The lady palm is a large palm that has fans 6 – 12 inches wide that consist of between for and ten thick, shiny leaves. The leaves are connected to a brown, hairy main trunk by thin, arching stems. Lady palm is one of the easiest houseplants to care for and is highly resistant to attack by most plant insects. It is also one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality. It grows slowly and is easy to maintain. The lady palm is so popular in the United States that some commercial nurseries deal exclusively in its production. The leaf tips can be trimmed with pinking shears to remove the salt buildup and leave the tips with their natural green, saw-tooth appearance.
Family: Arecaeae (palm)
Origin: Southern China
Care: Water well in spring and summer with room-temperature water. Allow to dry slightly in fall and winter. Feed regularly with a weak concentration fertilizer when plants are growing. Mist often, especially during winter when the air is dry.
Lighting: Semi-bright to semi-shade
Ideal Temperature: 60-70°F (16-21°C)
Challenges: Usually pest free. Occasionally spider mites. Too dry a location causes fronds to dry and turn brown.
Propagation: Cuttings