Calatheas Insignis or Goeppertia insignis (syn. Calathea lancifolia, Goeppertia lancifolia) and commonly known as the Calathea Rattlesnake is a native of Brazil. It is an extremely popular houseplant collected for its incredible spotted foliage. It can also grow in light low conditions and is pet-friendly. Calatheas occassionally get a hard rap for being difficult but the Insignis is a relatively easy plant once the conditions are right so we hope you enjoy some tips to keep your Rattlesnake Calathea happy.
| Common name | Prayer Plant, Rattlesnake Calathea, Rattlesnake Master, Rattlesnake Plant |
| Botanical name | Goeppertia insignis |
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Species | insignis |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Plant type | Herbaceous Perennial |
| Hardiness zone | 10, 11 |
| Sunlight | Deep shade |
| Maintenance | High |
| Soil condition | High Organic Matter |
| Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Flowering period | Spring |
| Height | 9 in. – 1 ft. 8 in. |
| Width | 9 in. – 1 ft. 8 in. |
| Flower color | Gold, Yellow |
| Leaf color | Green |
| Fruit type | Capsule |
| Leaf benefit | Showy |
| Flower benefit | Showy |
| Garden style | Rain Garden |
| Uses | Container |
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Goeppertia insignis (syn. Calathea lancifolia, Goeppertia lancifolia), the rattlesnake plant, is a species of flowering plant in the Marantaceae family, native to Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil.
It is an evergreen perennial, growing to 60–75 cm (24–30 in), with slender pale green leaves to 45 cm (18 in). The bottom side of the leaves are purple, with the adaxial surface having what look like dark green alternating large and small leaflets overlaid on the light green leaf. Like other prayer plants, its leaves fold together at night, and unfold again in the morning.
Goeppertia insignis prefers indirect sunlight. These plants want well-drained, but moist, soil. They like a pH of 6.1 to 7.3. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 16 °C (61 °F), and it is commonly used as a houseplant in temperate regions.
Goeppertia insignis blooms rarely in cultivation in late spring to early summer from the 5-10 cm long conical spikes. The tiny, white tubular flowers are insignificant, anyway. It’s the magnificent leaves that are really the attraction.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Calathea rattlesnake plant likes bright indirect light and do best in medium to low light (80% shade, 10000-20000 lux). The plant can tolerate an interior light level as low as 750 lux; but optimal light levels range from 1500-2000 lux. Avoid direct light to avoid scorching the leaves.
Humidity
Goeppertia insignis thrives in spots with high humidity, making it a particularly good pick for kitchens and bathrooms. The plant maintains their aesthetic appearance better if relative humidity is kept between 40% and 60%. They are ideal for removing toxins from the air, caused by cleaning products, modern furnishings that are made of synthetic materials and so on.
Temperature
Calathea rattlesnake plant should be grown with the temperature of 21-32 °C outdoors and 18-27 °C when grown indoors. They will not tolerate temperatures below 13 °C. They are also sensitive to cold drafts or blowing heat during the winter months, so keep them away from windows or heaters for best results.
Watering
Calathea rattlesnake plants are very sensitive to the water you use. Hard water, soft water, fluoridated water, or water of poor quality causes the leaves of the plant to turn brown from leaf burn. The best way to water is to use distilled water, rain water, or allow your tap water to sit out overnight before using it.
Keep the plant moist but not wet or waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3” to dry out before watering. Never let the plant sit in water. Excess water over time can cause yellowing of the leaves, and eventually wilting as the roots suffocate and die. If the plant wilts due to excess water it will be slow to recover. During active growth (from about May to August) you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil moist. In winter when growth is slow, water only when the soil becomes just dry to the touch. If you see the leaves curl and leaf edges begin to brown it may be because your soil is running too dry or the humidity is too low. If soil is dry, water it more frequently. If you believe humidity is the problem, mist leaves with lukewarm water on a regular basis.
Soil
Choose a well-draining soil. Although these plants can’t handle standing water, they like to be kept moist. A light sandy soil or a potting mix of two parts peat moss and one part perlite works well. Rattlesnake plant prefers slightly acidic or neutral pH levels, but alkaline soils should be avoided.
Fertilizing
Feed your rattlesnake plant every month during the spring and summer growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage healthy foliage development, and follow the product label instructions.
Pruning
Removing yellowed or browned outer leaves regularly improves the appearance of the plant. Cut leaves at the base where the leaf joins the main stalk. Trim away brown leaf edges with scissors by following the natural curve of the leaf. It is not necessary to remove the entire leaf, as it will continue to grow even after trimming. Pruning or deadheading old or faded blooms improves the plant’s appearance and channels its energy into producing new foliage and blooms.
