Rapis was brought to Europe more than two hundred years ago. The scientific name in botany comes from the Greek word meaning in translation - a rod, a stick. Hence the name in everyday life - "whip" palm. The stems are used in industry: they make canes and umbrellas, which was the reason for the appearance in England of the name for this plant as "Palma for Lady". When kept in favorable conditions, Rapis will please you with colors of white or ivory.
Rapys are a decorative kind and they are often used in interior design. It should be remembered that it is desirable that the premises were spacious and cool, although it is also possible to grow in apartment conditions. Reproduction of the ramp is extensive enough, with the formation of a large number of new roots, so that these roots form a group of many trunks, which makes this plant even more attractive.
Kinds.
Rapis is high (synonym: rapis fan-aerobic), Hamerops high, Trachcarapus highest. It grows in the subtropical forests of China and Japan. Bushy, up to three meters in height. The trees are small and have a diameter of about 3-4 centimeters and are covered with remains of petioles of leaves. The leaves have a fan shape, with a deep cut into 4/6 of their length. The length of 25-30 centimeters, and two to three widths (it can be up to five) centimeters. Indoors, this plant is almost not blooming.
Rapis is low. Occurs in the subtropical forests of southern China. They are low-growing bushy plants 1 to 1.5 meters in height. The trees have a cane-like shape, 1-2 centimeters in diameter, with a fibrous surface. The leaves are fan-shaped and have a dissection almost to the base of 7-8 lobes, they are small in length - 20-25 cm, hard to the touch, but glossy in appearance and pointed at the apex. Has a thin and short petiole - about 25-30 cm, with fibers. The inflorescence is axillary and branched, but rarely blooms.
Care of the plant.
The palm of the room raspis reacts positively to bright light, i.e., it carries direct sunlight, but it can also grow in partial shade. But it is worth noting that after a long cloudy weather or recently bought a plant to the sunlight accustomed, exposing it to light gradually. The best position for a scribe is the window on the west or east side, but it can also grow from the north side. In the summer, if the plant is on the south side, avoid direct sunlight, otherwise a burn will not be avoided. For the uniformity of growth, from time to time the plant should be turned to the light by different sides.
The optimum summer temperature is about 20-22 ° C. Therefore, it is advisable to ventilate the room in very hot summer days. In winter, palm raspis is unpretentious and can tolerate temperatures of 8 ° C or 10-12 ° C. Although it should be noted that the best temperature regime for this plant is still in winter - from 10 ° C to 16 ° C.
In summer, it should be watered regularly and abundantly, when the top layer of the substrate dries. In autumn and winter, water moderately, and in cool rooms - carefully, do not overdry the ground. Water should be soft and well-kept. Thus, one should not allow excess water, but drying is dangerous.
Unlike most palms, Rapis is well tolerated by the dry air of urban areas. Nevertheless, sprinkle the leaves with warm, settled water. In winter, this should not be done.
They feed Rapis in spring and summer, once every 2-4 weeks. Usually this is a complex mineral fertilizer. In winter, the plant does not require additional fertilizing.
Transplanting is rare and only if necessary. Transplantation is best replaced, for example, by transshipment. The adult plant can not be transplanted or transplanted, it is sufficient to remove the top layer of the nutrient medium once a year, replacing it with a new one. The substrate must have a weakly acidic or neutral reaction. Mixture for this plant is made from the following types of land: turf, compost and peat with the addition of sand in a proportion of 2: 2: 2: 1. The mixture can also be bought in a store already ready and designed specifically for palm trees. The pot should be of sufficient width and may be shallow at the same time, because the roots of the ramp are not deep, but near the surface. Do not forget about the good drainage at the bottom of the pot, this is a must, since the plant reacts very strongly to soil silt.
Rapis is a palm tree that successfully multiplies by dividing rhizomes, which distinguishes it from many other species of palm trees. This can be done during transplantation. Germination occurs in two to three months.
Possible difficulties.
If the plant is in a room where there is very dry air, then the tips of the leaves become dry. If the plant receives in excess light, in the form of direct sunlight, then the leaves appear yellow spots. If, on the contrary, the plant receives excess moisture, as well as root damage, young leaves tend to open early.
If the plant is not sufficiently watered, then the leaves fall down, and if there is insufficient temperature, they darken and fade.
This room palm is damaged by a tick if the room is excessively dry and warm, and a scabbard.