Rattlesnake Root Plant Care

Rattlesnake Root (Krameria ixine) belongs to the Krameriaceae family within the Krameria genus. Rattlesnake Root is native to Puerto Rico, Haiti, Netherlands Antilles, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Central America, and in South America. Rattlesnake Root is also known as Rattlesnake Weed.

Rattlesnake Root displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Rattlesnake Root produces small red or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rattlesnake Root every 10–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Rattlesnake Root thrives in full sun.

Krameria ixine tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Rattlesnake Root prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Rattlesnake Root to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rattlesnake Root is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Rattlesnake Root can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Rattlesnake Root while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Rattlesnake Root is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rattlesnake Root can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to two-color rhatany plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Rattlesnake Root is susceptible to no common pests known. 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.

Rattlesnake Root grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Rattlesnake Root is native to Puerto Rico, Haiti, Netherlands Antilles, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Central America, and in South America. In cooler regions, grow Rattlesnake Root as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.