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An illustration of a Calathea Rattlesnake, also known as a Prayer Plant, with green leaves and a magenta underside.

Calathea Rattlesnake

SCENTIFIC NAME: Calathea lancifolia

KNOWN AS: Prayer Plant

CLIMATE (LOCATION): South America | Tropical

DESCRIPTION: This Calathea has beautiful leaves with a unique pattern. The leaves are slender and have bright magenta undersides.

hard difficulty & pet safe

Calathea Rattlesnake Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Calathea Rattlesnake plants prefer bright indirect light. These plants do not like direct sunlight, as this will cause their leaves to burn or fade. It's best to place them near a window with a sheer curtain or in a spot with bright, filtered light. LED lights can also be used to provide the light needed for Calathea Rattlesnake plants. A good rule of thumb is to provide around 12 hours of light per day, with periods of darkness at night to mimic natural daylight cycles.

Lighting Recommendations

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A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow soil to completely dry between waterings. This plant prefers distilled water.

Calathea Rattlesnake plants need to be consistently moist, but it's important not to overwater them. The best way to water this plant is to wait until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, then water thoroughly until the water runs out of the drainage holes. Do not let the Calathea sit in excess water, as sitting in standing water can cause root rot. It's also preferable to use filtered or distilled water, as Calathea Rattlesnake plants are sensitive to chlorine and fluoride common in tap water. Additionally, these plants prefer high humidity, so misting them regularly or placing a humidifier nearby can help keep them live happy and healthy. By following these watering techniques and keeping an eye on your plant's needs, you can help your Calathea Rattlesnake thrive and grow up healthy and robust.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 80º

Calathea rattlesnake plants prefer temperatures that are consistently warm and moderately humid. Ideally, the temperature should be between 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the day and not below 60°F (15°C) at night. They also appreciate high humidity levels, so it's a good idea to place a humidifier nearby or mist the leaves regularly. It's important to avoid sudden temperature fluctuations, as this can cause stress to the plant and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Calathea Rattlesnake prefers high humidity, so misting them regularly or placing a humidifier nearby can help keep them alive, happy, and healthy. By following these watering techniques and keeping an eye on your plant's needs, you can help your Calathea Rattlesnake thrive and grow up healthy and robust.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Calathea Rattlesnake plants can be propagated through division. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, be sure to maintain the stem and roots for each section. Make sure each section has at least two to three leaves. Repot each section into its own pot with fresh soil and water thoroughly. Keep the new plants in a warm and humid environment until they become established. Avoid direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not overwatered or consistently soggy.
Toxicity
Calathea Rattlesnake, also known as Calathea Lancifolia, is non-toxic to humans and animals. Therefore, it is safe to keep around pets and children without any problems. However, it is important to remember that ingestion of any plant material can cause an upset stomach including vomiting, in both humans and animals. In case of accidental ingestion, it is always recommended to contact a medical professional or veterinarian immediately.
Repotting
Calathea rattlesnake plants prefer to be tight in their pots, so it's best to repot them every two to three years. When repotting, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, as a pot that is too large can hold too much moisture and cause the roots to rot. Before repotting, water the plant thoroughly to help reduce stress and make it easier to remove the plant from its current pot. Gently loosen the roots and remove any dead or rotting roots. Fill the new pot with a well-draining soil mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Place the plant in the center of the pot and fill the remaining space with soil mix. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a location with bright, indirect light.
Pruning
Calathea Rattlesnake plants are known for their intricate patterns and attractive foliage. Pruning this plant is important to keep it healthy and stimulate growth. Begin by examining the plant and identifying any damaged, dead, or yellowing leaves. Using a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears, cut the damaged or yellowing leaves at their base. Try to cut at an angle and avoid cutting too close to the stem. Additionally, if the plant becomes too tall or leggy, you can trim back the stems to promote denser growth. Cut back the stem to the desired length and remove any leaves that are attached to the portion of the stem that has been removed. It is important to avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this can cause undue stress to the plant.
Fertilizer
Calathea Rattlesnake plant should be fertilized with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). The amount you need to dilute your fertilizer will be determined in the fertilizer's instructions. Watering before fertilizing can help to prevent fertilizer burn, but you should never fertilize a dry plant. During the fall and winter, when the plant is not actively growing, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once every 8 to 12 weeks or stop fertilizing altogether till the next growing season.
Soil
Calathea Rattlesnake plants prefer a well-draining and fertile soil mix. A good soil mix for this plant would consist of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration while holding onto moisture. Slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is best. It is also recommended to add organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to the soil to provide nutrients and improve soil structure. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil can help maintain moisture levels and provide nutrients as it decomposes.

Hanging Heights

Calathea Rattlesnake Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Calathea Rattlesnake

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 60"

-

VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Calathea Rattlesnake

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 80"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 48"

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Calathea Rattlesnake

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 96"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 72"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Calathea Rattlesnake

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 24"

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Calathea Rattlesnake

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 8" to 18"

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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