Rattlesnake Calathea

Rattlesnake Calathea should be kept evenly moist. Water about once a week but never let the soil dry out completely and be sure to adjust watering depending on the season and temperatures. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch 1 inch below the surface. To prevent root rot due to over-watering, make sure that the pot that you have your Rattlesnake Calathea planted in has drainage holes. Additionally, try using room temperature water for your Rattlesnake Calathea as cold water can cause leaf spots and brown edges on the leaves.

This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun can be damaging and cause burning. While most Calatheas tolerate quite a range of light levels, Rattlesnake Calathea might require medium to high intensity light. It is best to keep the plant away from windows with strong afternoon sun, as this could be too intense for the plant. Rattlesnake Calathea prefers shade to direct sunlight, making it the perfect houseplant for any room that doesn’t face direct sunlight during the day.

Rattlesnake Calatheas prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows, air conditioning and anywhere else in the house. If kept below 60°F (15°C), the plant will die.

Rattlesnake Calathea is not tolerant of the dry air found in most homes. It prefers a moisture level of around 80%. It is beneficial to use a humidifier or place the plant on top of a water-filled tray filled with pebbles. It is important to avoid misting the leaves as Calatheas are prone to fungus. During the winter months, when the heating is up and the air is dry, it is best to keep the rattlesnakes in the warmest parts of house.

Rattlesnake Calatheas prefer soil that is loose, well-draining, yet retains moisture. A good potting mix is one that is light and airy and also retains moisture well. A good mix should contain either peat moss, composted cow manure, and organic matter. Make sure the soil never becomes too soggy and never allow it to dry out.

Fertilize your Rattlesnake Calathea once a month with a balanced fertilizer formulated for foliage plants. Reduce fertilization during the winter months when the plant does not bloom and is in a rest period. Avoid overfertilization, as this can cause leaf discoloration and burning. When feeding the plant, make sure to use a well-balanced fertilizer low in nitrogen, as an excessive amount of nitrogen can cause the plant to produce leaves that are too large and low in leaf markings.

Rattlesnake Calathea is susceptible to typical houseplant pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. To get rid of them, you can treat the plant once a week with a mild soap and water or a neem oil solution. If the infestation isn’t severe, you can often get rid of pests by simply spraying the leaf undersides and stems with plain water or water with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Thoroughly inspect the plant for signs of pests like webs or small, immobile insects. Larger infestations may require an organic pesticide. You should use caution and contact a local garden supply store if you are not experienced with using organic pesticides.

It is recommended to repot your Rattlesnake Calathea every two to three years. Repotting helps to keep the plant healthy, vibrant, and hydrated. Water the plant thoroughly before repotting, otherwise, the roots might get damaged and tear when manipulating the pot. You should repot in the spring just before the growing season begins, this will allow the roots to spread quickly as the weather warms up.

Prune your Rattlesnake Calathea to maintain its shape and size. Cut back any dead leaves and stems to keep the plant looking its best. You can also prune back any stems that are growing too long. Always use a pair of sharp scissors and make sure to cut just above a node, which is the place where a leaf and/or a stem sprouts out.

Mulching Rattlesnake Calathea is beneficial in helping to retain moisture in the soil and ensuring the soil does not get too dry. Mulch with soil or gravel will help maintain the moisture in the soil and prevent it from drying out. You should make sure to use a coarse mulch that will allow for adequate drainage.

Rattlesnake Calathea can be propagated easily from cuttings. Take a few cuttings in early spring before the plant begins to flower. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and allow them to dry for about a week before inserting them into potting soil. If the cuttings are larger than a finger width, it is best to provide some form of support via trellis or stake to keep the stems upright. Make sure to keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm bright spot, away from direct sunlight.

Rattlesnake Calatheas need some form of support, like a moss pole, in order to keep their upright habit. The plant does not like to lay down horizontal stems, so it is important to provide adequate support with a moss pole.

Rattlesnake Calathea can go through a bit of a dormancy period or rest period in the winter with slower growth and less water. In general, you should reduce water during overwintering months, allowing the soil to get dry in between waterings. Reducing light levels can also help the plant through any rest period.

Rattlesnake Calathea is not toxic to cats or dogs. While not likely, ingestion of the plant can still result in minor stomach upset.