A dilution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol can be safe and effective. Grow rattlesnake plant in a container filled with regular, good quality potting mix. To provide great Rattlesnake Plant care, place your plant in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. ... Calathea medallion propagation is done by dividing the roots—called rhizomes—early in the growing season. They have a USDA Zone rating of 11 or 12 and aren’t hardy outdoors in most of the US. Yellowing on the leaves is usually a sign of overwatering. will not tolerate being over-fertilized. Read this article for more tips to help you know when your houseplants need to be watered. Calathea Repotting and Propagation. Their whole system is geared for seeking light – mobile leaves move to catch each precious ray, their colors and undercoating grab at each stray lumen – but it can’t cope with conditions that are too bright. In order to determine when your rattlesnake plant needs to be watered, feel the soil. The Rattlesnake Plant’s colors are deepest when it’s trying to conserve lumens – the challenge is to find the level that maintains their colors while keeping them growing and healthy. The goal is to keep their medium slightly moist at all times. It’s moderately difficult to take care of Calatheas. Except for C. crocata, calathea are not grown for their flowers. Calathea Lancifolia, ‘Rattlesnake Plant’ ... Calathea Orbifolia Care Guide: Propagation & Watering Tips May 24, 2020. 4. Check out the following articles about some of my absolute favorites. Cover the plant thoroughly – These mild treatments must come into contact with the pests to have effect. For best results, use potting soil which contains peat and perlite. For best results, simply divide the plant at the time of repotting. Also, getting the foliage wet isn’t a good idea. Water once the top inch of soil is starting to dry out. Calathea (Peacock Plant / Zebra Plant / Rattlesnake Plant) About the Calathea Houseplant When Calathea is grown as a houseplant it sometimes goes by the name Peacock Plant , Zebra Plant or Rattlesnake Plant because of its leaf markings, but it's much more common to stick to its Latin name of Calathea . In particular, spider mites may become a problem in winter if conditions are on the dry side. 2 Comments. ka-LAH-thee-uh Common Names: Prayer Plant, Peacock Plant, Zebra Plant, Rattlesnake Plant, Cathedral Plant, Pin Stripe Plant, Cuban Cigar Plant, Cathedral Windows, Rose-painted Plant. Shop The Sill's collection of houseplants and indoor plants for delivery. It has a smaller stature than other varieties. Remove affected leaves and discard them safely to avoid further contamination. It means this plant is suitable for those who want to grow a Calathea in their home but do not want to have a plant that is too demanding or difficult to care for. Two parts peat or coco coir and one part perlite or another suitable drainage amendment works well. South-facing windows can be tricky. The plant is very susceptible to rot, so inspect the roots if you see any sign of trouble. You should water your Calathea generously from April to October without causing stagnant moisture. Partial or dappled shade is suitable, and mild early sun can be tolerated. These are needed to make your Calathea thrive. Even grooming is seldom necessary. smartgardenguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other Amazon stores worldwide. If you find unwelcome visitors, it’s best for you and the plant to use gentle treatments. CALATHEA. Read my article on repotting rootbound plants to make sure you get the process right. If their colors fade, lower the light. The minimum temperature amounts to 16 °C (61 °F). Each has wavy margins and a purple undercoating. They won’t like the thermometer to fall below 60°F (15°C). and sometimes more. I can speak from experience when I say that this is one hardy plant. You’ll need to keep the trays filled, but otherwise, this is a simple low-tech plan. Stem propagation is the way to go in this case. It offers gentle direct light each morning and a full day of indirect illumination. Repotting is the ideal opportunity. Calathea ornata: Distinguished by its pretty pink and white striped leaves, calathea ornata … Wait until the roots have filled the soil or foliage growth is overpowering the container. Keep them out of drafts, hot or cold, and avoid rapid fluctuations of temperature. If your humidity is lower than that and you aren’t willing to move to the Amazon basin, here are a few options: Grouping Plants – The easiest method is to emulate the plant’s natural setting by surrounding it with other tropical greenery. Keep water off the leaves! An attack of aphids and/or mealybugs is also fairly common. Remove old or damaged foliage, but otherwise just let the plant grow naturally. 