Rattlesnake Plant Care: How To Grow Rattlesnake Houseplants

The Calathea rattlesnake plant is a decorative perennial with strappy, spotted leaves and deep purple undersides. It is a gorgeous variegated tropical plant that can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in USDA zones 11b-12b. It hails from the Brazilian rainforest where its leaves are used to wrap and store food, thriving there in moist, warm, semi-shady climates.

If the conditions are just right, the rattlesnake plant produces bright yellow-orange blooms in late spring and early summer and can grow to heights of 30 inches (76 cm) and sometimes even taller. Like other calathea plants, it is so named for its attractive foliage and interesting patterns.

But you don’t need to be in Brazil to enjoy this plant. It only requires sufficient humidity, soil moisture and warm temperatures. Read on to learn how to grow and care for rattlesnake calathea.

Quick Facts about Rattlesnake Plants:

• Botanical name: Goeppertia insignis, formerly Calathea lancifolia
• Height: 18 inches inside, 30 inches outside (46, 76 cm)
• Spread: 9-18 inches (23-46 cm)
• Sun exposure: Partial
• Soil Requirements: Moist but well-draining
• Hardiness zones: 11b - 12b
• When to plant: End of winter to early spring

Calathea Rattlesnake

As a rainforest native, the Calathea rattlesnake plant thrives in moist, warm, semi-shady climates. In the proper growing conditions, the plant will produce its showy blooms in late spring and early summer. Growing to heights of 30 inches (76 cm.) and sometimes more, like other calathea plants, it is known for its attractive foliage and interesting pattern.

A Distinctly Unique Houseplant

The rattlesnake plant is a highly ornamental, herbaceous, perennial evergreen with a showy patterned foliage of dark and light green. The undersides of its leaves are a brilliant shade of purple. The beautiful pattern in its leaves gives rise to the common name of “rattlesnake” due to its similarity to the intricate skin patterns of the venomous reptile.

A true tropical plant, rattlesnake plant is not frost hardy and is usually grown as a houseplant in North America, although in Hawaii and the southernmost reaches of Florida and California it may be found outdoors. The calathea rattlesnake plant loves shade or partial shade and is most often grown in courtyards or other sheltered areas.

Plants grown outside can bloom from late spring to early summer with 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) yellow blooms. It’s good to note that the plant rarely blooms when grown indoors.

Growing in a fountain-like habit, up and out then flowing downward, a healthy rattlesnake plant can grow to about 1.5 feet (46 cm) tall when living indoors, and 2.5 feet (76 cm) when planted outside.

Is the Rattlesnake Plant a Calathea?

The rattlesnake plant was formerly known as Calathea lancifolia, with the genus name derived from the Latin “calathus” meaning a vase-shaped basket, and lancifolia referring to the conical blooms of the plant.

In 2012, about 200 species of Calathea were moved to the Geoppertia genus. The rattlesnake plant is among these, and its botanical name is now Geoppertia insignis, although it is still frequently labeled C. lancifolia. Rattlesnake plants may be mistaken for G. majestica, G. makoyana, G. zebrina or Ctenanthe amabilis, C. lubbersiana, or C. oppenheimiana.

How to Grow Rattlesnake Calathea

Due to their specific humidity, heat and light requirements, rattlesnake plants are usually not recommended for novice houseplant owners.

Light

If you decide to give this beauty a try, filtered light is the best option. Your plant should be placed in a well-lit room or on a windowsill, provided the light is diffused with a curtain or shade. Morning sunlight is fine, but it’s best to avoid intense afternoon sunlight. When deciding where this plant should live, consider the sun and shadows of its native rainforest.

Temperature

The perfect temperature for a rattlesnake plant is between 60-75 F (16-24 C). Rattlesnake plants tend to thrive in warm rooms where temperatures stay consistently above 60-75 degrees F. (15-23 C). Any lengthy exposure below these temps can result in browned tips, leaf wilt and potential death. Exposure to drafts, dips in temperature, and poor air flow are all damaging to this plant. Air conditioning and the dehydrating quality of forced air systems are also very detrimental to the moisture-loving rattlesnake plant.

Propagation

Seeds for this plant are hard to source so the best option for propagation is division, which should occur in the winter to early spring.

Check Out Our Complete Houseplant Guide

Water

The calathea rattlesnake plant likes high humidity but not waterlogged conditions. Water the plant consistently to keep it evenly moist during the growing phase, and in the winter allow the top of the soil to dry before watering. Water in small amounts frequently rather than watering deeply, and do not allow the plant to sit in standing water. To maintain the humidity, set the potted plant on a tray atop some pebbles. Mist the plant regularly or bring it into the bathroom when you shower. A humidifier is helpful, as is a terrarium.

Soil

Select a well-draining potting soil; a light sandy soil or a mix of two parts peat moss to one part perlite works well. The soil should also be slightly acidic to neutral. Be sure the container has a drainage hole to prevent soggy soil, which contributes to root rot.

Fertilizer

As part of your rattlesnake plant care regimen, you can feed the plant monthly during the growing season using a diluted solution of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Be sure the soil is moist before fertilizing.

Pruning

As your plant grows, remove any spent blooms and prune the older, damaged leaves to keep the plant neat and healthy.

Problems Caring for a Rattlesnake Plant

Pests

Watch carefully for spider mites, especially if the soil becomes dry or the humidity gets low. The mites are usually easy to control with insecticidal soap spray. Use a very mild homemade soap spray or a commercial product designed for tropical plants.

Environmental Problems

Burning and browning along leaf edges is generally a result of uneven watering, intense sunlight, or excessive fertilizer.