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Rattlesnake Plant Plant Care
Calathea lancifolia Boom
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Goeppertia insignis, the rattlesnake plant, is a species of flowering plant in the Marantaceae family, native to Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil.
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. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Rattlesnake Plant Native To?
What Is the Rattlesnake Plant?
Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Calathea genus. Rattlesnake Plant is native to Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil. Rattlesnake Plant is also known as Calathea lancifolia, Calathea insignis.
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 lancifolia 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 lancifolia 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 Repot a Rattlesnake Plant?
It is recommended to repot Calathea lancifolia every 1-2 years in the spring.. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Rattlesnake Plant?
Rattlesnake Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rattlesnake calathea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rattlesnake Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Calathea species (which includes Rattlesnake Plant). View the ASPCA entry
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 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Rattlesnake Plant is native to Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Rattlesnake Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
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 lancifolia Boom, family Marantaceae (first published in Cat. 2 (1905). : errat.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Calathea species (which includes Rattlesnake Plant) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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