Rattlesnake Calathea Care Guide

Common Name: Rattlesnake plant

Family: Marantaceae

Genus: Calathea

Botanical Name: Calathea lancifolia

Difficulty: Can be a brat but will be great with the right care.

Light

Rattlesnake plants love bright, indirect light and medium-low light conditions. To prevent them from getting too much light, keep them in filtered light. You can easily do this with sheer curtains or blinds.

Water

You should water your rattlesnake plant frequently during the warmer growing season, and you shouldn’t let your plant dry out below the top inch. In the winter months, you can let the topsoil of your plant dry out before watering.

Climate

Your rattlesnake plant will be happiest in a warm, super humid environment. They need at least 50% humidity to thrive. The best temperatures for them are 60°-85°F, and they don’t tolerate temperatures below this range for very long.

Soil

Keep the soil slightly damp, but never let your rattlesnake plant sit in water. They like lighter, sandy soils—perlite is an added benefit that will only make your plant happier! They enjoy an extra boost of fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Be sure you’re using a balanced liquid fertilizer!

Pests and Diseases

Rattlesnake plants are susceptible to root rot, and can become infested with any typical houseplant pests such as mealybugs, fungus gnats, and whiteflies.

Tips

· Keep your rattlesnake plant away from your AC units and vents!

· They love pebble trays and misting for added humidity.

· A good rule for lighting is that you should be able to comfortable ready under the light your plant is in.

· They love grow lights if you aren’t able to maintain ideal lighting conditions.

Signs your rattlesnake plant isn’t happy

· Yellow leaves: over watered

· Curling leaves: under watered

· Limp leaves: too much water

How to propagate

The best time to propagate your rattlesnake plant is when they’re ready to be repotted. Gently search the roots for a spot where it’s separating on its own, divide them, and pot them in wet soil. It’s important that you keep them in a warm, moist environment that stays pretty humid. You should provide it with reduced light until it starts to grow in its new home.

Fun Facts

· Even though they rarely bloom, they can produce bright, orange blooms in their natural habitat.

· They grow up to 30 feet tall in the rainforests they’re native to.

· They don’t do well outdoors outside of their natural habitat.

Hardiness Zones

If you’re thinking about planting your friend outside, be sure to check your areas hardiness zone first! This will save you a lot of time and grief, and the potential loss of a plant.

The hardiness zone for rattlesnake plants is : 11-12

If you live in Tennessee, here’s a hardiness map to help you decide if your plant can survive outside!