Even the undersides of the foliage are eye-catching with their beautiful purplish-red tones.

Plants typically grow to about 20 inches tall when grown as houseplants in greenhouses orterrariums.

Rattlesnake Plant Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a rattlesnake plant.

rattlesnake plant

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

A bright spot in a well-lit room works well.

Soil

Choose a well-draining soil.

Although these plants can’t handle standing water, they like to be kept moist.

closeup of rattlesnake

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

A light sandy soil or apotting mixof 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.

Water

Water your rattlesnake plant frequently in the summer to keep the soil moist.

overhead view of rattlesnake plant

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

During the winter season, allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.

If the leaves start to turn yellow, you may be overwatering.

Conversely, if the leaves begin to curl unattractively they aren’t receiving enough water.

Closeup front view of calathea houseplant indoors

Do not let the plant sit in excess water.

Temperature and Humidity

Keep your rattlesnake plant in temperatures between 60F to 75F.

Create a humid environment by standing your potted plant on a tray with pebbles.

calathea white fusion

This helps create a moist environment.

you’re able to also invest in ahumidifier.

Fertilizer

Feed your rattlesnake plant every month during the spring and summer growing season.

Closeup of calathea musaica leaves

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage healthy foliage development, and follow the product label instructions.

Types of Rattlesnake Plant

There are cultivars ofG.

Limp or Rotting Stems

There are two possibilities for problematic stems: overwatering or drafts.

Calathea roseopicta

Try moving the plant to a warmer space with no extreme temperature fluctuations to see how the plant fares.

In addition to brown leaf tips, overly dry air can result in the foliage curling up.

If your plant is placed near a window with direct sunlight, use a shade to minimize sunlight exposure.

prayer plant

Plan to water the plant more often if its exposed to bright sunlight.

This movement is normal and a way for the plant to maximize exposure to sunlight during the day.

Rattlesnake plants have particular light, heat, and moisture requirements.

Calathea orbifolia houseplant with rounded striped leaves in white pot near window

No, rattlesnake plants do not like to be root bound, which can stunt their growth.

Frontiers in molecular biosciences vol.

Front, slightly raised view of a calathea ornata houseplant

peacock plant