Calathea Rattlesnake The Calathea is, in our humble opinion, the unsung hero of dimly lit bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms everywhere. smartgardenguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other Amazon stores worldwide. Just know the Goeppertia name seems here to stay, but it’ll take some time until we all get used to it. (9 Easy Solutions). It won’t make up for arid conditions, but it raises humidity a few percentage points. They are commonly nicknamed as “prayer plants” because at night, the leaves will fold up as if they are saying a prayer. It’s safe for people and won’t poison dogs or cats. Note: Some growers save room by filling a water tray with pebbles and placing the pot on top. Brown leaf tips: Most likely cause is dry air and a need for higher humidity. Morning sunlight is fine, but it’s best to avoid intense afternoon sunlight. What is a rattlesnake plant? Rattlesnake plant care isn’t troubled by any specific diseases, but the moist conditions they need are hospitable to a number of pathogens, especially those that cause leaf spotting. So, if you notice your calathea moving throughout the day, you’re not going crazy… it’s totally normal for the plant! Water once the top inch of soil is starting to dry out. Be sure the soil is moist before fertilizing. Why Are My Calathea Leaves Curling? The Rattlesnake plant hails from South American rainforests and is considered one of the easiest of the Calathea (Goeppertia) family to maintain. The elongated, wavy leaves are striped with alternating ovals of dark green and accented by a rich purple underside. An east-facing window is a great exposure. There are several paths to perfect dirt. An attack of aphids and/or mealybugs is also fairly common. By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer. Calathea lancifolia is also called Calathea Rattlesnake because of the leaves' wavy, elongated reptile-like pattern. Read this article for more tips to help you know when your houseplants need to be watered. Their preferred light range is from medium to low. In honor of the many Calathea fans still working through the transition, we’ll refer to the plant by its accepted common name. You’ll need well-draining soil, and you can’t water on a set schedule – you need to monitor them. Once you see new growth, begin removing the plastic for gradually increasing intervals. The Rattlesnake’s warm-season flowers are somewhat apocryphal and are rarely – if ever – seen on a potted specimen. Here are suitable materials to use for your Rattlesnake Plant’s soil: If you’d like to learn more about choosing and making soil for your houseplants, read this article. That may be it, it's just odd that they haven't spread to the other plant nearby. Calathea Network - How to Grow and Care for Calathea Musaica | … ... At night, you will notice their leaves moving and changing position, as if they were getting ready to call it a day. Rattlesnake Plant Light Requirements. Most gardeners that have the rattlesnake plant experience this problem. Try not to tear the roots. The various shades of green on top with the reddish-purple underneath make the leaves of this plant a … Division is best done in the spring: this gets the new plant off to a fast start and helps the parent recover quickly. Calathea are tropical species that are popular houseplant additions because of the bold markings on their abundant foliage. Use your fingers to do the actual division. Cover the plant thoroughly – These mild treatments must come into contact with the pests to have effect. Empty any cache receptacles as soon as the pot has completely drained. See more ideas about calathea, calathea plant, indoor plants. Calathea is also special for another reason: it closes its leaves at night and opens them again in the morning! It’s an evergreen perennial with a rhizome root system that grows moderately in ideal conditions. Peat moss is particularly difficult to rehydrate. The warm, damp, dark forest floor is the natural habitat of the Rattlesnake Plant. I’ve written an article that covers lighting for houseplants in more detail. If their colors fade, lower the light. Hopefully I’ve answered all your questions about Rattlesnake Plant care and that your tropical beauty will thrive for many years to come. The Calathea lancifolia, more commonly known as the Rattlesnake Plant, has recently been scientifically renamed to Goeppertia insignis. Read on and learn how to grow rattlesnake houseplants. Place your Calathea where it will receive bright ambient light, and watch its leaves move up and down with the sun! The light must be indirect: direct sun will quickly scorch them. It offers gentle direct light each morning and