Overview The Calathea Rattlesnake is a tropical foliage plant with long, wavy leaves patterned in deep green spots and purple undersides. It prefers warm, humid indoor conditions.
Light Bright, indirect light Tolerates medium light Avoid direct sun
Water Keep soil lightly moist Water when the top inch feels dry Use filtered or distilled water if possible Underwatering signs: curling leaves, crispy edges Overwatering signs: yellowing leaves, limp stems
Humidity Needs moderate to high humidity Dry air can cause brown tips
Temperature Ideal range is 65 to 80 F Avoid cold drafts Do not expose to temperatures below 60 F
Soil Light, well draining mix Indoor potting soil with perlite and coco coir works well
Fertilizer Feed lightly in spring and summer Use balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 4 to 6 weeks Do not fertilize in winter
Growth Habit Upright, bushy growth Mature height 18 to 30 inches Leaves may move gently throughout the day
Pet Toxicity Non toxic to cats and dogs
Repotting Repot every 1 to 2 years Choose a pot 1 inch larger Refresh soil annually
Pruning Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base Divide during repotting if needed
Common Issues Brown tips: low humidity or hard water Curling leaves: underwatering or too much light Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage Pests: spider mites and mealybugs
Quick Care Summary Light: bright indirect Water: lightly moist soil Humidity: moderate to high Temperature: 65 to 80 F Soil: light, well draining Fertilizer: light feeding in growing season Pet toxicity: non toxic