Rattlesnake plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called calathea lancifolia, calathea insignis · Goeppertia insignis · Marantaceae family
8 d in winter
How often to water the rattlesnake plant?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 8 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
The most forgiving calathea. Water with soft water and keep the soil moist, never soggy.
Misting every 3 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The rattlesnake plant is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 20–28 in (50–70 cm).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Brown edges
Cause: Dry air or hard water. What to do: Mist it and use rainwater or filtered water.
Curled leaves
Cause: Thirst. What to do: Water, then keep the soil slightly moist.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the rattlesnake plant?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 8 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the rattlesnake plant?
The rattlesnake plant is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Should you mist the rattlesnake plant?
Yes, misting every 3 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the rattlesnake plant?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the rattlesnake plant safe?
The rattlesnake plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the rattlesnake plant needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.