a full day of indirect illumination. Misting – We can’t include misting for raising humidity, unfortunately. If there are several rosettes at the base of the plant, now is the time to divide. Also, avoid using oil when temperatures are high. Make sure there is good air circulation. Applying the fertilizer every 2-4 weeks at a half- or quarter-dilution is a common regimen. This tropical calathea species is native to the rainforests of Brazil and gets its common name from the distinctive decorative markings that are displayed on its leaves. Their whole system is geared for seeking light – mobile leaves move to catch each precious ray, their colors and undercoating grab at each stray lumen – but it can’t cope with conditions that are too bright. Remove damaged or dead foliage as required. will not tolerate being over-fertilized. Read more articles about Calathea Plants. Calathea Plant Problems » Indentification & Prevention Tips Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia) is a decorative perennial with strappy, spotted leaves and deep purple undersides. Read this article for more great tips about increasing humidity for your houseplants. Watch for spider mites, especially if the soil is dry or humidity is low. Watch for burning and browning along leaf edges. Tolerates repotting better than most Calatheas (Goeppertias). The Rattlesnake Plant has moderate growth during the warm season and, though they need some extra nutrition – especially in a soilless mix – don’t overdo it. Though they come in all different styles and shapes, the oblong, braid patterned leaves are what earn the most commonly found variety of Calatheas (Calathea lancifolia) its nickname: The Rattlesnake plant.Place your Calathea where it will receive bright indirect light, and watch its leaves move up and down with the sun! I’ve written an article that covers lighting for houseplants in more detail. Why Is My Calathea Not Closing at Night? Calathea is a houseplant that really purifies the air, so it is a true eye-catcher in every interior that also makes a contribution to a better and healthier indoor climate. Available in 4" and 6" … One common recipe is to combine two parts of peat moss or coco coir with one part perlite or other aerating amendment. The water you use should always be dechlorinated, and warm it to room temperature to avoid cold shock. If you can keep the mother plant in good health, propagating your Rattlesnake plant isn’t too difficult. Check out the following articles about some of my absolute favorites. The plant does well in a variety of pots, just make sure they have adequate drainage. Two parts peat or coco coir and one part perlite or another suitable drainage amendment works well. Read my guide to choosing pots for houseplants to learn more. Rattlesnake Plants (Calathea lancifolia) aren't the easiest houseplants to nurture, but, if you give them them the care they need, you will be rewarded with an impressive display from their foliage. 65°F (18ºC) to 85°F (30°C). How To Care For A Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans), Phalaenopsis Orchid Care For Beginners (Easy Guide), Why Is My Aloe Vera Plant Turning Brown? Also, the calathea may have gone dormant, but not many people know that they do have rhizomes. Calathea lancifolia (Goeppertia insignis) is sensitive to chlorines, minerals and other impurities in the water, and show their discomfort in their leaves. Water thoroughly and put the plants in the same light as before. Maybe this particular calathea is easy pickings compared to the rattlesnake calathea. You’ll need to protect the plant with sheer curtains or by moving it five or so feet away from the panes to avoid direct sun. This method requires little upkeep: just water the plants normally and let them help each other. It means this plant is suitable for those who want to grow a Calathea in their home but do not want to have a plant that is too demanding or difficult to care for. This condition is generally caused by uneven watering, intense sunlight or excessive fertilizer. They have a USDA Zone rating of 11 or 12 and aren’t hardy outdoors in most of the US. When it comes to fertilization, less is more. Increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves on a regular basis, using a pebble tray, or moving a humidifier nearby. Fast intervention spares the plant and makes an infestation easier to control. CALATHEA LANCIFOLIA RATTLESNAKE PLANT - My Love Story - THE ADDICTION IS REAL (2018) - This is my story of loss, redemption, and love. Calathea Lancifolia’s narrow leaves are equally beautiful on the green spotted topside and reddish-purple undersides. Because the Rattlesnake plant originated in the dim filtered