Rattan palm Plant Care
Laccosperma secundiflorum (P.Beauv.) Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its striking fan-shaped leaves that grow in a unique spiral pattern. Originating from tropical Africa, the Laccosperma secundiflorum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its exotic appearance and rare growth habit. Its vibrant green foliage adds a touch of tropical elegance to any indoor garden.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Rattan palm?
Water Rattan palm 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.
Where Is the Rattan palm Native To?
What Is the Rattan palm?
Rattan palm (Laccosperma secundiflorum) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Laccosperma genus. Rattan palm is native to the Dzangha-Sangha tropical forests of Cameroon and else. Rattan palm is also known as climbing bamboo palm.
Rattan palm displays a tall, elegant palm growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Rattan palm produces produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rattan palm?
Laccosperma secundiflorum 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 palm Need?
Rattan palm thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Rattan palm 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 palm Prefer?
Laccosperma secundiflorum grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Rattan palm 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 palm?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Rattan palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rattan palm?
Feed Rattan palm 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 palm?
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 palm?
Rattan palm can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Rattan palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Rattan palm?
Rattan palm 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 palm Need?
Rattan palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Rattan palm is native to the Dzangha-Sangha tropical forests of Cameroon and else. In cooler regions, grow Rattan palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
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 Laccosperma genus — compare its care with other Laccosperma species on PlantoScan.
Laccosperma is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Rattan palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Laccosperma secundiflorum (P.Beauv.) Kuntze, family Arecaceae (first published in Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 729 (1891)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 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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