Rattlesnake Plant Calathea lancifolia Live Houseplant – 6″ Pot – Indoor

Overview

Introduce a touch of exotic elegance to your home with the stunning Rattlesnake Plant live (Calathea lancifolia). This captivating Calathea houseplant is renowned for its distinctive foliage, showcasing long, slender leaves with intricate dark green spots on a lighter green background. The undersides of its leaves boast a rich, deep purple hue, adding to its visual appeal. As a member of the Prayer Plant family, the leaves of the Calathea lancifolia indoor plant will fold upwards at night, resembling hands clasped in prayer, and unfurl again in the morning. This particular specimen comes in a 6-inch pot, ready to thrive in its new environment. Perfect for adding a vibrant, living accent to any room, the Rattlesnake Plant live is a true conversation starter and a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

Key Benefits

The Calathea lancifolia indoor plant offers numerous advantages, making it a desirable addition to any indoor plant collection. Its unique aesthetics and relatively straightforward care contribute to its popularity. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Stunning Ornamental Foliage: The primary draw of the Rattlesnake Plant live is its incredibly decorative leaves. The wavy edges, contrasting green patterns, and deep purple undersides create a dramatic visual impact, making it a focal point in any room.
• Pet-Friendly: For households with pets, finding non-toxic plants is crucial. The Rattlesnake Plant live is a pet friendly indoor plant, offering peace of mind while adding greenery to your home.
• Air Purification: Like many houseplants, the Calathea lancifolia contributes to a healthier indoor environment by naturally filtering and purifying the air, helping to remove common toxins.
• Unique Nighttime Movement: Witness the fascinating ‘prayer’ movement as the leaves fold up at night and spread open during the day, a characteristic trait of the prayer plant family. This dynamic behavior adds an engaging element to its presence.
• Enhances Home Decor: With its lush, vibrant appearance, this Calathea houseplant effortlessly complements various interior design styles, from modern minimalist to bohemian, adding a natural and sophisticated touch.
• Medium Growth Rate: The Rattlesnake Plant live typically grows at a medium rate, filling out to become a lush, impressive specimen without becoming unmanageably large too quickly.
• Relatively Low Maintenance: While it has specific humidity and watering needs, once these are met, the Calathea houseplant care is manageable, making it suitable for both experienced gardeners and those looking to expand their plant skills.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

To ensure your Rattlesnake Plant live thrives, understanding its specific care requirements is essential. These plants appreciate consistency and a humid environment. For optimal Calathea houseplant care, pay close attention to light, water, soil, temperature, and humidity.

Light Exposure: The Rattlesnake Plant live prefers bright, indirect light. Placing it in a spot within a room that receives ample ambient light but no direct sun is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves and cause the vibrant patterns to fade. Moderately low light can be tolerated, but medium to bright indirect light is preferred for the best coloration and growth. Rotate your plant occasionally to ensure even growth.

Watering: Water your Calathea lancifolia indoor plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring adequate drainage. It is crucial not to let the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. Use filtered water whenever possible, as these plants are sensitive to salts and chemicals commonly found in tap water. Consistency in watering is key to healthy growth.

Soil: A well-draining potting mix rich in nutrients and organic matter is perfect for your Rattlesnake Plant live. Most coco coir or peat-based potting mixes will be adequate. Avoid mixes with water-retentive crystals, as they can keep the soil too moist, increasing the risk of root rot. Good drainage is paramount for healthy roots. You can also create your own custom mix for optimal results.

Temperature & Humidity: The optimal temperature range for this Calathea houseplant is between 65-85℉ (18-29℃). Avoid placing it near drafty windows or doors, especially during colder months, as exposure to freezing temperatures can quickly damage the leaves. High humidity is crucial for the Rattlesnake Plant live; if the air is too dry, you’ll notice the leaf edges browning. A humidifier is the most effective way to increase humidity. Alternatively, group your plants together or place them on a pebble tray with water. Providing good air circulation helps prevent pests like spider mites. Understanding prayer plant care means understanding the need for humidity.

Fertilization: Fertilize your Calathea lancifolia indoor plant during its growing season, which is typically spring through summer. You can use various fertilizers, such as fish emulsion, seaweed emulsion, compost like worm castings, or a complete liquid fertilizer. We recommend diluting liquid fertilizers to 1/4 of the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization. If your plant has slow-release fertilizer in its soil, it may not need additional feeding for 1-2 months. Larger plants may require earlier fertilization as they deplete nutrients quickly.

Size & Details

This Rattlesnake Plant live arrives as a vibrant, established plant in a 6-inch nursery pot. Typically, Calathea lancifolia indoor plants can grow to an impressive height of up to 30 inches (76 cm) indoors, creating a magnificent specimen. With proper Calathea houseplant care, it will develop a lush, wide form with large, striking leaves. The growth rate is medium, meaning it will gradually fill out its space without becoming overgrown too quickly. This plant is shipped in its nursery pot, nestled securely to ensure it arrives healthy and ready to be placed in your desired location. It is a mature plant, ready to display its unique foliage and contribute to your home’s aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this Rattlesnake Plant live get? A: The Calathea lancifolia indoor plant can typically grow up to 30 inches (76 cm) tall indoors. With proper care, it will become a lush and wide specimen.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This Calathea houseplant is shipped in a 6-inch nursery pot, ready for you to place in a decorative container or repot as needed.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Rattlesnake Plant live is primarily an indoor houseplant. It thrives in controlled indoor environments and is not suited for outdoor conditions in most climates, especially those with cold temperatures.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves and fade its vibrant colors. A spot near a window with filtered light is ideal.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? Is it good for beginners? A: While not the easiest plant, with attention to humidity and consistent watering, Calathea houseplant care is manageable. It’s suitable for beginners willing to learn its specific needs, especially regarding humidity.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Rattlesnake Plant live will arrive as a healthy, established plant in its nursery pot, carefully packaged to ensure its safe journey. We take great care in preparing plants for shipment.
• Q: Is the Rattlesnake Plant live pet-safe? A: Yes, the Rattlesnake Plant live (Calathea lancifolia) is considered a pet friendly indoor plant and is non-toxic to cats and dogs, offering peace of mind for pet owners. This is a key aspect of prayer plant care for many.
• Q: How often should I water my Calathea houseplant? A: Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. It’s better to slightly under-water than over-water. Ensure good drainage and use filtered water if possible.
• Q: What type of soil is best for Calathea lancifolia indoor? A: A rich, well-draining potting mix with good organic matter is ideal. Peat or coco coir based mixes work well, but ensure they don’t retain too much moisture.
• Q: Why are the leaves of my Rattlesnake Plant live browning at the edges? A: Browning leaf edges are a common sign of low humidity. Increase the humidity around your plant using a humidifier, pebble tray, or by grouping it with other plants.