Goeppertia insignis
With its unique leaves resembling rattlesnakes, the Rattlesnake Plant or Calathea Lancifolia is an undeniably striking addition to any home. With a bit of knowledge and care, this houseplant can thrive indoors in almost any environment. Read on to learn how to provide ideal lighting, soil, water, temperature & humidity levels, and fertilizer for your Rattlesnake Plant.
The Rattlesnake Plant is native to tropical rainforests and as such thrives best in bright but indirect sunlight. Place your plant in a spot near a frost-free window that receives several hours of indirect light daily. Too much direct light will scorch the leaves or fade their beautiful markings. If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, consider supplementing with artificial light like fluorescent bulbs or a grow lamp set 12-16 inches away from the plant.
Potting media should be well draining yet moist and rich in organic matter so as not to dry out quickly. A general potting mix combined with perlite and/or coco coir makes an excellent choice for Rattlesnake Plants. Additionally consider adding some organic matter like peat moss or composted bark for added nutrition.
Calathea Lancifolia plants require frequent watering but don’t tolerate soggy soil or waterlogging. It’s best to water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry by using room temperature filtered or distilled water if possible. Avoid using softened tap water due to the chemicals it contains which may cause leaf tip burn over time.
Like most tropical plants, Rattlesnake Plants prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-30°C). These plants also thrive in humid environments like those found close to rivers and streams in nature. To recreate this effect at home keep your plant away from heating vents and other sources of extreme heat while misting regularly with warm water or placing a humidifier nearby are both great ways of providing additional humidity if needed.
When it comes to feeding your Rattlesnake Plant opt for a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks during spring and summer months when growth is at its peak; then skip fertilizing during wintertime when growth slows back down again naturally.. In order avoid overfeeding which can cause root burn it’s always best err on the side of caution rather than going overboard with fertilizer application!
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