Everything You Need to Know About Rattlesnake (Calathea Lancifolia) Plants

Family: Marantaceae

Botanical Name: Calathea lancifolia

Common Name: Rattlesnake Plant

What is Rattlesnake Plant?

The Rattlesnake Plant or Calathea lancifolia is a tropical plant native to Brazil, but thanks to globalization, you can now get it delivered to your doorstep. If you want to get this beautiful plant online and are not getting the expected results on your search engine, search by the name Calathea insignis, and you should be directed to the right plant. The Rattlesnake Plant was earlier known by the latter scientific name, and it still yields more accurate results than the new name. The plant can be a great addition to your home or office space and lend a fresh and calm look to them.

 

How Does it Look

There are a number of reasons for which you can go for the Rattlesnake Plant as the perfect decorative plant. The most beautiful feature of the plant is the leaves—which grow long and have beautiful patterns of green on them. Needless to say, the leaves add extra inches to the height of the plant. Further, the leaves have a wavy pattern that magnifies the beautiful patterns on them. The underside of the leaves does not lack beauty either; their reddish-brown hue lends a complete and edgy look to the plant. The plant grows to a height of 30 inches and is a perfect house plant because it is non-toxic to cats and dogs. So you do not have to worry about your pets falling sick from consumption of the Rattlesnake Plant.

 

How to Take Care of the Plant

From the description above, you already know that the Rattlesnake Plant has beautiful green leaves. However, if you carelessly expose the plant to bright sunlight, the leaves would lose their lustre and start to droop. To prevent such things happening, provide ample shade to the plant and store it in a cool place if possible. However, make sure that the temperature does not drop below 50°F, which is quite an adverse condition for the Rattlesnake Plant.

Further, keep in mind that the plant does not like dryness, so if you live in a region that is not humid for most part of the year, you should better look for a different plant. Please keep in mind that these plants are used to arid conditions of Brazil, so they need sandy soil that has a good drainage system. Accumulation of water can be detrimental to the growth of these plants.

Apart from the caveat of the perils of exposing the plant to harsh sunlight, one thing you should never do is use leaf shine products on its leaves. It is understandable that the lustre of the leaves is the best feature of the Rattlesnake Plant, but you should learn to respect its natural beauty rather than modify it according to your whims. Also, water the plant at regular intervals to keep it thriving!

 

How to Grow and Propagate the Plant

Rattlesnake Plants grow best alongside foliage, so make sure you get the best quality peat moss and mix it with perlite (two parts of the former with one part of the latter). This mix can be a good home for the plat to take root. You must fertilize the plant in a scientific manner during its growing season. Look at online videos to get a good idea of how things are to be done. The growing period generally falls between April and August, and post August stop adding manure to the mix because it will hamper the natural growth of the plant. To keep the plant in check, prune the growth regularly. You should ideally re-pot the plant every year, but if you have more time on your hands, you can do so when you feel that your plant needs more space. If you have less time, simply (but carefully) prune the roots that appear above the mix and you are good to go.

Watering the Rattlesnake Plant needs more attention than you think because you cannot use regular water for this water. this is for the very reason that city water contains chlorine/fluoride or other purifying substance that are not at all advisable. Either use water from a well if you have access to one, or use distilled water. Remember that water is the most important diet of your Rattlesnake Plant, and you must ensure that it gets the best diet.

 

What to Watch Out For

While caring for their plants, the greatest consternation that plant growers have plants disease. While you need expert advice in most cases, we are listing a couple of common problems that you might encounter if you plan to grow a Rattlesnake Plant.

• Spider mites may be dangerous for your plants. This is the most common pest to invade the Rattlesnake Plant because the dry soil conditions are ideal for both—the plant and the mite. Watch out for bitten leaves and immediately order insecticidal spray. You should use the commercial variety because the homemade stuff might contain something which might harm the plant. As we have mentioned before, the plant is very sensitive to the elements you put in its soil, even water.
• You might find that the leaves of your Rattlesnake Plant is showing signs of burnt edges and browning. Typically, these transgressions occur along the edges of the leaves. Do not worry, this condition might arise die to the use of excessive fertilizer, exposure to too much light or even uneven or inappropriate watering.

 

Rattlesnake Plant Care

Temperature –Room temperatures at around 18 to 24 Degree C (65 to 75 Degree F). Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Light –It is recommended to choose a bright spot without getting direct sunlight.

Watering –From the months of May to August (growing season), frequent watering is needed.

Soil -1 part perlite and 2 parts peat are recommended for the soil.

Humidity –ensure proper humidity to keep the leaves moist.

Propagation –You should aim at dividing the parent plant during the repotting time.

 

Common Problems

• Curling leaves –Due to low humidity.
• Yellowing leaves –Older leaves can turn yellow. If not, then overwatering could be the reason.
• Brown leaf tips –Requirement of higher humidity due to dry air.
• Limp stems –overwatering of plants in colder temperatures.
  
  

 

Points to Keep in Mind

As you can see, maintaining the Rattlesnake Plant is a pretty straightforward affair, provided you do the right thing at the right time and observe your plants for signs of damage. Plants have a way of conveying their grievances to us, and we must be diligent enough to lend a patient ear to them. If you take care of these points and do not expose the plant to inclement weather and bright light, there is no reason why this plant should not last long at your home or office. Grow your Rattlesnake Plant with confidence and turn gardening into a hobby!