Dwarf Lady Palm

Rhapis gracilis is an accepted subtropical palm native from southeastern China to Hainan. Like other Rhapis palms, it has evergreen clustered stems and fan-shaped leaves divided into narrow segments. Its finer leaf divisions give this species a lighter texture than the broadleaf lady palm, while the clumping form suits a sheltered courtyard or a protected container. The Royal Horticultural Society describes Rhapis as a small evergreen palm genus with slender stems and divided fan leaves; Kew records the accepted species and its native range. Because it comes from a subtropical range, choose a warm, protected setting rather than an exposed cold-climate planting. [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:669580-1) provides the taxonomic and distribution record, and the [RHS Rhapis profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/160858/rhapis/details) describes the genus form. ## Maintenance Choose a sheltered, warm position with bright filtered light. In climates with cold winters, grow it in a container that can be moved under cover. Use a well-drained potting medium and water carefully so the roots do not remain waterlogged.