Keeping the Bamboo Palm in hot, dry environments will encourage spider mite infestations. Medium light is best with Eastern or Northern exposure to natural light, supplemented with fluorescent or incandescent artificial light in the office.
Similar to us humans, plants require more water when they are in a higher temperature, or when the light is stronger where the plant is placed. It’s always important to remember that the same two plants might require different watering schedules, even if they’re only on opposites sides of the room.
Setting up traps is a great step to take in an effort to minimize pests on your office plants. It, of course, is not a fool proof plan, but it certainly is a good start. Yellow sticky traps help to catch flying pests, like white flies, and fungus gnats. You can buy them, or simply make your own by cutting bright yellow cardboard, and covering them in a sticky material.
Rhapis excelsa loves moist well-drained soil, so water generously. Avoid over watering. Over watering any plant that can cause root rot. The Lady Palm can thrive in shade as well as full solar exposure. Tip burning can occur in full direct sun while the plant is in the process of acclimating. For best leaf color and optimum growth, grow in full yet indirect light. In shade the leaves will darken.