illumination of a forest floor, its relationship with light is a little odd. A little extra nitrogen is welcome; a 10-10-5 NPK formula works well. Be aware that winter heating also affects humidity: a plant that does fine in the warmer months may struggle. Routine Maintenance 3. While the plant is actively growing, during the seasons of spring through summer, you will need to water more often to keep the soil moist. If you’re running into problems with your Rattlesnake Plant care regime, you should definitely consider water quality as a potential issue. The Rattlesnake Plant needs 50% or higher humidity to look its best. It covers everything you need to know about making sure your houseplants are always in the perfect soil. Potential Problems. You’ll only get a minor humidity bump; but, if your humidity isn’t too low, grouping could bring you over the top. The next time one of yours dies, be sure to check out the roots before tossing the plant. So far I've sprayed with neem oil a few times but I'm worried that it hurts the plant, because I lost a few leaves last time I treated. This problem can be solved by flushing the salt every year. Quantity: Add To Cart There are dozens of Calathea (Goeppertia) species and hundreds of cultivars – but only one Rattlesnake Plant. The white or yellow tubular blossoms are under an inch in diameter and emerge on short spikes. I’ve been completely gripped by Calathea (Goeppertia) addiction and my collection only gets bigger. Don’t be startled if you catch it moving out of the corner of your eye! You can grow this tropical plant outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and above. To provide great Rattlesnake Plant care, place your plant in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Only feed from early spring to late summer. Only pot up one size (one to two inches in diameter). Water lightly as needed to keep the potting evenly moist, and never allow the leaves to wilt. Remove spent blooms on growing rattlesnake plants and prune old, damaged leaves to keep the plant neat and healthy. With beautiful growth daily given the right care and attention, you'll be surprised at how much this plant will thrive in areas where others simply wouldn't. - The Practical Planter Rattlesnake plant is a real attention-getter, growing to heights of 30 inches (76 cm.) At first glance, you might think the plant is moving! Grow rattlesnake plant in a container filled with regular, good quality potting mix. Sign up for our newsletter. Calatheas love humidity, and can thrive in medium to low light environments. Have you found anything that keeps them away? This Rattlesnake Plant is harmless. They won’t like the thermometer to fall below 60°F (15°C). The long, narrow leaves are vibrant light green with a dark green pattern that imaginatively recalls its namesake. Because the Rattlesnake plant originated in the dim filtered illumination of a forest floor, its relationship with light is a little odd. It’s a type of Marantaceae, or Prayer Plant, and shares the group’s charming photoactive foliage that moves with its light source and folds up at night. As a tropical native, your Rattlesnake Plant prefers temperatures at the warmer end of a range from 65°F (18ºC) to 85°F (30°C). Susceptible to most common houseplant pests. Cinta, have you tried treating your calathea like you treated your tri-color stromanthe (the plant with the moving leaves) They like basically the same kind of conditions moist soil and high humidity. Moderate, indirect light. Room Humidifier – Let’s jump to the big-time solution. Spot test first – Before treating the entire plant, apply the solution to a small area to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Incredibly dry soil. In particular, spider mites may become a problem in winter if conditions are on the dry side. You don’t need to loosen the soil of the root ball: new shoots will grow into the fresh soil. Occasionally clean the leaves with a soft, damp cloth. All you will need is a drainage tray and distilled water. The mist just doesn’t hang around long enough to make a difference. They also do well when supplemented with artificial lighting. Large specimens can reach three feet high or more with a spread of up to three feet. Though their thick leaves are not especially vulnerable, the Rattlesnake plant is still subject to common pests. The leaves are bright green with darker markings while the undersides are shades of … Plant in light, well-draining soil, provide temperatures of 65°F(18ºC) to 85°F (30°C) and maintain high humidity. West-facing window is also good, but be prepared to move them a foot or two away from the window to avoid hot late afternoon sunlight. As a general