Overview

Calamus rotang is a clump forming palm in the genus Calamus, part of the Arecaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Calamus rotang grows best in full sun, and tolerates clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include pond margins and cottage and informal gardens.

About

Calamus rotang, commonly known as chair bottom cane or rattan palm, is a clump-forming deciduous palm from the Arecaceae family. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, with varying pH levels and moisture conditions from moist but well-drained to poorly-drained. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for planting in exposed or sheltered positions, particularly on south- or west-facing aspects. This palm is well suited for pond margins and cottage or informal gardens, with interest during spring and summer. Propagation is by rhizome division, and it prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

About the genus

Calamus is a genus of flowering plants in the palm family Arecaceae, and is one of several genera known as rattan palms. There are an estimated 400 species in this genus, all native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Calamus (palm)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calamus (palm)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Calamus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Clay

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Calamus rotang size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Palm

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Pond margins, Cottage and informal gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Calamus rotang

Propagation

Rhizome division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions