Question
Darlene, thanks for your quick response. The plant is 6 ft tall.It
stands in front of a picture window where there is abundant sunshine.
I do not have a curtain hanging at that window.I live in the city of
Newark, N.J. I hope to hear from you soon. thanks,
         Deidre Kirkman



Question -
I HAVE JUST ACQUIRED A NEGLECTED RHAPIS EXCELSA AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO BRING IT BACK TO A HEALTHY STATE.IT IS A MATURE PLANT IN A 12 INCH POT.SOME OF THE TIPS OF THE LEAVES ARE BROWN AND FRAYED. I ONLY ACQUIRED IT LAST NIGHT AND HAVE YET TO WATER IT.I HAVE CITY WATER AND AM NOT SURE OF THE DIRECTION MY WINDOW FACES.THANKS FOR YOUR HELP,
         DEIDRE KIRKMAN
         
Answer -
Deidre,

Your plant is a palm, not bamboo. There are several varieties, how tall is yours? Do you get a lot of sun in the window you are setting it in front of? What type of window covering do you have on that window?  What city do you live in (so I know your climate)? Let me know and I will give you my best advice on your plant.

Darlene

Answer
Deidre,

What you have is a very slow growing Lady Palm, usually grown outdoors in the deep south. In your area it could go outdoors for the summer. It should be in a sandy fast draining soil. If it were mine I would buy distilled water to water it with or a water purifying pitcher such as Brita or Pur to remove the chlorine or flouride from the water.

Was the plant left outside in the wind? That might cause the leaves to fray.

Ideal temperature for maximum root growth is 15-60?C (60-87?F) and the best time to transplant, divide or remove pups is in the spring and fall. Never plant a Rhapis in too large a pot for its roots, they do somewhat better when roots are slightly crowded. Never let plant completely dry out or be left soggy with wet feet, as root rot will soon kill your Lady palm.

The 2 sites below will give you further information. If you have more questions after reading that info feel free to write again.

http://www.rhapisgardens.com/rhapis-excelsa/

http://www.texasriviera.com/rhapisinfor.html

Good luck.
Darlene