Rattlesnake Plant Plant Care
Calathea crotalifera S.Watson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Calathea crotalifera, the rattlesnake plant, rattle shaker or cascabel, is a species of flowering plant in the family Marantaceae. It is native to central and southern Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America as far south as Ecuador, and it has been introduced to Hawai'i and Puerto Rico.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Rattlesnake Plant?
Water Rattlesnake Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Rattlesnake Plant Native To?
What Is the Rattlesnake Plant?
Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea crotalifera) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Calathea genus. Rattlesnake Plant is native to central and southern Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America as far south as Ecuador, and it has been introduced to Hawai'i and Puerto Rico. Rattlesnake Plant is also known as Calathea.
Rattlesnake Plant displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rattlesnake Plant?
Calathea crotalifera requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Rattlesnake Plant Need?
Rattlesnake Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Rattlesnake Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rattlesnake Plant Prefer?
Calathea crotalifera grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Rattlesnake Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rattlesnake Plant?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Rattlesnake Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rattlesnake Plant?
Feed Rattlesnake Plant every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Propagate a Rattlesnake Plant?
Rattlesnake Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rattlesnake plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rattlesnake Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rattlesnake Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rattlesnake Plant?
Rattlesnake Plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rattlesnake Plant Need?
Rattlesnake Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Rattlesnake Plant is native to central and southern Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America as far south as Ecuador, and it has been introduced to Hawai'i and Puerto Rico. In cooler regions, grow Rattlesnake Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Rattlesnake Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Calathea genus — compare its care with other Calathea species on PlantoScan.
Calathea is part of the Marantaceae plant family — browse all Marantaceae genera and species.
Rattlesnake Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Calathea Species
Other Calathea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Calathea crotalifera S.Watson, family Marantaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 24: 86 (1889)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rattlesnake Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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