Rattlesnake plant care guide
Goeppertia insignis
Also known as: Calathea insignis, Calathea lancifolia
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Rattlesnake plant
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 4 days
- Water until it runs from the pot once the topsoil dries, as a guide; limp, narrow leaves mean it has gone too dry.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 6 days
- With cooler weather the mix dries more slowly; generally wait a day or two after the surface dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly about three to four days after the soil dries, during the warmer part of the day with room-temperature water.
Light and placement for Rattlesnake plant
Bright shade is the guide: it tolerates dimmer spots a little better than other calatheas, but direct sun bleaches the wavy patterned leaves; keep the air moving.
Overwintering Rattlesnake plant
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Bring it indoors when nights fall below 15°C and keep it above about 10°C; it copes with dry air slightly better than other calatheas, but keep it out of heater drafts and keep misting.
Fertilizing and repotting Rattlesnake plant
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid fertilizer about every two weeks from May to September; skip it when the plant is weak or in winter, and keep slow-release pellets to a minimum.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Rattlesnake plant
- Repeated drying out rolls the leaves and browns them from the edges.
- Cold by a winter window damages the leaves.
- Spider mites spread in dry rooms and mottle the leaves.
Tips for growing Rattlesnake plant
- Leaves standing upright at night are normal.
- It grows quickly, so move it to a slightly larger pot in early summer when root-bound.
- Misting the undersides as well helps keep spider mites away.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
