Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Calathea) Indoor Care; Watering, Light, Propagation, Problems
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Calathea lancifolia or Goeppertia insignis thrives in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Rattlesnake Calathea also called Calathea Rattlesnake or Rattlesnake Plant is one of the popular Calathea varieties, and features slender, pale-green leaves which are heavily marked above with dark blotches and have purple undersides.
Goeppertia insignis which also goes by the botanical name Goeppertia lancifolia is among the purple-leaved plants and is one of the best plants for the office space where it will add a magnificent splash of color.
Botanical name: Calathea lancifolia
Synonym: Goeppertia insignis, Goeppertia lancifolia
Family: Marantaceae
Common name: Rattlesnake Calathea, Calathea Rattlesnake, Rattlesnake Plant
Origin
Goeppertia insignis is native to the tropical forests in Brazil in the state of Rio de Janeiro where it grows on the forest floors and it is considered as one of the best tropical foliage plants.
Size
Rattlesnake Calathea grows in clumps to a height of about 2-3 feet. The leaves are about 1-2 feet long.
Is Rattlesnake Calathea toxic?
No. Calathea lancifolia like other Calathea Plants is non-toxic to both humans and pets according to ASPCA. It is safe to grow in home with children and pets.
Related Plants
Rattlesnake Calathea is closely related to the Marantas, Ctenanthe and Stromanthe which are collectively called Prayer Plants in reference to their curious characteristic of closing their leaves at night. Goeppertia insignis is one of the most popular plants on account of its ease of care and interesting foliage.
Where to buy
If you would like to add this beautiful Calathea lancifolia to your plant collection, you may obtain them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy) or from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
How to Care for Calathea lancifolia Indoors
To care for Calathea lancifolia indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 15-260C, humidity of 60-80% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Rattlesnake Calathea requires pruning to keep it neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Repotting is needed only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on the best growing conditions and how to provide them.
Watering
How often do you water Rattlesnake Calathea?
Water your Rattlesnake Calathea thoroughly in spring and summer until the water comes out through the drainage holes. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, drooping and yellowing.
Lessen watering in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time. Do not let the soil dry out completely to prevent wilting, drooping and yellow leaves.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid cold shock which can cause stunted growth. The water should also be chlorine-free to prevent brown leaf tips and edges.
Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant. Avoid wetting the foliage during watering to minimze fungal diseases.
Light Requirements
Where to put Rattlesnake Calathea?
Rattlesnake Calathea grows best in bright indirect light (dappled light); put it infront of a large, brightly-lit, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves and loss of leaf color.
Too low light will result in yellowing and leggy growth. If the natural lighting is not adequate, use full spectrum grow lights to increase it.
On a monthly basis, give the pot a quarter turn to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for an even growth.
Temperature & Humidity
Rattlesnake Calathea prefers a warmth of 15-260C. At temperatures below this range, the plant stops growing while temperatures above this range may cause the plant to die.
Keep it away from drafts as they cause sudden changes in temperature which can result in stunted growth, wilting, drooping and yellowing.
Rattlesnake Plant prospers in a humidity of 60% to 80%; too low humidity causes the plant to develop brown leaf tips and edges. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity for the maximum growth of the plant.
To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier. Ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal infestations.
You may also grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen and other moist areas in the home. The plant can also be grown in a closed terrarium as the conditions are constantly humid.
Fertilizer
Feed Rattlesnake Calathea with a balanced, liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer to promote a lush growth. Withhold feeding in fall and winter as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Once in a while, flush out accumulated salts by running a stream of water through the soil. Repeat the process several times to clear as much salt as possible.
Potting Soil
The best potting mix for Rattlesnake Calathea should be rich in organic matter, well-aerated and free-draining to avoid sogginess. An Aroids potting mix is a good choice for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Goeppertia insignis every 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer) when root-bound. Take care not to injure its delicate roots.
Use a pot one size larger that has a drainage hole and well-draining to prevent excessive wetness which can lead to root-rot and loss of the plant. Check out these planters with drainage hole on Amazon.
