Rhapis subtilis - Tray 60

About the Rhapis subtilis - Tray 60

Rhapis subtilis is a slow-growing, evergreen fan palm with deeply divided green leaves. The species forms dense clumps of slender stems covered in brown fibres. The Tray 60 size consists of seedlings for growing on.

Characteristics

Origin: This palm is native to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Sumatra, where it grows in tropical forests.

Family: The species belongs to the Arecaceae, the palm family.

Position: Grow the seedlings in a warm, sheltered position indoors or in a heated greenhouse. During sustained warm weather, the plants can be kept outdoors in a position sheltered from wind.

Height: Mature stems can reach approximately 3 metres in height. This slow-growing palm generally remains smaller in containers.

Flowering period: Flowering can occur once plants are sufficiently developed and growing conditions are suitable. Seedlings in the Tray 60 size are not yet expected to flower.

Flower colour: The small flowers may display dark bands and fine longitudinal lines on the corolla.

Hardiness: This palm is not winter hardy in the Dutch climate. Keep the seedlings warm and frost-free over winter.

Soil type: Use an airy, humus-rich growing medium that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely. Avoid heavy soil that stays wet for prolonged periods.

Care

Light: Provide bright, indirect light or light shade. Protect the foliage from intense, direct midday sun, including through glass.

Water: Keep the root ball evenly moist without saturating it, and allow excess water to drain freely. Reduce watering when growth slows, but do not let the root ball dry out completely.

Fertiliser: Feed regularly during active growth with a suitable palm fertiliser at a rate appropriate for young plants. Allow for nutrients already present in fresh potting compost and reduce feeding when growth slows.

Pruning: Remove only fully dried leaves and leave healthy green foliage intact. Do not cut into the growing point of a stem.

Repotting: Pot the seedlings on once roots have developed throughout the root ball. Choose slightly larger pots with drainage holes and keep the roots as intact as possible.

Humidity: Aim for moderate to high humidity and provide adequate ventilation without cold draughts. Keep the plants away from radiators and dry air currents.

Special features: The number and width of the leaf segments vary within this species, so individual plants do not all have exactly the same leaf shape.