Lady palm
Rhapis flabelliformus (Arecaceae)
Cats and dogs
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.
Source: ASPCA entry "Lady Palm", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol Copes
- Medium light 6+ mol Copes
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Grows best in bright, indirect light near a window, yet copes with deep shade and poor light; full sun can burn the leaves. Sources agree it is one of the more low-light tolerant palms.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Easy. Water: Water regularly in the growing season, letting it get slightly dry between thorough waterings, and cut back in winter.
Variegated forms need lower light; occasional heavy drenching flushes out fertilizer salts.
More pet-safe plants for similar light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
- Baby's tears (Soleirolia) bright indirect light
- Grape ivy bright indirect light
- Money tree bright indirect light
- Parlor palm bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Lady Palm"
- Light and care: NC State Extension, "Rhapis excelsa | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox"
- Light and care: Missouri Botanical Garden, "Rhapis excelsa - Plant Finder"
- Light and care: Clemson HGIC, "Indoor Palms | Home & Garden Information Center"