How To Grow Rattlesnake Houseplants

Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia) is a cosmetic perennial with strappy, spotted leaves and deep purple undersides. It’s possible to grow this tropical plant outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and over. In cooler climates, rattlesnake plant can readily be grown indoors. Keep reading and find out how to grow rattlesnake houseplants.

Rattlesnake plant flourishes in moist, warm, semi-shady climates. If circumstances are just right, the plant produces glowing yellow-orange blooms in late spring and early summer.

rattlesnake white bgs

The plant can grow up to 30 inches tall, and the large leaves have a variegated pattern with a variety of colors of greens along with a wavy pattern along their edges. The undersides of the foliage are eye using their exquisite purplish-red tones.

In its native area, the rattlesnake plant produces small yellow flowers in the late spring. As a houseplant, you’ll be growing this plant because of its ornamental, long, and tasteful foliage because it seldom blooms indoor.

Botanical Name Calathea lancifolia | Common Name Rattlesnake Plants

PlANT CARE

Rattlesnake plants aren’t generally considered the best choice to grow a novices houseplant collection. They have very specific requirements concerning warmth, light and moisture. On the other hand, the gorgeous decorative leaves the plant generates do make it worth the excess work.

Since this plant has large leaves, you might be tempted to utilize leaf shine to provide the foliage an excess boost. This may lead to browning of the tips of the leaves, which means you ought to stick with a simple damp cloth to remove any debris or dust rather.

SOIL

If it comes to soil, it ought to be one that’s well-drained. Though these plants can not handle standing water, they really do like to be kept moist. A light sandy soil or a potting mix of one part perlite and two parts peat can get the job done nicely. They also react well to slightly acidic or neutral pH levels – alkaline soils must be prevented.

LIGHT

Your Rattlesnake Plant is an excellent low light plant also will do well in moderate to low light. This stunning tropical plant does not like much sunlight on its own leaves, so protect it from direct light to prevent overtraining.

HUMIDITY

Like most tropical indoor plants, your own Rattlesnake Plant favors a spot with considerable humidity. If leaf edges start to curl or brown, mist them with lukewarm water on a regular basis. Your bathroom or kitchen are ideal spots with this plant since these areas are far humid.

TEMPERATURE

Rattlesnakes like it warm, preferably between 65-85 degrees, so maintain indoor temperatures above 64 degrees. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

WATER

Water the Rattlesnake sufficient to keep it moist, but not moist or soaked as yellowing may occur on the leaves. Throughout May-August, water frequently to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. In the winter, just water once the topsoil becomes dry to the touch. Extended periods of dryness could lead to leaves curling and brown leaf tips or edges.

FERTILIZER

Your rattlesnake plant will love being fed each month throughout the spring and summer growing season. Employing a balanced liquid fertilizer promotes impressive and healthier foliage growth. A feeble dose of a technical foliage variety with an adequate quantity of nitrogen works nicely for plants with lots of leaves.

TOXICITY

Rattlesnake Plants are non-poisonous plants and safe for people, dogs, and cats.

Propagating Rattlesnake Plants

These plants are easy to propagate by division as soon as they are well recognized. You’re able to undertake the procedure at the time when it seems like that your rattlesnake plant has grown significantly and can do with being repotted anyway.

Once you begin to find new growth, remove the plastic bag and care for your plant.

Pests or Diseases

While rattlesnake plant does not have any acute illness or insect problems, keep your eye on the plant to the typical pests.

Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites may come across the thick leaves appealing. Spider mites can be an issue throughout the winter months in dry indoor places.

Should you spot any pests, then wash the foliage together with sterile water or use an insecticide such as Neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Besides diseases and pests, listen to indications of drought. When the leaves begin to roll up or turn brown, the plant might not be receiving the humidity it requires.

If you observe that the leaves are dying because of low humidity, try misting the leaves early in the morning every day and in the morning.