5. The easiest method is by division, though. Calathea propagation is unfortunately not really possible through stem cuttings. The Rattlesnake Plant needs 50% or higher humidity to look its best. Room Humidifier – Let’s jump to the big-time solution. Rattlesnake plant is a real attention-getter, growing to heights of 30 inches (76 cm.) Tolerates repotting better than most Calatheas (Goeppertias). calathea root nodules, Calathea lancifolia, aka Rattlesnake Plant, is a perfect houseplant for pattern lovers who like to decorate wild. There are several ways to propagate your Calathea lancifolia. Plant in light, well-draining soil, provide temperatures of 65°F (18ºC) to 85°F (30°C) and maintain high humidity. The Rattlesnake Plant has moderate growth during the warm season and, though they need some extra nutrition – especially in a soilless mix – don’t overdo it. This Rattlesnake Plant is harmless. Read this article for more tips to help you know when your houseplants need to be watered. The warm, damp, dark forest floor is the natural habitat of the Rattlesnake Plant. The container stays safely above the waterline. Water thoroughly and put the plants in the same light as before. Let’s have a look at the (daily) requirements for the well-being of your Rattlesnake plant. Along with light preferences, these plants require high humidity to mimic their natural habitat. You can also learn to judge the weight of the pot to know whether it needs water. Available in 4" and 6" pot sizes, and includes detailed care instructions. CALATHEA. Enjoy your stay at Smart Garden Guide. Just tell them that your plant is suffering from iron chlorosis (lack of iron) and they will point you in the right direction. All Calathea plants are quite popular indoor plants, and you probably know plenty of them. Be alert to changes in indoor humidity, which can change with the weather or the use of either heating or air conditioning. This species of plant is not labeled as poisonous, so your cat is safe. You’ll need to protect the plant with sheer curtains or by moving it five or so feet away from the panes to avoid direct sun. Propagation: Divide the parent plant at repotting time. Fast intervention spares the plant and makes an infestation easier to control. Do not attempt propagation if the plant is immature or throwing tantrums. 1. Hopefully I’ve answered all your questions about Rattlesnake Plant care and that your tropical beauty will thrive for many years to come. You can find this kind of spray at your garden store. The standout feature of the Rattlesnake plant is its foliage. Provided that the environment is right, a Calathea can grow up to 50 cm tall. The mist just doesn’t hang around long enough to make a difference. Keeti November 11, 2020 at 8:46 pm. Calathea insignis, also called Rattlesnake plant, is a bushy species with narrow, tapering erect foliage, wavy at the margins, yellow green with lateral ovals, alternately large and small, of dark green.The underside is maroon. North-facing windows offer the least amount of light; you may need to add supplemental lighting. One of the most concerning questions for plant lovers is about how to water their plants properly. Water the plants after repotting, then give time between watering to prevent problems, now wait for new growth. Loosen up the soil once it is appropriately moistened. Read more about how to propagate Calatheas with ease in this article. Propagate calatheas by taking 6 inch stem cuttings and rooting them in a 50% mixture of peat and sharp sand. As with most Calatheas, the Rattlesnake Plant is a beginner-friendly plant, meaning good news for all plant amateurs. For the care of Calathea lancifolia, a substrate consisting of one part peat and three parts compost is often used. As a tropical native, your Rattlesnake Plant prefers temperatures at the warmer end of a range from 65°F (18ºC) to 85°F (30°C). Calathea are some of the easiest plants to propagate. The flowers themselves are not as showy as the leaves, but they … Here are suitable materials to use for your Rattlesnake Plant’s soil: If you’d like to learn more about choosing and making soil for your houseplants, read this article. Otherwise, propagate by division as follows: Check the pot to see if the Calathea is crowding. Not prone to any specific diseases, other than root rot secondary to overwatering. Its pointed leaves with dark spots give this variety of Calatheas a strong personality that is hard to find in other houseplants. How