Rattlesnake Plant Guide: How to Grow Rattlesnake Plant

The rattlesnake plant (Goeppertia insignis syn. Calathea lancifolia) is an evergreen perennial plant in the Marantaceae family native to the rainforests of Brazil. This foliage plant has long, pointed leaves with scaly, variegated patterns reminiscent of a rattlesnake. Its leaves are narrower than many other calathea, with dark and light green colors, wavy edges, and purple undersides.

The leaves of this plant fold up at night and open during the day, similar to the prayer plant. They are popular indoor plants due to their compact growth habit (reaching heights of two feet) and high humidity requirements. They are also non-toxic to humans and animals. Rattlesnake plants rarely bloom indoors, but they may sprout small, yellow flowers when you plant them outdoors. They thrive best in USDA Hardiness Zones eleven to twelve.

You can plant rattlesnake plants at any time of year when you plant them inside as potted plants, which is advisable since they are humidity-loving specimens that are not frost tender. Plant rattlesnake plants indoors when there is plenty of natural, indirect sunlight. For most climates, this is during the spring and summer months.

Rattlesnake plants propagate most easily through root division, like many other calathea plants. Follow these properly propagate your rattlesnake plant through division.

1. 1. Prepare your container. Use porous potting soil in a well-draining container as your planting medium. For improved aeration, create a potting mix that's part perlite and part peat moss, which can prevent soil from falling through the drainage holes. Consider situating your pot on a pebble tray, which will catch some of the water and improve the humidity of your plant.
2. 2. Divide the rhizomes. Plant division has the highest rate of success when you’re propagating new Rattlesnake plants. Obtain an existing Calathea lancifolia plant, preferably during the early spring. Shake some of the dirt from the roots, then use a clean knife to separate a division of the root ball from the plant’s root crown—or the place that the root meets the stem.
3. 3. Replant the cutting. Place the new plant division in a pot with fresh soil by digging a hole deep enough to house the root ball and some of the stem, then backfilling the hole until the cutting is firmly in place. Water thoroughly and place in an area that does not receive direct sunlight.

Rattlesnake plants need specific care, making them tricky for amateur or beginner gardeners. Follow these tips to care for your burgeoning rattlesnake plant.

1. 1. Light appropriately. Rattlesnake calathea plants do best in bright indirect light. Too much direct sun can be overpowering to these low-light plants in their growing season, and can also lead to leaf scorch. Keep them out of direct sunlight and in partial shade or in other shady areas in your home.
2. 2. Use filtered water. Rattlesnake calatheas are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in regular tap water. Water your plants with filtered or distilled water. Regular watering every couple of weeks is ideal, but keep an eye on the potting soil to ensure you’re not overwatering them. Moist soil is good, but a drenched potting mix is bad for these plants and can lead to root rot.
3. 3. Mimic a humid environment. These plants thrive in an environment with high humidity levels. Mist your plants routinely with water. Planting them in or near a pebble tray will cause them to retain some of this moisture. Use a humidifier where you keep it, or place the plant in a regularly humid environment like a bathroom. Look out for signs of low humidity, like brown leaf tips.
4. 4. Keep them out of the cold. Due to their tropical ancestry, rattlesnake calatheas are far better off at room temperature than they are in the cold. Keep an eye out for cold drafts or sudden temperature changes in your house that may cause limp or rotting stems.
5. 5. Keep an eye out for disease. Calathea plants are very robust and healthy, but they can still succumb to illness. Clean your calathea leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to help prevent any toxicity from taking hold. If you notice any yellowing or brown edges on your plants, discard these sections before the signs of ailment spread further.
6. 6. Watch for pests. Rattlesnake plants are susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Use a natural insecticide like neem oil to treat infestations, or use a damp towel to occasionally wipe down the plant leaves.
7. 7. Fertilize as needed. Use a diluted, water-soluble liquid fertilizer once a month throughout the growing season to give your plants a boost. Only apply fertilizer to dampened soil.

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