Photo: Nadezhda BortnikovaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Rattan Plant Care
Calamus rotang L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its long, slender, and flexible stems that can reach up to 200 feet in height. Originating from Southeast Asia, the Calamus rotang is highly desirable for plant collectors due to its unique climbing habit and attractive rattan fibers that are used in furniture making.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Rattan?
Water 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 Rattan?
Rattan (Calamus rotang) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Calamus genus. Rattan is native to India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar (Burma). Rattan is also known as Rotang Palm, Calamus Palm.
Rattan displays a tall climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Rattan produces small inconspicuous flowers on a large inflorescence.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rattan?
Calamus rotang 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 Rattan Need?
Rattan thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing 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 Rattan Prefer?
Calamus rotang grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. 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 Rattan?
Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Rattan to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rattan?
Feed 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 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 Rattan?
Rattan can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cane plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rattan Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Rattan?
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 Rattan Need?
Rattan grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Rattan is native to India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar (Burma). In cooler regions, grow Rattan as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
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.
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 rotang L., family Arecaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 325 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
- Photo: Nadezhda Bortnikova, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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