Before repotting, water the plant thoroughly at least 1 day before to hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less repotting shock.
If the plant is large and has outgrown its current pot, divide it into several sections and use the splits to propagate new plants. Repotting may cause the leaves to droop but the plant will eventually recover once it takes root; in about 3-4 weeks.
Pruning & Grooming
Pruning Rattlesnake Calathea involves removal of dead and yellow foliage to maintain the plant neat and minimize pests and diseases infestation.
Cut the leaves with a sharp knife or pruning scissors at the base, where the leaf meets the stalk.
Keep the leaves clean by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust as well as discourage pests and diseases.
Calathea lancifolia Propagation
Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Calathea) is best propagated by plant division at the beginning of the growing season during repotting. Dividing the plant at this time hastens establishment as it is in the active growth phase. Learn how to propagate Calathea Plants in 2 easy ways.
Calathea lancifolia Problems & Solutions
Rattlesnake Calathea problems are drooping leaves, plant dying, yellow leaves, brown leaf tips, loss of leaf color, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and their remedies.
Drooping leaves
Drooping leaves on Rattlesnake Calathea are caused by dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, being pot-bound, temperature stress among others.
Check out these 10 Causes of Calathea Drooping Leaves and How to Revive It.
Plant dying
Calathea lancifolia is dying due to to root-rot disease, soggy soil, inconsistent watering, temperature stress, spidermites infestation among others.
Check out these 12 Reasons Why Calathea is Dying and How to Save It.
Yellow leaves
Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Rattlesnake Plant are inconsistent watering, soggy soil, nutrient deficiency, temperature stress among others.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule. Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry.
Soggy soil: Use a well-draining potting soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.
Nutrient deficiency: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts coming from hot surfaces, hot air vents, AC units, windy doors among others.
Brown leaf tips & edges
Brown leaf tips and edges on Rattlesnake Calathea are caused by dry air, spider mites infestation, use of hard water, and salts buildup.
How to fix it
Dry air: To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen and other moist areas in the home.
Spider mites infestation: Remove the dead growth and increase humidity to discourage the pests.
Use of hard water: Use water that is chlorine-free like rain water or filtered water.
Salts buildup: Regularly, leach out accumulated salts from the soil by running a stream of water through the soil.
Loss of leaf color
Calathea lancifolia washed out leaves are due to exposure of the plant to hot direct sunlight. Place it in a more shaded spot or instal a light curtain to protect it from direct sunlight.
Pests
Common pests of Calathea fasciata iare mealybugs, aphids, scale insects and spider mites which are prevalent in dry conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants.
- Treat the infested plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturers directions.
- Regularly check underneath the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
- Maintain the plant properly pruned and raise humidity to discourage pest infestation.
Diseases
Calathea lancifolia is prone to leaf spot disease due to the humid conditions in which it grows. The disease is indicated by brown patches surrounded by a yellow halo.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to minimize the risk of spread to the rest of the plants.
- Spray the affected plant with a systemic fungicide and ensure to cover all the parts with the fungicidal solution.
- Keep the plant on the dry side, do not mist it and ensure good air circulation.
- Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Goeppertia insignis syn. Calathea lancifolia?
Goeppertia insignis also goes by the botanical name Calathea lancifolia. It is one of 243 species, which have recently been reassigned to the genus Goeppertia.
Goeppertia are distinguished from Calathea by their rosette-shaped flowers as Calathea have more of a ladder structure for their blooms. Goeppertia is in honour of a German botanist and paleontologist, Heinrich Göppert (1800–1884).
2. What is interesting about Rattlesnake Plant?
Rattlesnake Plant bears very spectacular foliage which makes it a delight in any plant collection.
3. Is Rattlesnake a Prayer Plant?
Rattlesnake is one of the Prayer Plants. This is a group of plants which exhibit a curious characteristic of closing their leaves at night making them appear like praying hands.
4. How do you take care of Goeppertia insignis?
For optimal growth, provide Goeppertia insignis with bright indirect light, warmth of 15-260C, 50%-80% humidity and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
5. How often do you water Goeppertia?
Water Goeppertia when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
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