Moderate Tropical Safe for pets

Rattlesnake Plant

Calathea lancifolia

An exquisite tropical plant famed for its lance-shaped leaves with distinct dark green patterns and wavy margins.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

60–80 %
Temperature

18–27 °C

How to care for your Rattlesnake Plant

Everything you need to keep your Rattlesnake Plant healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

The Rattlesnake Plant is a stunning Calathea, cherished for its vibrant, wavy-edged foliage. Its leaves display an intricate pattern of dark green blotches against a lighter green background, with a rich purple underside. Like other 'prayer plants,' its leaves exhibit daily movement, closing at night and reopening with the sunrise. Thrives in high humidity and consistent moisture, making it a rewarding indoor specimen.

Watering your Rattlesnake Plant

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage.

How to know it needs water

top inch of soil is dry
leaves may show slight curling

How much light a Rattlesnake Plant needs

Bright indirect light

bright indirect

Direct sun tolerated: No direct sun
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, North-west

Humidity and misting

60–80 %

high Mist frequently or use a humidifier to maintain high humidity levels, crucial for healthy foliage.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in winter.

Recommended feed: balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength · 3-1-2

Repotting your Rattlesnake Plant

Every 18 months

Repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, gently teasing roots.

When: spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

roots emerging from drainage holes
plant becoming top-heavy
stunted growth

Pruning your Rattlesnake Plant

as needed, typically during growing season Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base to encourage new growth and maintain appearance.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 8 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

Its leaves perform nyctinasty, folding up at night like praying hands and unfolding in the morning.
The unique patterned foliage resembles a rattlesnake's skin.

Frequently asked questions about the Rattlesnake Plant

How do you care for a Rattlesnake Plant?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 60–80 %. Ideal temperature: 18–27 °C. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage.

How often should you water a Rattlesnake Plant?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage. How to know it needs water : top inch of soil is dry ; leaves may show slight curling.

How much light does a Rattlesnake Plant need?

Bright indirect light bright indirect No direct sun

Is the Rattlesnake Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Rattlesnake Plant is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Rattlesnake Plant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Rattlesnake Plant?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, gently teasing roots.