Life Cycle
Perennial
Water Requirement
Moderate
Wet
Light Requirement
Full Shade
Max Height
1-2 Ft.
Price
$19.95

The Calathea Rattlesnake is known for its long, wavy green leaves with a colorful pattern of dark blotches, resembling reptile skin. It is in the prayer plant family, you will notice the leaves shifting with the sun. It prefers indirect, bright light and well-draining soil.

Qty in stock

How to care for Rattlesnake Calathea

Light. Keep it in shade or bright, filtered light. It does not tolerate full sun; strong light fades the leaf colors.

Water. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Overwatering causes root rot, and wetting the leaves can bring leaf spots. Water less in winter.

Soil and feeding. Use a well-drained, peaty soil high in organic matter; in pots use a mix such as Potting Soil. Feed with a balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.

Size. About 1–2 ft tall; leaves can reach 18 inches long.

Problems to watch. Watch for aphids, scale, mealybugs and spider mites; mites are worse in sunny spots. Brown, curled leaf edges mean the air is too dry.

Good to know. Leaves fold up in the evening and reopen at sunrise. It needs high humidity and is not frost hardy, so shelter it from cold snaps.