Fishtail palms are prone to spider mites, so watch carefully for them. Lady palms have large, thick, shiny leaves with blunt tips. Their sturdy clumping stems are covered with dark brown fiber that appears woven. This is the only palm species that has cultivars in green and variegated forms. The variegated Rhapis are slower-growing than green forms and need less fertilizer and lower light levels.
Most lady palms grow best in bright, indirect light near a window or skylight.
Large lady palm is the most adaptable to low light areas. Thailand lady palm must be kept constantly moist. The other lady palms should be allowed to become somewhat dry between thorough waterings. Heavily and repeatedly drench lady palms with water twice a year to leach excess fertilizer salts from their potting mix. A rich houseplant potting mix, such as an african violet mix, is ideal.