to Care for a Calathea. Moderate, indirect light. Knowing a few of the more common troubles that these Calatheas have is a good way to keep them healthy and make sure they thrive the way they are supposed to. Their preferred light range is from medium to low. Give your plant a few weeks and see how it responds to this new treatment. In honor of the many Calathea fans still working through the transition, we’ll refer to the plant by its accepted common name. Fertilize lightly every 2-4 weeks through the growing season. Brown edges on your leaves can have several causes: low humidity, dry soil, direct sunlight, overfertilization, or an uneven watering routine. Water thoroughly each time and make sure all excess drains thoroughly. Apply under favorable conditions – Unless you’re having a pest emergency, don’t treat a plant that’s drought-stricken, sunburned, or under some other stress. Applying the fertilizer every 2-4 weeks at a half- or quarter-dilution is a common regimen. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks while actively growing. There are different ways of propagating plants. Misting – We can’t include misting for raising humidity, unfortunately. The first thing you need to do to make use of this propagation method is watering your Calathea lancifolia. Like other calathea plants, it is so named for its attractive foliage and interesting patterns. I’ve been completely gripped by Calathea (Goeppertia) addiction and my collection only gets bigger. Rattlesnake plant bears long, narrow mid-green leaves edged and spotted in dark green. The Rattlesnake plant hails from South American rainforests and is considered one of the easiest of the Calathea (Goeppertia) family to maintain. Once you see new growth, begin removing the plastic for gradually increasing intervals. You’ll want to work with healthy and established mother plants only. Remove damaged or dead foliage as required. It’s better to feed little and often rather than administering larger doses. Providing the right soil is critical to providing good Rattlesnake Plant care. Read my guide to identifying, treating and preventing common houseplants pests to ensure your houseplants are never troubled by pests again. After learning all of the ins and outs of this beautiful Calathea, you may feel as though you are ready to add it to your collection. (You can grow a Rattlesnake Plant from seeds if you can find a reputable source; but, although you can grow multiple new plants that way, it takes more time and effort to produce a specimen you can enjoy.). The water you use should always be dechlorinated, and warm it to room temperature to avoid cold shock. Though their thick leaves are not especially vulnerable, the Rattlesnake plant is still subject to common pests. Read this article for more great tips about increasing humidity for your houseplants. It covers everything you need to know about making sure your houseplants are always in the perfect soil. Spot test first – Before treating the entire plant, apply the solution to a small area to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Also, avoid using oil when temperatures are high. While these plants are not complicated for most to keep indoors, they do require humidity, regular watering, and must be kept from direct sunlight. It’s safe for people and won’t poison dogs or cats. 2. If the soil does get too dry, soak it thoroughly. Reapply every five to seven days until the pests are gone. You can also grow Calathea plants from seed, although it can be more difficult to source Calathea seeds. This calathea can produce small white or purplish flowers during the summer months. Don’t place your Rattlesnake plant near vents or any other air source because it is very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Let’s look at everything you need to know about Rattlesnake Plant care to help you keep this gorgeous houseplant looking great. A little extra nitrogen is welcome; a 10-10-5 NPK formula works well. Replant the divisions in fresh mix. Another great way to propagate your rattlesnake plant is through cuttings. Starting from seeds is one of the most common, however, it is almost impossible to do it with the rattlesnake plant, because getting the Calathea Lancifolia seeds isn’t easy. The Rattlesnake Plant is more tolerant than its close relatives; but, though some tropical plants will adjust to low humidity, Goeppertias aren’t one of them. If temperatures are low, consider keeping the plant a bit drier to ward off leaf damage. Plant in light, well-draining soil, provide temperatures of 65°F(18ºC) to 85°F (30°C) and maintain high humidity. (It’s typical to divide