Help IDing Rhapis palm

Alchris · Post by **Alchris** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:29 pm

I picked this one up at Rona. It was the only one in stock. It cost $22.

I am not sure if it is R. humulis or R. excelsa. They are the most common varieties and I doubt that Rona would carry an uncommon palm. Please help me ID it.

Thanks.

Allen

oppalm · Post by **oppalm** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 6:22 pm

Allen, that is Rhapis Excelsa. Someone has trimmed that one up because they usually have many leaves/fronds up and down the stem and the ends of the leaves are blunt. The humilis on the other hand has pointed leaves. Keep it out of the sun and they do make great indoor houseplants in a bright spot. I have one and they are easy to care for.

Alchris · Post by **Alchris** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 8:31 am

Thanks Kent. I appreciate the advice. Have you ever tried yours outside in the shade on the patio?

I was thinking of doing this for the spring, summer and fall, then overwintering it in my palm shelter. In the shelter the temps should never go below 23*F and I use diffused natural light.

Allen

oppalm · Post by **oppalm** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:48 am

Allen - I do put mine outside in the spring time in a shaded spot just off my patio under a large bush that cast plenty of shade. They are supposedly hardy down to 22F or -5C. Mine has never been that cold. But it has certainly seen below freezing temps near 26F or -3C. Its nice because I can put it our early and it can withstand some freezing temps.

It would probably be fine in your palm shelter. I like them because they are easy care indoor palms.