Propagation
These plants are easy to propagate by division once they are well established and active growth slows down, but propagation by seed is extremely difficult. You can undertake the process of dividing in the spring when you are planning to repot the plant.
- Water your plant the day before to lessen the amount of stress on the plant.
- Choose a pot that’s large enough for the new root ball you will create when dividing the plant. A plastic, metal, or glazed ceramic pot with drainage holes is best since the plant requires a moist environment.
- Fill the pot about 1/3 of the way with potting soil with some perlite mixed in.
- Place the potted plant on its side so you can easily slide the root ball out of the container.
- Gently brush soil from the roots and begin to carefully tease the roots apart with your fingers. Separate the roots where it seems natural, but don’t force any roots to break apart. Trim off any damaged or diseased parts of the root with gardening scissors.
- Place the divided root ball into its new container and backfill with soil, using some of the soil from the original pot.
- Water the newly potted plant until water drains from the bottom of the container.
- Optional: Mimic a greenhouse effect by placing a clear plastic bag loosely over the plant and container until you see that it’s growing. Then you can remove the plastic and care for it normally.
Potting and Repotting
Proper potting and repotting are vital to ensure the continued health and growth of your rattlesnake plant. Here are some guidelines to follow:
When it comes to potting and repotting your rattlesnake plant, there are a few important steps you need to keep in mind. The first step is to choose a pot with drainage holes that is slightly larger than the current one. This will allow for proper drainage and prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
Once you have your new pot ready, it’s time to add a layer of well-draining soil to the bottom. This layer will help promote healthy root growth by allowing excess water to drain away from the roots.
Now it’s time to gently loosen the root ball of the rattlesnake plant. This can be done by carefully teasing apart the roots with your fingers or a small tool. Be careful not to damage the roots in the process, as this can hinder the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
After loosening the root ball, place the rattlesnake plant in the new pot, making sure it is centered and at the same depth as it was in the previous pot. This will help maintain stability and prevent the plant from toppling over.
Next, fill the remaining space in the pot with fresh potting soil. Gently press the soil around the roots to ensure good contact and eliminate any air pockets. This will provide a stable environment for the roots to grow and anchor the plant.
Once the potting process is complete, it’s important to water the plant thoroughly. This will help settle the soil and ensure that it is evenly distributed around the roots.
Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to soggy soil and root rot. Allow the excess water to drain away, and make sure the pot is not sitting in a saucer of water.
It is generally recommended to repot your rattlesnake plant every 1-2 years in the spring. This allows for the refreshment of the soil and provides an opportunity for root growth.
Pests and Diseases
- Common Pests
The thick leaves of your rattlesnake plant may entice pests.1 Look underneath leaves for the usual suspects, including aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Treat the problem quickly with gentle insecticidal soap, neem oil, or simply wash the insects off the leaves with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water.
- Common Problems
Leaf Color or Pattern Fading
A key consideration for any rattlesnake plant is proper lighting. If it gets too much direct sunlight, green spots may appear on the leaves; too little light and the vibrant spotted markings may begin to fade.
Limp or Rotting Stems
There are two possibilities for problematic stems: overwatering or drafts. Giving your plant too much water when the temperature drops can cause the stems to become limp, and sitting in water can cause the roots to rot, which can kill the plant. Try moving the plant to a warmer space with no extreme temperature fluctuations to see how the plant fares.
Leaf Edges Turning Brown
Brown leaf edges signal that the plant needs more humidity in its environment or could be a result of using commercial leaf shine. In addition to brown leaf tips, overly dry air can result in the foliage curling up. Take steps to add humidity to the area where the plant lives and stick to a simple damp cloth to remove any dust or debris instead.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Common Uses
Aside from being a beloved houseplant, the Rattlesnake Plant also has practical uses. In its native regions, indigenous peoples have employed its leaves for various purposes. They have been known to weave baskets, mats, and even roof thatching from the plant’s strong and pliable leaves. This showcases the plant’s versatility and how its natural properties have been harnessed for centuries.
- Benefits
Rattlesnake Plants offer numerous benefits to the indoor environment. Their air-purifying abilities are well-documented, helping to remove common household pollutants, thus improving air quality. Furthermore, their calming presence and striking appearance make them excellent additions to any interior design scheme, contributing to a sense of well-being and tranquility. These benefits, combined with their easy-care nature, make Rattlesnake Plants a popular choice among plant enthusiasts and those looking to enhance their living spaces with a touch of nature’s elegance.
Buy Plants
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo_shipping cols_order=3,2,1,5,4 hide=badge visible=number border_color=info limit=8]