the plant in half, but you can separate the roots of a large specimen into more clumps if desired.). Rattlesnake plant care isn’t troubled by any specific diseases, but the moist conditions they need are hospitable to a number of pathogens, especially those that cause leaf spotting. Though, high humidity does not necessarily equate to a lot of water. It’s an evergreen perennial with a rhizome root system that grows moderately in ideal conditions. Over or under watering these finicky plants can lead to brown dry lea… This is a crucial aspect of houseplant care, and mastering it will massively improve your success with growing houseplants. Calathea lancifolia is not a big fan of direct sunlight. Please do so once a year, preferably during spring season when the plant has outgrown its pot. PROBLEM: Brown edges It is better to use a little on a regular basis than a stronger preparation less often. Too much sunlight can cause several problems such as brown or crispy leaves. At this point, you’ll want to make sure that it is thoroughly dampened. When it comes to fertilization, less is more. Carefully divide the roots at the natural divisions and pot each division separately. Tease the roots slightly apart and find the best place for division. Calatheas should be kept moist, but not wet. You will need to water less in winter, but never let them dry out completely. As a general rule, you should be able to read comfortably in the light your Rattlesnake plant receives. The Rattlesnake Plant or the Calathea Lancifolia is another gem from the prayer plant’s family. It’s not quite as high-maintenance as some other Calatheas (now Goeppertia), which makes it a great gateway into an obsession with these exotic houseplants. As with any plant, however, there is a certain amount of problems that you might face with your leavy friend. 1. Occasionally clean the leaves with a soft, damp cloth. It is recommended that you use distilled water or rainwater when watering your leavy friend. The general rule is to water when the top inch of soil is dry. During summer, Your Calathea lancifolia needs plenty of water. The plant does well in a variety of pots, just make sure they have adequate drainage. Rattlesnake Plant Care - How To Grow Calathea lancifolia, Clusia Rosea Care - How To Grow An Autograph Tree, How To Identify, Fix And Prevent Root Rot. However, only marantas can be propagated by stem cuttings. I’ve had it since long before I … Read my guide to choosing pots for houseplants to learn more. The best policy is to catch problems early. It can be a daunting task for beginners to actually know whether their plant is suffering from overwatering or underwatering. One of the reasons this plant’s family has a reputation for being difficult is its humidity demands. There are several ways you can propagate your Rattlesnake plant. To provide great Rattlesnake Plant care, place your plant in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Unlike other plants like succulents and Monsteras, Calatheas are propagated by division, like hostas. Use your fingers to do the actual division. In colder months, you should keep the potting soil a touch drier. It is best to either use lime-free water or rainwater. It’s better to leave soil on the roots rather than strip it away. Read this article for more great tips about increasing humidity for your houseplants. The elongated, wavy leaves are striped with alternating ovals of dark green and accented by a rich purple underside. 65°F (18ºC) to 85°F (30°C). Only feed from early spring to late summer. Division is best done in the spring: this gets the new plant off to a fast start and helps the parent recover quickly. Discoloration and fungal infection can result from wet foliage. To do so, just repot the stems in as many pots as you like. Like the shady floors of the tropical canopies, this genus prefers low to medium light. The Rattlesnake’s warm-season flowers are somewhat apocryphal and are rarely – if ever – seen on a potted specimen. High levels of humidity are a must when it comes to this leavy friend. Water Tray – Placing water-filled trays near your plant will also slightly increase local air moisture. Too much excess soil without roots to absorb the water can throw off your watering regimen and lead to soil that stays too wet. It is, therefore, best to place your Rattlesnake plant in a shady spot with indirect sunlight. The Calathea Lancifolia is a tropical plant, and as such, it requires ample amounts of water. Listen to the plant. Signs of too much sun exposure may result in sunburn or dullness in the color of the leaves. Keep cuttings in a warm and very humid place