The interior of a home is very important and if you love nature, you couldn’t think of a better way to complete your home decor than with indoor plants. You can choose from several plants to complete your interior.
You can grow a plant and beautify your home at the same time. Do you know the plants of the Calathea family? If you’ve grown one, you know that plants in this family are not for the faint of heart or novice gardeners.
Growing or caring for calathea plants at home is especially good for those who like to have the tropical atmosphere in their home. It is always a pleasure to grow them at home, but remember that they are not the easiest to grow.
One member of Calathea that we cannot forget is the rattlesnake plant. Before you wonder so much where its name comes from, the rattlesnake may attribute its name to spear-like patterned leaves. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
Contents
Rattlesnake Plant Wallpaper
| common name | rattlesnake plant |
| botanical name | Calathea lancifolia |
| light | clear light |
| Plant type: | Perennial |
| the type of soil | well drained |
| soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Toxicity | Nontoxic |
| Origin | Brazil |
Also known as Calathea lancifolia, the rattlesnake is an exquisite variety of the Calathea family that has grown in popularity in recent years. The leaves of the plant are slightly long and can reach about 12 inches (30 centimeters) or more. It comes in different shades of green, wavy edges, and dark green spots that look like small leaves.
The plant is native to the tropical rainforest of Brazil. The rattlesnake plant is often grown for its elegant speckled leaves. As mentioned above, plants in the Calathea family are not the easiest to grow, but the rattlesnake plant is known to be the easiest of them all.
Image: Brighter Flowers // buy from them†It can be stressful for someone new to gardening, but if you plan to put the time and effort into it, the rattlesnake will thrive. We thought we’d give you all the information you need to successfully grow rattlesnake plants in your home.
Rattlesnake Plant Requirements
A cheerful rattlesnake plant at home? Make sure they are available.
a. light
An important requirement for growing any Calathea plant is light. Calatheas grow best in good light, as does the rattlesnake plant. The plant receives sufficient indirect light. However, it should be kept away from direct contact with the sun.
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves of the plant to discolor, burn, and eventually wilt and die. If there is no option for indirect sunlight, you can place your plant near the window and filter the light with curtains or drapes. Your plant will also do well in a well-lit area, as long as there is no direct sunlight.
At Calathea, the lighting must be perfect.
of them. Water
Like the rest of its family, watering your rattlesnake should be done with care. The rattlesnake plant does not like waterlogging and reacts quickly when it does. The rattlesnake plant grows fastest in the summer and likes to be watered regularly during these times.
In winter, however, less watering is needed.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, yellowing of leaves and possibly death. For best care, allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. You can also create a seasonal watering schedule. Additionally, your rattlesnake plant will react by cowering in an unattractive way when submerged.
3. Temperature
The best temperature for your rattlesnake is between 65 degrees F and 85 degrees F. Remember that your rattlesnake plant is sensitive and therefore will not grow well if placed next to windows, air conditioning or draft heating.
All of this can lead to brown leaf tips, rolled leaves. They also do not support sudden changes in temperature.
Four. Humidity
Image: Envato ElementsA moist environment is necessary for the growth of rattlesnake plants; This is why high humidity is essential. If you live in a dry area, you need to create a wet alternative for your plant. ie put your pot on a pallet tray, buy a plant humidifier, mist regularly. You can also place your flower pot in the bathroom, especially when you take a shower.
5. Below
Rattlesnake plant is much more preferred in soil aspects. The plant likes well-drained soil. Keep in mind that although the rattlesnake plant hates excess water, it still needs moist soil.
Therefore, your soil must retain moisture and drain water. A potting mix of perlite and peat moss is perfect for your plant. Alkaline soils should be avoided; A slightly acidic or neutral pH is perfect for your plant.
6. fertilizer
Image: The Sill // Buy from them†During the growing season (spring and summer), it is best to feed your plant once a month. You must use a balanced liquid fertilizer; However, it must be diluted to half before applying it to the plant.
Reproduction of Rattlesnake Plants Method
As a calathea plant, the best method of propagating rattlesnake plant is by division.
Although the plant can be propagated by seed, it is difficult and stressful. The best time to propagate the rattlesnake plant is in the spring, when it is about to report. Follow the steps below to distribute via sharing.
- Choose a healthy, mature plant and take it out of the pot.
- Plants often create natural points to separate the root, gently divide the plant at this point.
- Calatheas are notorious for having fragile roots, so handle them with care.
- Prepare pots with the appropriate soil and plant each section in its pots.
- Give the plant low light for up to 4 weeks, after which you can resume your normal calathea care routine.
How do you take care of your rattlesnake plant?
- One thing that matters to growing your rattlesnake plant is repotting. As the plant grows, it will need a larger pot to give it more room to grow. Transplantation is possible after a few years of growing your plant. If there is no support for a larger pot, you can propagate it by dividing it into two or smaller pots.
- Yellow leaves can sometimes be natural, as plants age, older leaves turn yellow. However, most of the time the cause of yellowing leaves is excess water. The rattlesnake likes moist soil, but the plant should not be too wet. Too much water can also make stems limp, especially in cold weather, which can eventually kill the plant.
- Brown spots on the leaves indicate that the plant has been exposed to dry air and is not humid. Humidity is very important for your plant; You might want to step up your game there.
- You can make the mistake of underwatering your plant for fear of overwatering, but it can also lead to serious problems for your plant. Under water, your plant’s leaves will curl unattractively. Increase watering to meet your plant’s needs.
final thoughts
As they say, growing a calathea is not for the faint of heart. You have to be right with the concern, neither a little more nor a little.
We admit that the rattlesnake can be a bit demanding, but we can assure you that it is worth it. The rattlesnake has a way of adding a tropical vibe to its surroundings, just like the rest of its family.
Read more houseplant care guides:
- Chinese Evergreen: The Complete Guide to Growing and Care
- Christmas cactus: the complete guide to cultivation and care
- Clivia Plant: The Complete Guide to Growing and Care
- Phalaenopsis Orchid: The Complete Guide to Culture and Care
- Peace Lily: The Complete Guide to Growth and Care (2021)