Foliage Plants Rattlesnake Plant by Elyssa Goins 9 months ago by Elyssa Goins Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she's been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you. Published: July 19, 2023Last Updated on September 19, 2023 This article was fact checked. Helpful: 100% Share 0FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail 166 Table of Contents Toggle DescriptionFactsPlant CarePotential Problems Also known as Calathea lancifolia and by the more commonly known name, the Rattlesnake Plant. Popular for people wanting to achieve a tropical theme (with this species used as foliage). If you are interested in buying these, watch for the name Calthea insignis because that is the Rattlesnake Plant’s former scientific name. Find it on PlantVine Description A plant native to Brazil where it thrives in warm and moist areas of the Brazilian Rainforest and blooms in the late spring and early summer months. What it Looks Like A Rattlesnake plant is fairly tall, with leaves that can grow 30 inches tall or more. The leaves don’t just make this plant tall though, it also contributes to its beauty…. They are beautifully marked with various shades of green, wavy edges that magnify those shades, and green spots that resemble small leaves. Even their undersides do not lack in magnificence, being a reddish-purple shade. Displaying: Because this plant is native to Brazil’s tropical climate where it is moist and warm, that is what it prefers. If your plant is exposed to cold or dry air (50ºF or 10ºC), there is a possibility that its leaves could start to droop or turn brown even though this is one of the most restrained plants when it comes to browning leaves. The Rattlesnake also prefers slightly sandy soil that allows good water drainage. When you place this plant in your home, don’t put it in direct sunlight, because it will start to lose those beautiful green spots. The best place to put it would be in an indoor patio or in one of the rooms in your home near a window that doesn’t have the sun directly facing it. Care Level: This species is not that difficult to care for. However, if you mistreat it for too long (stop watering, let it get cold), it will stop thriving and might even die. One thing you should not do is use leaf shine products on Rattlesnake plants; it does more harm than good. Facts Origin:Brazil.Names:Rattlesnake Plant (common). Calathea Lancifolia and C. Insignis.Max Growth (approx):30″ tall.Poisonous for pets:Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Plant Care Temperature:Room temperatures that average 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) and no lower than 60ºF (15ºC). Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.Light:A good bright spot within a room or conservatory without direct sunlight is advised. Too much direct sun will cause issues.Watering:As the plant grows, you may have to get a wider pot so the roots and new stems have more room to grow. If you do not have a wider pot or just by choice, you can divide the plant in half or fourths and report those divided.Soil:During the growing season ( May – Aug) water frequently. Always keep the soil moist (not waterlogged). During the winter cut this down and only water when the topsoil has become dry to the touch.Re-Potting:As the plant grows, you may have to get a wider pot so the roots and new stems have more room to grow. If you do not have a wider pot or just by choice, you can divide the plant in half or fourths and repot those divided.Fertilizer:Use a balanced liquid feed to encourage the foliage to look healthy and more attractive. Feed once a month from April – August.Humidity:Since the plant loves moist areas, you can leave a tray under your pot with pebbles to hold moisture from the water that escapes from the hole on the bottom of the pot so the plant remains moist. You can also use a humidifier for this task.Propagation:Divide the parent plant at repotting time. This involves removing the plant from the pot and separating the stems for each new plant you wish to create. Water the plants after repotting, then give time between watering to prevent problems, now wait for new growth. Potential Problems Leaves curling: With Calathea this is caused often when the plant is underwatered and/or dry air has affected it because of low humidity. Yellowing leaves: Older lowers leaves can sometimes be yellow, which is natural, but if many do then overwatering could be an issue. Brown leaf tips: The most likely cause is dry air and a need for higher humidity. Increase levels as best as possible. Limp stems: Limp stems can be a serious issue caused when the plant is overwatered in cold temperatures. This can eventually affect and kill the whole plant if not attended to quickly. Find it on PlantVine Was this helpful? Submit Cancel Thanks for your feedback! Elyssa GoinsElyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you. Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail previous post 8 Tips on Growing Beautiful Desert Rose Plants next post House Plant Types – House Plants Expert 0 0 votes Article Rating Subscribe Login Notify of new follow-up comments new replies to my comments Label Name* Email* Website Δ Label Name* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. 5 Comments Oldest Newest Most Voted Inline Feedbacks View all comments RJ 1 year ago These are not Calatheas. They are Goeppertias, I believe. Mary Lloyster Reply to RJ 1 year ago Indeed! Rattlesnake Calathea is now Goeppertia insignis, you are awesome!:) Cathy Roden 10 months ago I have a brown leaf on my rattlesnake plant, it looks like it’s burned Elyssa Goins Author Reply to Cathy Roden 9 months ago Cathy, two things. Make sure your water rests before using if it has chlorine in it. Secondly, the Rattlesnake Plant likes humidity. You are going to need to mist it regularly or maybe try a pebble tray to help it out. Best of luck! Elisabeth 9 months ago Hi Mary, My indoor Rattlesnake plant has surprised me with three stalks full of white flowers. What a treat!
