seed line with the leaf tip, move the scissors Seed'. l:ke R. excelsctwhichmatches slightly sidewaysand cut again.-Singlecuts looksexactly aigyrata, a recently discovered r".ult'i.t too large a zig'zig; double cuts Guihaia relative which sprouts grassJike resemblethe natural leaf tiP. Chinese silveryundersides (see page 00 Dried and Brown Leaaes.Leaf damage leaveswith 29(i). To avoid surprises is usually causedfrom extrgme heat, allow- and.Principes, postible mixture o{ potluck palm ing the pal- to dry out, or not thoroughly and a growersshould know their watering the entire root system' seed,corn-ercial Pests.Scale is the enemyof an'Rhapis; seedsources. usually flower during spring, spider mites are a major problem for R' Rhapis for best cro-p, and subtilis. Since scalecan hide in the fibrous need hand-pollination in late winter' After cleaning leaf bases,contact sprays such as mala- are harvested Iightly pressinto well-drainedsoil thion are seldom effective. A systemic the seed, Seedshould sprout within insecticidewhich is absorbedinto the plant and keep moisi. to t iO days' Immature seedlingsof R' systemprovides the bestProtection or con- 50 and R. subtilis look alike until tiol. Sincespraying Rhapis in hot summer excelsa years of age when character weather can causeleaf burn, use a sys- about two one from another' temic insecticide labeled for soil applica- leaves distinguish Yes, Rhapis excelsa can tion. Airlayering. Root Rots. Rhapis are very resistant be airlayered. Easyto grow, but require to pathogens;however, Fusarium oxy' Variegateds. culture and good quality water , p oru*, Py thium' R hi zoct onia, and'P en- excelleni and growth' They-pre- tlttlium (pink rot) can periodically infect for bestappearance "broad-spectrum" shadeor indirect interior light, Rhapis. Use a root fer 70-90% between60o to 80o F funeicidelabeled as a soil drench to provide and temperatures C) to maintain growth and prevenrionor control. (l5o to 26" Rhapis are slowergrowing Lethal Yellowing. Rhapis palms are visor. Striped forms and require less fertil- not known to be susceptibleto this fatal thln sreen little is far better than too much disease.During the severeoutbreak of L'Y' izer-"too r989l MCKAMEY:GUIHAIA I39

which can causeleaf burn and root dam- excelsaand cultivars, Rhapis laosensi,s, age. and Rhapls sp. Landscape [Jse.Rhapis excelsa ad,apts Opryland Hotel Conservatory in Nash- to most tropical and subtropical land- villeoTennessee: Rhapis excelsaincluding scapes.R. subtilis thrivesin warm, humid rare variegatedand greencultivars and R. regions. R. hurnilis prefers subtropical subtilis. landscapeswith cool summer nights. Indoor Use.Rhapis excelsaisthe most LneReruRn Crrno eno adaptable of all speciesto interior condi- . FunrHnn Roeonc tions. Benny, DevIo. 1973. Two Riapis palms from Acknowledgments Thailand. Principes 17: 30-32. Dnexsrrnn, JouN, Lnr Ssu-Ketc, eNo Wnr FA-NAN. My thanks to Richard Douglas for 1985. Guihaia, a new coryphoid genus from China and . Principls 29: proofreadingthis article and for his helpful 1. 12. comments, and to my husband Kenneth McKeuev, LvNN. 1983. Secret of the Orient, McKamey, who never complainsof taking Rftapis palms. Rhapis Gardens Publications. yet another photo of Rhapis for me. 1983. The Americanization of dwarf Rhapis Excelsa.Principes 27:99 104. Orrre, YosursrRo eNo Lnrer.lDHoTLENBERG. l9gl. ExtensiveCollections The miniature palms of Japan. Weatherhill. of Rhapis Yeruecucsr, Kryo-oeNnDevro Benny. I974. The culture of Rhapis in Japan. PrincipeslB: 75- Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami, 83. Florida: Rhapis excelsa including green and variegatedcultivars, R. subtilis, R. Note: The back issues humilis, R. laosensis,and R/zapls sp. of Principes listed above are availableat $6 each(postpaid) from The International The Huntington BotanicalGarden in San Palm Society BusinessOffice, P.O. Box 368, Law- Marino, California: Rhapis humilis, R. rence,KS 66044.

Principes,33(3),I989, pp. I39 r40

Millions of Alleged Rhapis excelsaSeed Sprout into Guihaia argyrata

LyNN McKenrny Rhapis Gardens, P.O. Box 287, Gregory, TX 7BJS7

Rhapis excelsa is a versatile ornamen- During 1985, so-calledRhapis excelsa tal species, extensively used as house- seedfrom mainlandChina suddenly became plants, landscape specimens, and patio availablefrom Far Easterndealers. While accents. However, supply of this popular somegrowers were suspiciousthat the seed palm seldom exceeds demand since seed might be the tropicalRhapis subtilis frorrr is scarce and propagation is prima-rily by Thailand, many nurseriesquickly obtained division, a slow process of increasing num- seedbefore the supply ran out. After the bers. buying frenzy was over, more than l0