Gibbs rattan Plant Care
Calamus gibbsianus Becc.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Calamus gibbsianus is a species of rattan palm in the genus Calamus endemic to the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It is a highly polymorphic species and reaches the highest altitude of any palm in Borneo, growing in montane forest at elevations of 1,400–3,000 m (4,600–9,800 ft).
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Gibbs rattan?
Water Gibbs rattan every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Gibbs rattan?
Gibbs rattan (Calamus gibbsianus) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Calamus genus. Gibbs rattan is native to the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
Gibbs rattan displays a tall climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Gibbs rattan produces small inconspicuous flowers on a large inflorescence.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Gibbs rattan?
Calamus gibbsianus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Gibbs rattan Need?
Gibbs rattan thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Gibbs rattan in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gibbs rattan Prefer?
Calamus gibbsianus grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Gibbs rattan prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gibbs rattan?
Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Gibbs rattan to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Gibbs rattan?
Feed Gibbs rattan every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Gibbs rattan?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Gibbs rattan?
Gibbs rattan can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rattan plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Gibbs rattan Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Gibbs rattan, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Gibbs rattan?
Gibbs rattan is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Gibbs rattan Need?
Gibbs rattan grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Gibbs rattan is native to the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Gibbs rattan as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Gibbs rattan is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Calamus genus — compare its care with other Calamus species on PlantoScan.
Calamus is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Gibbs rattan thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Calamus Species
Other Calamus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Calamus gibbsianus Becc., family Arecaceae (first published in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 11(App.): 58 (1913)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gibbs rattan, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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