How to Grow Rattan

Rattan comes from a climbing palm native to southeastern Asia. Its botanical name is Calamus, and it is a tropical understory plant. Rattan is commonly used to make furniture. It produces strong but lightweight wood that is extremely durable. The palm requires shade and moist, very acidic soil, and is difficult to cultivate even in its natural habitat. There are several species of Calamus that are used to make rattan. This plant is not easy to get in the United States, but if you do, you should grow it indoors.

Things You'll Need

• Thick gloves
• 1-gallon glazed container
• Potting soil
• Peat
• Compost
• Pruners
• Moisture meter
• Water
• Stake
• Plant ties
• Palm fertilizer
• Plant mister
• Insecticidal soap

Instructions

1. Transplant the rattan palm as soon as you get it. The plant's vining habit means it has a well-developed root system that is likely root bound in the nursery pot. Wear very thick gloves when handling the plant, due to its long thorns.

2. Make a mixture of 2 parts potting soil and 1 part each of peat and compost. Fill the glazed pot with the medium. A glazed pot will help conserve moisture better than an unglazed pot.

3. Cut the palm out of the nursery pot and lay it on its side. Prune away any strangling roots that are wrapped around the entire system. Separate the roots, and place the palm in the pot with the top of the roots level with the rim. Fill around the roots with soil and press firmly. Water the tree until moisture pours from the pot's drainage holes.

4. Place the palm in a dimly lit room with indirect exposure. Provide even and consistent moisture. This plant cannot be allowed to dry out. A moisture meter will help you keep it in the wet range. Stick the stem sensor in the pot to the hilt and read the gauge. Moisture meters measure either in colors or in words.

5. Push a stake into the pot approximately 3 inches from the trunk of the palm. Use plant ties to secure it. The plant will grow vigorously upright and will need extra support as it extends upward. Adjust the ties to higher points as the rattan palm gets bigger.

6. Fertilize the plant annually with palm fertilizer in early spring before the growth period begins. Use the amount indicated on the packaging for the size of pot you have. Dilute the fertilizer in the irrigation water, and apply it slowly so the plant has time to uptake the solution before it runs out the drainage holes.

7. Mist the plant two or three times a week to provide a high level of humidity. Remove any dead leaves as they occur.

8. Watch for mites and mealy bugs, which are common pests of indoor palms. Control insects with an insecticidal soap sprayed on all parts of the palm. Larger insects can be manually removed. Repot the rattan palm every three years.

References

• University of Cantania; The Rattan Palm
• Plant This: Rattan Cane