The Rattlesnake Plant is a striking specimen with head-turning foliage that looks simply amazing. It’s not quite as high-maintenance as some other Calatheas (now Goeppertia), which makes it a great gateway into an obsession with these exotic houseplants. Let’s look at everything you need to know about Rattlesnake Plant care to help you keep this gorgeous houseplant looking great.
To provide great Rattlesnake Plant care, place your plant in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Plant in light, well-draining soil, provide temperatures of 65°F(18ºC) to 85°F (30°C) and maintain high humidity. Fertilize lightly every 2-4 weeks through the growing season.
The Calathea lancifolia, more commonly known as the Rattlesnake Plant, has recently been scientifically renamed to Goeppertia insignis. In honor of the many Calathea fans still working through the transition, we’ll refer to the plant by its accepted common name. Just know the Goeppertia name seems here to stay, but it’ll take some time until we all get used to it.
The Rattlesnake plant hails from South American rainforests and is considered one of the easiest of the Calathea (Goeppertia) family to maintain. It’s a type of Marantaceae, or Prayer Plant, and shares the group’s charming photoactive foliage that moves with its light source and folds up at night.
The warm, damp, dark forest floor is the natural habitat of the Rattlesnake Plant. It’s an evergreen perennial with a rhizome root system that grows moderately in ideal conditions. Large specimens can reach three feet high or more with a spread of up to three feet.
The standout feature of the Rattlesnake plant is its foliage. The long, narrow leaves are vibrant light green with a dark green pattern that imaginatively recalls its namesake. Each has wavy margins and a purple undercoating.
Light: Bright indirect to medium light, will tolerate some shade
Water: Keep the soil moist at all times, but definitely do not allow the plant to sit in water or in very wet soil.
Temperature: Prefers warm to high temperatures, 18-23°C Avoid draughts and ensure the plant has reasonable ventilation.
Feed: Apply a weak dose of fertiliser once or twice a month during the growing season