rule, you should be able to read comfortably in the light your Rattlesnake plant receives. If the soil drains very rapidly, you may need to soak it longer – but don’t let the soil stand in water. Gently unpot the parent plant. Calathea Rattlesnake Rattlesnake Plant, Calathea Lancifolia. It is better to use a little on a regular basis than a stronger preparation less often. Rattlesnake Plant Care - How To Grow Calathea lancifolia, Why Is My Madagascar Dragon Tree Dying? It’s better to leave soil on the roots rather than strip it away. Reapply every five to seven days until the pests are gone. Unless they get too dry or something else has gone wrong, a Rattlesnake Plant doesn’t shed its leaves regularly. The best policy is to catch problems early. Select an appropriate pot and prepare new sterile medium with the same composition as the parent’s soil. Early detection and treatment is important. Luckily It likes to show off both sides by moving its leaves up and down at night! Their whole system is geared for seeking light – mobile Tease the roots slightly apart and find the best place for division. Light horticultural oil and insecticidal soap are other trusty standbys. Add a generous amount of sand to enhance drainage. Native to the Brazilian rainforest, rattlesnake plant thrives in moist, warm, semi-shady climates. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks while actively growing. Place rattlesnake plant in indirect sunlight. One of the reasons this plant’s family has a reputation for being difficult is its humidity demands. Read my article on repotting rootbound plants. If your tapwater is heavily mineralized, it’s best to give them distilled or filtered water, or even rainwater. Wait until the roots have filled the soil or foliage growth is overpowering the container. The main propagation method is by division. Called Rattlesnake Plant because of the long and wavy patterns on its leaves, the Calathea Lancifolia is definitely an eye-catching houseplant. It is commonly used in vivariums. You can feed the plant monthly during the growing season as part of your rattlesnake plant care regimen using a diluted solution of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Read my guide to identifying, treating and preventing common houseplants pests. Replant the divisions in fresh mix. If you think your Rattlesnake Plant is suffering from a disease, read this article to help identify the problem and treat your plant effectively. Calathea Leaves Are Droopy or Dying (Turning Yellow, Black, … Followup as needed – In most cases, one application won’t completely eradicate an infestation. Apr 9, 2018 - Explore Labang Hamoy's board "calathea plant" on Pinterest. Additional Care Guides Placement PRO TIP: Calathea have very expressive foliage, and will make it obvious when they’re thirsty by curling u It’s better to feed little and often rather than administering larger doses. Replace the soil at the same level as before – burying the stem encourages rot. Remove old or damaged foliage, but otherwise just let the plant grow naturally. (You can grow a Rattlesnake Plant from seeds if you can find a reputable source; but, although you can grow multiple new plants that way, it takes more time and effort to produce a specimen you can enjoy.). The mites are usually easy to control with insecticidal soap spray. 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Quantity: Enjoy your stay at Smart Garden Guide. Though it’s an investment in time and effort, if you want Instagram-ready foliage a humidifier is the way to go. Also, getting the foliage wet isn’t a good idea. Brown leaves often occur because of the accumulated salts in the soil. Minimal required. A good thing about the Rattlesnake plant is that, while it can be a bit demanding, it is actually less demanding than other common Calathea varieties. Use a commercial product, as homemade soap spray may be too harsh for tropical plants. The Rattlesnake Plant is more tolerant than its close relatives; but, though some tropical plants will adjust to low humidity, Goeppertias aren’t one of them. Not prone to any specific diseases, other than root rot secondary to overwatering. The Rattlesnake Plant’s colors are deepest when it’s trying to conserve lumens – the challenge is to find the level that maintains their colors while keeping them growing and healthy. 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Large specimens can reach three feet have rhizomes has a reputation for being is... Sure the container ; a 10-10-5 NPK formula works well rattlesnake calathea leaves moving moving which contributes to root rot is a! To the Brazilian rainforest, Rattlesnake plant Info - learn about growing plants.