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One Plant, Five Space Styles: Rhapis excelsa
Looking for plants that will work in your space? The lady palm (Raphis excelsa) might be for you
Karla Rey
27 March 2017
Houzz Contributor. Landscape architect in another life. I have a fervent affair with travel, books, photography, films, design, and architecture. I think having great company to share stories with over good food are essentials to a happy life.
Author and co-editor of 'Makisawsaw: Recipes x Ideas' book, published by Gantala Press.
Houzz Contributor. Landscape architect in another life. I have a fervent affair with... More
When decorating, not all plants fit the style and colour scheme of a space. Plants have a natural shape, growth pattern, and colour, among others, that can enhance an area or break it. In this series on decorating with plants, we look at Raphis excelsa and how it is able to work in five different spaces.
Part of the plants in our container plants series, Raphis excelsa, more commonly known as ‘lady palm’, is very decorative. Unlike other palms, its fronds are segmented and fan-shaped, making it an ideal ornamental plant. It is also effective in removing air pollutants.
Part of the plants in our container plants series, Raphis excelsa, more commonly known as ‘lady palm’, is very decorative. Unlike other palms, its fronds are segmented and fan-shaped, making it an ideal ornamental plant. It is also effective in removing air pollutants.
1. Boho chic
The potted palm in the corner completes the green wall effect and counter-balances the rigid lines of the timber seating and stone coffee table of this outdoor living space.
The potted palm in the corner completes the green wall effect and counter-balances the rigid lines of the timber seating and stone coffee table of this outdoor living space.
2. Traditional resort-style
Homes near the water usually echo the beach vibe with palms. Here, raphis adds that element in an elegant way.
Homes near the water usually echo the beach vibe with palms. Here, raphis adds that element in an elegant way.
3. Arty contemporary
The pots of lady palm in the corner punctuate this living room nicely. At this angle, it provides a counter-balance to the framed art hanging lower on the wall, making it feel symmetrical.
The pots of lady palm in the corner punctuate this living room nicely. At this angle, it provides a counter-balance to the framed art hanging lower on the wall, making it feel symmetrical.
4. Rustic contemporary
The row of lady palm in plant boxes screens this deck beautifully. The addition of uplights gives them an almost sculptural quality with light and shadows at play.
The row of lady palm in plant boxes screens this deck beautifully. The addition of uplights gives them an almost sculptural quality with light and shadows at play.
5. Contemporary Zen
Kept at similar heights and planted in identical pots spaced evenly, these lady palms add interest while helping create a peaceful, meditative space.
TELL US
What ornamental plants do you like decorating with? Share a photo in the Comments below.
Kept at similar heights and planted in identical pots spaced evenly, these lady palms add interest while helping create a peaceful, meditative space.
TELL US
What ornamental plants do you like decorating with? Share a photo in the Comments below.
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