Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia)
Discover the Calathea lancifolia, or Rattlesnake plant, prized for its striking foliage. Perfect as a tropical houseplant in Zones 11-12.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Calathea lancifolia, widely recognized as the rattlesnake plant, is celebrated primarily for its spectacular, highly ornamental foliage rather than its blooms. This tropical evergreen perennial captivates with lance-shaped leaves featuring wavy margins, pale green coloration mottled with dark green elliptic blotches above, and striking reddish-purple undersides. Since its native habitat is the shaded rainforests of Brazil, understanding its light and moisture requirements is crucial for its success, especially when grown indoors.
As an herbaceous perennial, Calathea lancifolia thrives when protected from harsh elements, making it a popular, if sometimes temperamental, houseplant across much of the U.S. It demands high humidity and consistently moist, but not soggy, soil to maintain the vibrancy of its patterned leaves. When these conditions are met, the Rattlesnake plant offers unmatched visual texture and pattern to shaded interior spaces.
The common name arises because the markings on the foliage allegedly resemble the patterning found on certain rattlesnakes, adding an element of intrigue to this Marantaceae family member. While it rarely flowers indoors, its commitment to dramatic leaf display secures its place as a cornerstone specimen for dedicated foliage enthusiasts.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Marantaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Brazil
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 11-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Proper establishment of Calathea lancifolia relies heavily on replicating its humid, dappled forest floor environment. If growing outdoors in Zones 11 or 12, select a location receiving limited sun or bright shade. For indoor cultivation, aim for a location with bright, indirect light; this tropical perennial will develop best away from harsh afternoon sun which causes leaf scorch.
Maintain uniformly moist, well-drained, peaty potting mixtures for container growth, ideally keeping room temperatures between 65-75°F. Water regularly during the active growing season (April through August) to keep soils moist but never saturated. Fertilize monthly during this period using a balanced fertilizer, reducing both water and feeding as growth slows in winter.
Humidity is critical for the Rattlesnake plant. Low humidity often leads to leaf rolling or browning edges, a clear sign of stress. Combat dry air by misting foliage frequently, placing the pot atop a tray of wet pebbles, or utilizing a room humidifier. Furthermore, avoid placing your plant near drafts or areas subject to sudden temperature fluctuations. Propagation is successfully achieved through division.
Landscape Uses
The primary appeal of the Calathea lancifolia is undeniably its stunning foliage, making it a superb choice for shaded architectural interest where traditional flowering plants struggle. In Hawaii, it functions beautifully as a popular landscape plant, typically situated in shaded courtyards or beneath larger canopy trees where its patterned leaves can be admired fully. Indoors, it excels as a statement houseplant, bringing a burst of tropical patterning to bright areas that lack direct solar intensity.
When designing beds, pair the rattlesnake plant with companions that share similar needs for consistent moisture and filtered light, such as other shade-loving foliage plants like Ferns or Prayer Plants (Maranta). This ensures that maintaining the microclimate around the Calathea is straightforward. The relatively compact size, reaching up to 1.5 feet tall and wide, makes it suitable for the middle layer of a shaded border or as stunning specimens in dark container groupings.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Calathea lancifolia, commonly known as rattlesnake plant, is a rhizomatous tropical evergreen perennial that it winter hardy to USDA Zones 11-12. It is native to Brazilian rainforests. Although it may be grown outdoors at the far southern edges of Florida and California plus Hawaii, it is otherwise grown indoors in the remaining parts of the U. S. For appreciation of its ornately patterned foliage. The markings on each leaf purportedly resemble the markings found on some rattlesnakes, hence the common name for this plant.
Tolerances
- Avoid drafts or sudden temperature changes.
Potential Problems
Common pests targeting this genus include aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites, which can sap the plant’s vitality. If you notice leaf spots, environmental stress is often the culprit. The most frequent issues arise when humidity drops too low; high humidity is paramount for the Calathea lancifolia, as dryness causes leaves to roll inward or develop crispy brown edges. Always ensure the plant receives filtered light, as direct sun exposure is a guaranteed path to leaf scorch.
Management involves inspecting leaves regularly, especially undersides, and treating infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oils. For browning leaves, immediately increase ambient moisture through misting or humidifiers, and ensure the soil moisture is consistent between waterings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Rattlesnake plant suitable for?
The Rattlesnake plant is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 11 and 12, requiring indoor protection elsewhere in the United States.
How large does Calathea lancifolia grow?
Indoors, this plant typically reaches about 1 1/2 feet tall, though it can grow taller, up to 2 1/2 feet, outdoors in tropical climates.
What sun exposure does Calathea lancifolia need?
This specific tropical requires protection and thrives best in part shade to full shade conditions, tolerating only diffused or very early morning sun exposure.
When does Rattlesnake plant bloom?
It is considered a seasonal bloomer, producing small yellow flowers, although flowers infrequently appear on plants grown indoors.
Conclusion
The dramatic, architecturally patterned leaves of the Rattlesnake plant offer unmatched textural contrast perfect for shaded interiors or tropical gardens. Achieving success with Calathea lancifolia hinges on providing high, consistent humidity and avoiding harsh direct sunlight. Before bringing this beauty home, confirm your local environment aligns with USDA Zones 11-12 or commit to mastering humidity control indoors.
Propagation Tips
Division is the recommended method for increasing your stock of Calathea lancifolia. This should ideally be done during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Gently remove the plant from its container and carefully separate the rhizomatous clumps, ensuring each new division has a healthy set of roots and a few emerging shoots attached. Allow the separated sections a brief period of time to “settle” before repotting them into fresh, well-draining, peaty potting mix.
Companion Planting
Because the Rattlesnake plant requires moisture and filtered light, it pairs exceptionally well with other tropical understory inhabitants. Consider grouping it with various species of ferns, which share similar soil and humidity preferences, creating a lush, cohesive shaded vignette. Other Marantaceae family members, like Calatheas or Marantas, or jewel-toned Begonias, make excellent companions, as they all benefit from the consistent growing conditions that prevent the leaf crisping often associated with poor nursery care.
