Variegated Lady Palm

The Variegated Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa 'Variegated') is a slow clumping fan palm that reaches about 2m tall and 1.2m wide, with cream striped fans held on slim upright canes. It is one of the few palms that genuinely thrives indoors, and one of the few that is not toxic to cats and dogs. Slow growth is the trade off and the reason larger sizes cost what they do.

Why you'll love it

• Not toxic to cats or dogs. Lady palm is a recognised non toxic species, so it suits a home where pets chew what they reach.
• Cream striped fans. The variegation lifts a dim corner in a way a plain green palm cannot, and it holds through the year.
• Built for low light. It evolved under canopy, so bright indoor light or a shaded courtyard suits it better than a sunny window.
• Stays in scale. At 1.2m wide and growing slowly, it will not outgrow a room or a planter in a few seasons.

Where it works best

Indoors. A bright room away from direct sun is ideal. It copes with air conditioning better than most palms, provided it is not sitting in the draught from a vent.

Pots on balconies and courtyards. In a shaded outdoor position it thickens into a clump and works as a soft green screen at seated height.

Screening and feature planting. Outdoors in a warm garden, plant 1.2m apart in a shaded bed for a low screen, or use a single clump as a feature beside a doorway.

Growing Variegated Lady Palm in Australia

Position and climate. Shade, filtered light or bright indoor light. Direct sun scorches the variegated fans faster than the plain green form. Outdoors it suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens and takes light frost only, so cooler southern homes should keep it inside year round.

Soil. A premium free draining potting mix with added perlite or coarse bark. In the ground it wants friable soil improved with compost, mulched 50mm deep and kept clear of the canes.

Water and feed. Water when the top 3cm of mix dries, and empty the saucer afterwards. Never let it stand in water. Feed with a controlled release palm fertiliser in early spring and summer, at half rate indoors.

Grooming. Remove browned fans at the cane and wipe the leaves occasionally. Brown tips usually mean dry air or salt build up from tap water, not underfeeding.

What to expect when it arrives

The range runs from a pack of six in 200mm pots through 250mm, 300mm, 400mm and 500mm, up to 100L, 110L, 160L and 200L specimens. Most sizes are currently backorder, with 400mm usually ready to send. Because the plant grows so slowly, the size you buy is close to the size you will have for a year or two, so buy the presence you want now.

Plants are packed upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Shop pet friendly indoor plants
• Best plants for low light rooms
• More low light indoor plants
• Browse the full palm range

Common questions

Is it really safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Lady palm is a recognised non toxic species for both, which is why it is a standard recommendation for homes with pets.

How fast does it grow?

Very slowly, and the variegated form is slower again. Expect a small number of new fans each year rather than noticeable height, which is why larger sizes are priced as specimens.

Why are the leaf tips browning?

Usually dry indoor air, salt build up from tap water, or a pot left standing in a saucer. Flush the mix thoroughly every few months and raise the air moisture around it.

Can it live outdoors in Melbourne or Canberra?

Not in the ground. It takes light frost only, so in cold districts treat it as an indoor plant or keep it potted under cover through winter.