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Calathea lancifolia 'Rattlesnake' in 12cm pot.
🌿 Calathea Rattlesnake – Description
Botanical Name: Calathea lancifolia (also classified under Goeppertia insignis in some modern taxonomies)
Common Name: Rattlesnake Plant
Native Region: Brazil (tropical rainforests)
✅ Key Features:
Foliage: Long, lance-shaped leaves with bold, dark green, wavy patterns on a lighter green background—resembling a rattlesnake’s skin.
Undersides: Rich purple-burgundy underside, giving dramatic contrast.
Movement: As a prayer plant, the leaves raise and fold upward at night, and lower during the day in response to light (nyctinasty).
Size: Typically grows 1.5–2.5 ft (45–75 cm) tall indoors, with a spreading, bushy habit.
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🪴 Calathea Rattlesnake – Care Guide
Despite its striking look, the rattlesnake plant is relatively forgiving among Calatheas—but still benefits from consistent conditions.
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☀️ Light
Prefers bright, indirect light.
Tolerates medium light, but colors may fade.
Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves and fade the patterns.
Ideal Spot: Near a north or east-facing window, or filtered light through sheer curtains.
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💧 Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry.
Use filtered, rain, or distilled water to avoid brown tips—Calatheas are sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, and salts.
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🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid cold drafts or sudden temp drops.
Humidity: High humidity (50–70%+) is essential.
Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or place in humid rooms like kitchens or bathrooms.
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🌱 Soil
Use a well-draining, rich potting mix.
Ideal mix: 2 parts peat or coco coir + 1 part perlite + optional orchid bark or compost.
Soil should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
---
🌸 Fertilizer
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring–early fall) with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Do not overfertilize—this can cause salt buildup and damage roots.
Pause feeding in winter.
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🪴 Repotting
Repot every 1–2 years or when rootbound.
Use a pot 1–2 inches wider with drainage holes.
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✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
Remove dead or yellowing leaves at the base.
Wipe dust from leaves gently with a damp cloth—no leaf shine sprays.
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth.
---
🐛 Pests & Problems
Problem Cause Fix
Brown leaf edges/tips Low humidity or tap water sensitivity Boost humidity; switch to filtered/distilled water
Yellowing leaves Overwatering or poor drainage Let soil dry more; ensure pot drains
Crispy leaves Dry air, too much sun Increase humidity; move to shadier spot
Pests Spider mites, aphids, mealybugs Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap
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🐾 Pet Friendly?
✅ Yes! Calathea lancifolia is non-toxic to pets and safe around cats and dogs.
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🧘 Bonus Tips:
Rotate the plant every couple of weeks to encourage even growth.
This Calathea can thrive in a bathroom or terrarium due to its love of warmth and humidity.
Keep away from heaters, air conditioners, or vents that dry out the air.
🌿 Calathea Rattlesnake – Description
Botanical Name: Calathea lancifolia (also classified under Goeppertia insignis in some modern taxonomies)
Common Name: Rattlesnake Plant
Native Region: Brazil (tropical rainforests)
✅ Key Features:
Foliage: Long, lance-shaped leaves with bold, dark green, wavy patterns on a lighter green background—resembling a rattlesnake’s skin.
Undersides: Rich purple-burgundy underside, giving dramatic contrast.
Movement: As a prayer plant, the leaves raise and fold upward at night, and lower during the day in response to light (nyctinasty).
Size: Typically grows 1.5–2.5 ft (45–75 cm) tall indoors, with a spreading, bushy habit.
---
🪴 Calathea Rattlesnake – Care Guide
Despite its striking look, the rattlesnake plant is relatively forgiving among Calatheas—but still benefits from consistent conditions.
---
☀️ Light
Prefers bright, indirect light.
Tolerates medium light, but colors may fade.
Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves and fade the patterns.
Ideal Spot: Near a north or east-facing window, or filtered light through sheer curtains.
---
💧 Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry.
Use filtered, rain, or distilled water to avoid brown tips—Calatheas are sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, and salts.
---
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid cold drafts or sudden temp drops.
Humidity: High humidity (50–70%+) is essential.
Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or place in humid rooms like kitchens or bathrooms.
---
🌱 Soil
Use a well-draining, rich potting mix.
Ideal mix: 2 parts peat or coco coir + 1 part perlite + optional orchid bark or compost.
Soil should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
---
🌸 Fertilizer
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring–early fall) with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Do not overfertilize—this can cause salt buildup and damage roots.
Pause feeding in winter.
---
🪴 Repotting
Repot every 1–2 years or when rootbound.
Use a pot 1–2 inches wider with drainage holes.
---
✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
Remove dead or yellowing leaves at the base.
Wipe dust from leaves gently with a damp cloth—no leaf shine sprays.
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth.
---
🐛 Pests & Problems
Problem Cause Fix
Brown leaf edges/tips Low humidity or tap water sensitivity Boost humidity; switch to filtered/distilled water
Yellowing leaves Overwatering or poor drainage Let soil dry more; ensure pot drains
Crispy leaves Dry air, too much sun Increase humidity; move to shadier spot
Pests Spider mites, aphids, mealybugs Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap
---
🐾 Pet Friendly?
✅ Yes! Calathea lancifolia is non-toxic to pets and safe around cats and dogs.
---
🧘 Bonus Tips:
Rotate the plant every couple of weeks to encourage even growth.
This Calathea can thrive in a bathroom or terrarium due to its love of warmth and humidity.
Keep away from heaters, air conditioners, or vents that dry out the air.