such as a greenhouse until they have rooted. However, it is best to keep the plant in the temperature range of 18 °C to 26 °C (65 to 80 °F). Try to keep the environment warm but not dry whenever possible. Keep the soil lightly moist at all times. Posted on Published: September 22, 2019 Categories Plant Care. Remedy: To solve this problem, you should increase the frequency of feeding your plant. If you think your Rattlesnake Plant is suffering from a disease, read this article to help identify the problem and treat your plant effectively. There are dozens of Calathea (Goeppertia) species and hundreds of cultivars – but only one Rattlesnake Plant. Maintain proper soil moisture. Because the Rattlesnake plant originated in the dim filtered illumination of a forest floor, its relationship with light is a little odd. The first thing you need to do to make use of this propagation method is watering your Calathea lancifolia. Like the rest of the calatheas, including species and varieties like Freddie, medallion, C. orbifolia, peacock plant, C. ornata, and many others that form fantastic houseplants, the rattlesnake plant is safe for cats, i.e., it is not toxic or poisonous to your cats, dogs or even humans. Cause: Brown edges could signal a few things. Repot only when quite root-bound. For the winter months, you’ll want to reduce the amount of water. The main propagation method is by division. Try not to tear the roots. You want a mixture that retains aeration after being thoroughly soaked, but which also holds enough moisture to keep the plant hydrated between waterings. Please consider the following steps when doing so: After all, Calatheas are not that hard to keep. 3. Early detection and treatment is important. I’ve written an article that covers lighting for houseplants in more detail. The undersides of the leaves are a rich purple-red. The light must be indirect: direct sun will quickly scorch them. For calathea care, they do well in medium light or low light plant that is non toxic and safe for cats and dogs. Though it’s an investment in time and effort, if you want Instagram-ready foliage a humidifier is the way to go. Before you do, we have a summarized collection of tips to keeping your tropical royal plant thriving. Buy It: Rattlesnake Plant – Calathea lancifolia 4″ Pot, Amazon. This is me and my Chinese Money Plant. Easily one of the most popular of all Calatheas and other prayer plants, the Calathea Orbifolia is noted for its candy striped leaves, i.e. Empty any cache receptacles as soon as the pot has completely drained. Treat the plant’s sensitive root system gently throughout the process. Multiplying your Calatheas is easy enough to do using the division method. This method requires little upkeep: just water the plants normally and let them help each other. Be gentle with the roots. They won’t like the thermometer to fall below 60°F (15°C). Be aware that winter heating also affects humidity: a plant that does fine in the warmer months may struggle. What types of Calathea are suitable for indoor use? West-facing window is also good, but be prepared to move them a foot or two away from the window to avoid hot late afternoon sunlight. If other calathea varieties are too much for you, try this one. Fertilize lightly every 2-4 weeks through the growing season. If the problem persists, you might want to try an iron spray. Dilute to half or a quarter the strength recommended on most commercial preparations. If it becomes dry, the health of the plant will suffer. Pin stripe plant is one of the examples, and other types have just as unusual, and unique names (based mostly on their looks) such as peacock plant, rattlesnake plant, or prayer plant. Taking care of houseplants is one of my greatest passions. He has a deep passion for houseplants & gardening and is constantly on the lookout for yet another special plant to add to his arsenal of houseplants, succulents & cacti. I’ve written an article that covers lighting for houseplants in more detail. Propagation of Calathea. Repotting your lancifolia is no big deal. Part of the prayer plant family, the stunning Calathea Medallion is arguably one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations. Too much direct sunlight can damage their fragile leaves. Cause: If your Calathea has new leaves that come in a lighter green color than the old ones, then your Calathea is most likely dealing with a lack of nitrogen or iron. Rarely produces insignificant, white or yellow flowers on short spikes that emerge directly from the soil. The easiest way to propagate calathea and maranta plants is by division. Susceptible to most common houseplant pests.