My Rattlesnake Calathea Care Routine: This Plant is Wild!

My tips and tricks for keeping my rattlesnake calathea happy and healthy. This plant is wild, but its beauty is worth it!

The rattlesnake calathea (Goeppertia insignis, formerly Calathea lancifolia) is a total showstopper. With its lance-shaped leaves adorned with striking dark green markings against a lighter green backdrop and vibrant purple undersides, it’s no wonder this plant is a popular choice for indoor gardeners.

It’s also part of the “prayer plant” family (Marantaceae), which means its leaves move throughout the day, folding up at night as if in prayer. This dynamic behavior adds another layer of intrigue to this already captivating plant. If you’re looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and a little bit quirky, the rattlesnake calathea is definitely worth considering. Let me share my care routine for this incredible plant!

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A rattlesnake calathea plant with vibrant green leaves featuring dark green oval patterns and purple undersides sits in a green pot on top of a small book. The setting appears to be indoors with sunlight softly illuminating the scene.

A Little About My Scaly Friend

Native to the lush tropical rainforests of Brazil, the rattlesnake calathea thrives in warm, humid environments. Its distinctive markings resemble the patterns on a rattlesnake’s skin, hence its common name. But one of the best things about this plant? It’s non-toxic to both pets and humans, so you can enjoy its beauty without worry.

Rattlesnake Calathea Light Requirements: Bright, But Not Blazing

Just like us, rattlesnake calatheas need the right amount of light to flourish. They prefer bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight filtering through the rainforest canopy. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, causing them to brown or fade.

An east-facing window is generally ideal, providing gentle morning sun and avoiding the harsh afternoon rays. If you only have a south or west facing window, place the plant further back from the window or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. Too little light, and you’ll notice the vibrant patterns start to fade and the plant may become leggy.

I’ve been maintaining my calathea rattlesnake plant in a north-facing window of my plant room and it is thriving there! If you lack good lighting in your home, you can always supplement with a grow light like this one. I have a few of them helping my plants out that are in darker spaces of my home.

A woman (stacy ling) smiles while holding a potted calathea rattlesnake plant in a cozy room. She wears a maroon top and gray pants. The room has a white bench with a beige cushion, a patterned rug, and framed art on the walls. Sunlight filters through the doorway.

Rattlesnake Calathea Care: Soil and Potting

Rattlesnake calatheas are not fans of soggy feet. Well-draining potting mix is absolutely crucial to prevent root rot, a common problem for these plants. I use a mix designed for tropical plants or even an African violet mix, as these tend to retain some moisture while still offering good drainage.

Avoid using regular garden soil, as it can become compacted and waterlogged. When it comes to repotting, do so every 1-2 years, preferably in the spring. Choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the current one, as a pot that’s too big can also lead to overwatering issues.

Temperature and Humidity: Creating a Tropical Paradise

These rainforest dwellers thrive in warm and humid conditions. Aim for a temperature range between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid placing your calathea near drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, as this can stress the plant.

Humidity is where things get a little trickier. Rattlesnake calatheas love high humidity. If your home is dry, you’ll need to take steps to increase the moisture in the air. I use a humidifier like this near my calathea plants, which works wonders.

Other options include placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (making sure the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water) or grouping plants together to create a more humid microclimate. Misting the leaves regularly can also help, but it’s not a substitute for overall increased humidity.

A Calathea rattlesnake plant with long, wavy green leaves featuring dark spots sits on a table in a green pot and white saucer. A book is underneath, with a cozy living room and fireplace in the background.

Watering Rattlesnake Calathea

Watering a rattlesnake calathea is a delicate balancing act. You want to keep the soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged. I check the soil moisture every few days by sticking my finger about an inch to two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If you’d rather not use your finger, try using a soil moisture meter like this one.

Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. During the winter months, when the plant’s growth slows down, you’ll need to water less frequently. As an aside, the foliage will let you know if its being underwatered as it will curl from lack of moisture and develop dry tips.

Fertilizing Calathea Rattlesnake Plant

During the growing season (spring and summer), your calathea plant will benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants, diluted to half the recommended strength.

Fertilize every 2-4 weeks to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Reduce or cease fertilization during the fall and winter months, as the plant’s growth slows down.

This year, I decided to feed my plants year round with a gentle organic fertilizer like this to keep the foliage happy and healthy. My plants are rewarding me with new growth and vibrancy.

A potted rattlesnake calathea plant with long, wavy green leaves featuring dark markings and reddish undersides, sits on a wooden shelf. Sunlight filters through a window, casting soft shadows on the leaves.

Common Rattlesnake Calathea Pests and Diseases

Like all houseplants, rattlesnake calatheas can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are common culprits. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of infestation.

If you notice any pests, treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is so important to Maintain good plant hygiene, such as wiping down the leaves and providing proper air circulation, to help prevent pest infestations.

I also use this systemic houseplant insect control granule that helps protect my plants for up to 8 weeks from issues and it works really well! In my home, I grow ALOT of houseplants and have had no problems since using it.

Root rot and fungal leaf spots are common diseases, usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. If you notice these issues, improve drainage and allow the soil to dry out more between watering.

A green and red variegated plant in a green pot sits on a stack of books on a wooden coffee table. In the background, a lamp, an armchair with a yellow cushion, and another plant are visible, set in a sunlit room.

The best way to propagate a rattlesnake calathea is by division in the spring. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes (the underground stems) into individual sections, ensuring each section has some roots. Repot the divisions in fresh potting mix. You can also try propagating by stem cuttings, but this method is less reliable.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions for Calathea Rattlensnake Plant

Brown Leaf Tips: This is often a sign of low humidity, dry soil, or fertilizer burn. Address the underlying issue and trim off the brown tips.
Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies can cause yellowing leaves. Assess your watering routine and consider fertilizing if necessary.
Lack of Vibrant Color: Insufficient light is usually the culprit. Move your plant to a brighter spot.

A sunlit living room with a wooden coffee table featuring a glass vase with blooming white flowers and a potted plant with patterned leaves. Books are stacked underneath. A large fern and lamp are in the background near a sofa.

Final Thoughts About Growing Rattlesnake Calathea

The rattlesnake calathea is a truly captivating plant that brings a touch of the tropics to any home. While it can be a bit more demanding than some other houseplants, with a little attention to its specific needs, you can enjoy the beauty of this wild child for years to come. Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn what works best for your plant and your environment. I suggest keeping a close eye on it when you first begin growing it so you can learn the plant’s needs and make adjustments in your home. Happy growing!

Are you growing the rattlesnake calathea plant yet? Will you give it a whirl after reading this post? Let’s chat more about this cool plant in the comments below.

For more information about growing rattlesnake calathea, please check out this article from the North Carolina State Cooperative Extension.

To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo

A rattlesnake calathea plant in a green pot sits on a book. The plant has long, patterned leaves in shades of green and burgundy. Text above reads, "Rattlesnake Calathea Care: It’s One Wild Plant!.

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