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Rattlesnake plant care
Goeppertia insignis · Marantaceae
Also called Calathea lancifolia, Rattlesnake calathea.
A prayer-plant relative from the rainforests of southeastern Brazil with long, wavy-edged leaves marked by alternating dark green ovals and purple undersides. It does best in bright shade and manages in dimmer spots, but its need for constantly moist soil, warmth and humid air makes it tricky to keep happy.
Light
Medium LightWatering
WeeklyDifficulty
MediumPets
Non-toxic to cats and dogsHeight indoors
0.25-0.5 m
Growth
Fast
Temperature
18-24 °C
Not below 16 °C
HumidityUnconfirmed
60% - 80%
Likes humid air
Soil pHUnconfirmed
5.5-7.0
Slightly acidic soil
Native to
- Brazil
Through the year
Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet from spring to late summer, using rain or filtered water. In winter let the surface dry before watering again, but never let the pot dry out.
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Spring
WeeklyStart feeding and divide or repot crowded plants.
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Summer
WeeklyKeep the soil evenly moist and the air humid; keep it out of afternoon sun.
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Autumn
WeeklyStop feeding and keep it away from cold windows.
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Winter
Every 2 weeksWater less and work hardest on humidity, since heated rooms dry the air.
Feeding
Every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Stop from autumn to early spring.
Care tips
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Keep it out of sun
Early morning sun is fine, but stronger direct light scorches and fades the leaves.
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Avoid drafts and sudden changes
Cold air and big swings in temperature cause leaf damage.
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Water the soil, not the leaves
Wet foliage invites fungal leaf spots.
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Dust the leaves
Wipe them with a soft damp cloth so they can take in light.
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Divide to propagate
Split the clump in spring; it does not grow from leaf cuttings.
Common problems
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Brown, curled leaf edges
What you seeLeaf margins dry, brown or roll inward.
What to doRaise the humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier and check the soil has not dried out.
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Root rot
What you seeLeaves yellow and the base goes soft in constantly wet soil.
What to doLet the surface dry slightly before watering and make sure the pot drains.
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Spider mites
What you seeFine webs and pale speckles on the undersides of the leaves.
What to doShower the leaves, raise the humidity and treat with insecticidal soap.
Pets
Is rattlesnake plant safe for cats and dogs?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Maranta insignis, an older name for this species, as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and gives the same rating to the genus Calathea, where the plant was long placed.
Good to know
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The common name comes from the dark leaf markings, said to look like the pattern on a rattlesnake.
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Like other prayer plants, it raises and folds its leaves in the evening and lowers them again in the morning.
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Its scientific name insignis is Latin for remarkable.
