Do you have a wild side and a love for patterns? If so, the Rattlesnake Plant (scientifically known as Calathea lancifolia) is the perfect houseplant for you. With its bright green, wavy leaves striped with alternating ovals of dark green and a rich purple underside, this jolly plant will bring a touch of excitement to your home.
The Rattlesnake Plant gets its name from its lance-shaped foliage, which becomes more elongated as the plant matures. As a compact and bushy grower, it looks great as a tabletop feature or as a medium-level floor plant.
Common Symptoms
Here are some common symptoms and how to address them:
- Crispy brown leaf edges: Low humidity is the culprit here. Cut off the brown bits and increase the humidity around the plant.
- Curling, spotted leaves, and lower yellow leaves: This is a result of under watering. Keep the soil consistently moist, except during winter when the plant requires less water.
- Limp or rotting stems, or drooping leaves: Overwatering, cold temperatures, or exposure to drafts can cause this. Move the plant to a warmer spot or away from cold drafts immediately to prevent irreversible damage.
- Leaf pattern fading: This can occur due to too much or too little light. Most often, leaf fading is caused by exposure to direct sunlight. Find a shadier spot for your plant to avoid this issue.
- Botrytis (Grey mould): This problem may occur if the surrounding air is extremely muggy. However, since the Rattlesnake Plant loves high humidity, this problem may never occur. If it does, remove the infected parts of the plant and improve ventilation in the area.
Care Instructions
To ensure your Rattlesnake Plant thrives, follow these care instructions:
- Origin: Native to Brazilian rainforests.
- Height: Approximately 70-80 cm.
- Light: The Rattlesnake Plant thrives in medium to bright light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn or fade the color of the foliage.
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Adjust your watering schedule with the changing seasons. During spring and summer, water more frequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering and only water when the topsoil becomes dry to the touch.
- Humidity: The Rattlesnake Plant prefers high humidity, but it can tolerate normal room environments without active adjustments to humidity. Avoid placing it near air conditioners or heaters and drafts.
- Temperature: Keep the plant in warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 24ºC. Avoid placing it in drafty areas and prevent sudden temperature changes, as they can shock the plant.
- Soil: Use potting soil that retains moisture while providing good drainage.
- Fertilizer: During the active growing season of spring and summer, fertilize monthly. Reduce fertilization during winter.
- Repotting: Repot your Rattlesnake Plant when the pot becomes crowded. These plants can grow big, so they require sufficient root space to thrive.
- Propagation: The best way to propagate Rattlesnake Plants is through division. Simply separate the plant stems into segments, ensuring that each segment has intact foliage, stem, and roots. Plant each segment in separate pots with well-draining but moisture-retentive soil.
- Toxicity: Rattlesnake plants are non-toxic, making them safe for households with pets and children.
If you’re ready to add this unique plant to your collection, visit our website to shop for the Rattlesnake Plant. Enjoy the beauty and vibrancy it brings to your home!