The perfect houseplant for pattern lovers because of its bold patterned foliage with deep purple undersides. Learn how to care for your Calathea Rattlesnake, one of the new ‘it’ plants of 2021!
Calathea Rattlesnake, also known as Calathea lancifolia, is one of the new ‘it’ plants of 2021 because of its bold patterned foliage with deep purple undersides, which is perfect for pattern lovers who like to decorate bold and wild. Yes, it’s true that they aren’t the easiest houseplants to care just like Calathea Medallion, but if you give them extra TLC and the proper care they need, you will be rewarded with gorgeous bright green, wavy leaves that can give your home a tropical feel.
Fun Fact: The leaves of Calathea Rattlesnake are used for food wrapping and handicraft in Brazil.
Native to the Brazilian rainforest, the Calathea Rattlesnake is a low-light plant. This gorgeous tropical plant thrives in moist, warm, semi-shady climates. So it needs lots of heat and humidity to keep this plant happy and healthy. They can also produce bright, yellow-orange flowers during late spring and early summer, if you provide the right conditions. However, it rarely blooms indoor. Of course, it’s an attention-stealer because it can grow up to 30 inches tall and sometimes more.
Calathea Rattlesnake is often sold as Calathea insignis, which is its former scientific name. Keep this in mind when buying a Calathea Rattlesnake in a nursery. Here’s everything you need to know on how to care for your Calathea Rattlesnake.
| Botanical Name | Calathea lancifolia |
| Common Name | Calathea Rattlesnake Rattlesnake Plant |
| Plant Size | Calathea Rattlesnake reaches a height up to 30 inches tall. |
| Types of Calathea | Calathea Crocata Calathea Lancifolia Calathea Makoyana Calathea Orbifolia Calathea Ornata Calathea Ornata ‘Sanderiana’ Calathea Roseopicta Calathea Roseopicta ‘Dottie’ Calathea Roseopicta ‘Rosey’ Calathea Rufibarba Calathea Warscewiczii Calathea Zebrina |
| Sunlight | Calathea Rattlesnake is a low-light plant, so it will do best in medium to low light. |
| Water | Keep the soil moist, but not saturated. Water your Calathea Rattlesnake more frequently during spring and summer. Water only water when the topsoil becomes dry to touch during winter. |
| Humidity | Calathea Rattlesnake prefers a spot with ample humidity. Mist it with lukewarm water regularly. |
| Temperature | Calathea Rattlesnake likes warm spaces, preferably between 65°F to 85°F. It’s best to maintain indoor temperature above 64°F. |
| Toxicity | Calathea Rattlesnake is non-poisonous. However, best practice is to always keep houseplants out of reach from pets and small children. |
| Food | Feed your Calathea Rattlesnake every four weeks during spring and summer with a general houseplant fertilizer that contains iron. |
| Pests and Problems | Calathea Rattlesnake is generally pest-free. However, if you see pests, get rid of them immediately with weekly sprays of horticultural oil. |
| Omysa Plant Care Tip | Clean your Calathea Rattlesnake’s leaves with a damp cloth occasionally. Do not use tap water as it contains salts, chlorine, minerals, and fluoride, which causes the tips of the leaves to burn, curl up, and turn yellowish. Filter the water by either using a water filtration system or by leaving the water in an open container overnight. |
Calathea Rattlesnake Care Tips
Caring for your Calathea Rattlesnake requires extra TLC to keep their gorgeous leaves. Follow our guide on how to care for your Calathea Rattlesnake, from sunlight requirements to common problems and their solutions.
Sunlight
First on our list on how to care for your Calathea Rattlesnake is to place it in an area where it can get medium to low light. Avoid direct light and afternoon light to prevent scorching.
Common Problem: If you notice that the beautiful bold patterns of your Calathea Rattlesnake are fading, then it means that your plant is receiving too much direct sun.
Solution: Place your Calathea Rattlesnake in a low-light area, like in your bathroom or kitchen, where the sunlight is just enough to keep your plant alive.
Water
It’s recommended to create a regular watering schedule to keep your Calathea Rattlesnake’s soil moist. However, avoid soaking its soil in too much water.
Common Problem: If the leaves of your Calathea Rattlesnake are curling, then it means that the soil is dry. Signs that your Calathea Rattlesnake’s soil is completely dry if you see its leaves droop, go limp and possibly start to brown and curl.
Solution: Keep a consistent watering schedule. Water your Calathea Rattlesnake when the top 1″-2″ of the soil is dry.
Common Problem: If the leaves of your Calathea Rattlesnake are turning yellow on the edges, then it means that the quality of the water is harmful to the plant.
Solution: Tap water is not suitable for plants because it contains salts, chlorine, minerals, and fluoride, which causes the tips of the leaves to burn, curl up, and turn brown. Filter the water by either using a water filtration system or by leaving the water in an open container overnight.
Humidity & Temperature
Next on our list on how to care for your Calathea Rattlesnake is to place it in a high humid environment. For example, in your bathroom or kitchen area. Also, your Calathea Rattlesnake loves a warm environment, preferably between 65°F to 85°F. It’s best to maintain indoor temperature above 64°F.
Common Problem: If the leaves of your Calathea Rattlesnake start to brown up or curl, then it means that the environment is too dry.
Solution: Mist it with lukewarm water regularly. Calathea Rattlesnake loves moisture, so it’s best to mist it every day or use a pebble tray. Also, avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Toxicity
Calathea Rattlesnake is non-toxic to humans and pets, but best practice is to always keep houseplants out of reach from pets and small children.
Food
Another on our list on how to care for your Calathea Rattlesnake is to feed it every four weeks during spring and summer with a general houseplant fertilizer that contains iron. Cut the fertilizer in winter completely.
Common Problem: Your Calathea Rattlesnake’s leaves’ edges are turning brown or is starting to wilt.
Solution: Avoid over-fertilizing your plant, especially during winter. Your Calathea Rattlesnake might be suffering from root burn that could cause its death.
Pests & Other Problems
Calathea Rattlesnake is an easy-going indoor plant and is generally pest-free. However, if you see pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites, treat your Calathea Rattlesnake immediately with weekly sprays of horticultural oil. Another solution is to boosts the humidity by turning your humidifier on high or spraying your plant with water.
Another problem with the Calathea Rattlesnake is its leaves will get dusty from time to time, so make sure to clean them with a damp cloth. Also, never use any leaf shine products on your plant.
That’s a wrap on how to care for your Calathea Rattlesnake. Don’t forget to mist it often! Check out our Plant Care blog to learn more about different houseplants and tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.
Whatever houseplant you choose to transform your home into a lively oasis, you’ll definitely need a stylish planter to display your plant baby in. No matter what your style, there’s an Omysa planter that will be perfect with your garden and home’s décor. From ceramics to fiberstone, check out Omysa’s Shop and add it to your cart!
