herb
EdibleVietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm)
Persicaria odorata
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA (not specifically listed; culinary herb)).
Some direct sun — an east or west window, or a few hours of direct light.
Likes consistently moist soil; don’t let it dry out.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
Vietnamese coriander is a sprawling, heat-loving perennial whose leaves give a citrusy, cilantro-like flavor without the bolting problem of true cilantro. It likes warmth, moisture, and humidity, which makes it a good indoor herb.
About Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm)
Vietnamese coriander (Persicaria odorata), known as rau răm, is a sprawling tender perennial from Southeast Asia whose leaves give a citrusy, cilantro-like flavour. Its great advantage over true cilantro is that it does not bolt in heat, so it keeps producing instead of running to seed. It roots and spreads readily and fills a 4-litre pot, which makes it a dependable indoor herb where cilantro disappoints.
It likes warmth, moisture, and humidity, which suits many indoor settings. Keep the soil consistently moist, since this is a thirsty plant that dislikes drying out, and pinch the tips to stop it sprawling too far. Cuttings root in a glass of water within a week or two, so one plant easily becomes several. It takes medium light, so a very bright window isn't essential. Steady sprigs are ready around 50 to 70 days.
What it’s like to grow
Vietnamese coriander is easy and obliging as long as you keep it warm and damp. Legginess and long, leaning stems mean it needs pinching back. The bigger risk is cold and dry air, which brings on leaf drop and a general decline, so keep it away from chilly drafts. It wants high, steady water and only medium light. It is a strong pick for anyone frustrated by cilantro bolting, and it is non-toxic to cats and dogs as a culinary herb.
What to expect
First harvest in about 50–70 days. It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓♻ Regrow from scraps
Root a cut sprig in a glass of water within a week or two, then pot it; it roots very readily.
Companions
Tips
- Keep the soil consistently moist; it dislikes drying out.
- Pinch tips to keep it compact, as it tends to sprawl.
- Give it warmth and humidity; it resents cold and dry air.
Common problems
- Legginess and sprawling stems if not pinched.
- Leaf drop and decline in cold or dry conditions.
Common questions
Is Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) toxic to cats and dogs?
Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA (not specifically listed; culinary herb).
How much light does Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) need?
Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) does best in medium, indirect light: near an east or west window, or a little back from a bright one. Direct midday sun can scorch it.
How often should I water Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm)?
Keep Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm)'s soil consistently moist. It likes regular water and dislikes drying out, so check it often in warm or dry rooms.
What temperature does Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) need?
Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) is happiest around 18–30 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 7 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Does Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) need high humidity?
Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) prefers humid air. Group it with other plants, stand it on a pebble tray, or run a humidifier — dry indoor air tends to brown the leaf tips.
How long does Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) take to grow?
Expect a first harvest about 50–70 days from sowing under good conditions. A vigorous tender perennial that gives steady cilantro-like sprigs and, unlike cilantro, does not bolt in heat.
Can I grow Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) without a sunny window?
Yes. Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) get?
A trailing spreading herb ~0.2–0.3 m tall; one plant fills a small pot.
How do I propagate Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm)?
Root a cut sprig in a glass of water within a week or two, then pot it up.
What pests affect Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm)?
Watch for aphids and spider mites. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) easy to grow?
Yes. Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm)
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice; only eat plants you can positively identify as the edible plant and part described. Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.