Photo: Heather MerryleesCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bulbous Rattan Palm Plant Care
Cyathophorum bulbosum (Hedw.) Müll.Hal.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant features unique bulbous, leafless stems that make it stand out in any collection. Originating from South Africa, it thrives in arid climates and is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual appearance and low-maintenance care requirements.
Every 2–3 days
Shade to partial shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Bulbous Rattan Palm?
Water Bulbous Rattan Palm every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it shade to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Bulbous Rattan Palm Native To?
What Is the Bulbous Rattan Palm?
Bulbous Rattan Palm (Cyathophorum bulbosum) belongs to the Hypopterygiaceae family within the Cyathophorum genus. Bulbous Rattan Palm is native to the eastern states of Australia as well as Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Chatham Island, Lord Howe Island and possibly Norfolk Island and New Ireland. Bulbous Rattan Palm is also known as Bulbous Cyathophorum Palm.
Bulbous Rattan Palm displays a low mat-forming ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Bulbous Rattan Palm produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bulbous Rattan Palm?
Cyathophorum bulbosum requires watering every 2–3 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 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bulbous Rattan Palm Need?
Bulbous Rattan Palm thrives in shade to partial shade. Avoid placing Bulbous Rattan Palm in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Shade to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bulbous Rattan Palm Prefer?
Cyathophorum bulbosum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Bulbous Rattan Palm prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bulbous Rattan Palm?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Bulbous Rattan Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bulbous Rattan Palm?
Feed Bulbous Rattan Palm every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bulbous Rattan Palm?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 Bulbous Rattan Palm?
Bulbous Rattan Palm can be propagated through spores, division of clumps.
Is the Bulbous Rattan Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bulbous Rattan Palm, 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 Bulbous Rattan Palm?
Bulbous Rattan Palm is susceptible to slugs, snails, mites. 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 Bulbous Rattan Palm Need?
Bulbous Rattan Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Bulbous Rattan Palm is native to the eastern states of Australia as well as Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Chatham Island, Lord Howe Island and possibly Norfolk Island and New Ireland. In cooler regions, grow Bulbous Rattan Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Bulbous Rattan Palm 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 Cyathophorum genus — compare its care with other Cyathophorum species on PlantoScan.
Cyathophorum is part of the Hypopterygiaceae plant family — browse all Hypopterygiaceae genera and species.
Bulbous Rattan Palm copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cyathophorum bulbosum (Hedw.) Müll.Hal., family Hypopterygiaceae (first published in Syn. Musc. Frond. 2: 14 1850) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bulbous Rattan Palm, 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: Heather Merrylees, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, 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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