How do I care for a Calathea Rattlesnake Plant?

At our online plant shop, we like to make sure everyone knows all the answers to their plant care questions. We pride ourselves on providing the best online plant care guides and shipping the most well cared for online plants. It’s hard work bringing you the best online plants, but someone has got to do it! We’re going to detail exactly how you care for your calathea rattlesnake in our guide, SproutSouth’s Tips & Tricks for the Rattlesnake plant. 

The calathea rattlesnake plant, scientifically called the calathea lancifolia, or formerly, the calthea insignis, is a beautiful plant known for its striking leaf patterns and colors. It is well liked as an indoor houseplant because it does not require bright light, it prefers indirect, filtered light. The rattlesnake plant offers a variety of color and pattern not often seen in houseplants, and so this plant is a striking mix to add to any indoor houseplants collection. 

What type of lighting does the rattlesnake plant need?

We recommend that your calathea rattlesnake plant get filtered, indirect light. The Calathea rattlesnake plant needs sunlight to fully thrive and grow, and we recommend that the calathea receive at least 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily. 

How much water should I give my Calathea?

Watering a calathea plant doesn’t need to be difficult. The rattlesnake plant prefers moist and warm climates, and a calathea plant could benefit from a humidifier, although it is not necessary for this indoor plant. We recommend misting your calathea occasionally if your environment is very dry. The soil of your calathea rattlesnake plant should be moist, but not soaking wet. If the leaves of your calathea are curling, that's a sign it may be under-watered. 

What type of soil should my rattlesnake plant be in?

The type and particular mixture of soil can vary from each individual planters preference, but we recommend keeping good quality potting soil and adding a bit of sand to your mixture. The calathea rattlesnake plant prefers moist, but well-draining soil. Too much sitting water can cause root rot! 

How big can Calathea plants grow?

Many people are curious how big calathea plants can grow, looking to build indoor jungles in their homes with houseplants. Indoor houseplants like the calathea rarely grow to their full native plant size, but rattlesnake plants can frequently grow to 30 inches tall, or more! This plant is a perfect bushy plant that will add to any urban jungle home. 

Where are calathea rattlesnake plants from?

The calathea rattlesnake plant is from the Brazilian rainforest, so it makes sense why this plant likes humidity and filtered light! 

We’re so glad you took the time to read our online plant care guide for the calathea indoor houseplant. SproutSouth strives to answer all your plant care questions and bring you the best quality online indoor houseplants we can find. Quality indoor plants with detailed care instructions is part of our motto of good service, and we’re thrilled to help you learn how to water and care for your own calathea rattlesnake plant.