Rattlesnake plant (Goeppertia insignis) is a tropical evergreen perennial native to Brazil, commonly grown as an indoor houseplant. It can be hard to take care of and isn’t the best houseplant for beginners because it needs specific amounts of light, heat, and water.
If you take the time to care for it, though, you will be rewarded with beautiful leaves that are wavy along the edges and come in many shades of green. Even the undersides of the foliage are eye-catching with their beautiful purplish-red tones.
The rattlesnake plant grows naturally in Hawaii, Florida, and California. In late spring, it has small yellow flowers. But as a houseplant, it is only grown for its long, beautiful leaves because it doesn’t bloom much inside.
Plants typically grow to about 20 inches tall when grown as houseplants in greenhouses or terrariums. Indoors, rattlesnake plants grow at a moderate rate. However, if they are in bad conditions, they will slow down or stop growing.
The calathea insignis, also known as the rattlesnake plant, is a popular houseplant known for its striking green and white striped foliage. With its colorful leaves and tropical vibe, it’s easy to see why this plant is a favorite for many plant parents However, caring for a calathea insignis requires a bit more effort than your average houseplant. This fussy plant has specific needs when it comes to water, humidity, and light. Read on to learn the tips and tricks to keeping your calathea insignis healthy and thriving.
All About the Calathea Insignis
Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, the calathea insignis is characterized by its long, oval-shaped leaves with white stripes following the midrib. The stripes resemble the pattern of a rattlesnake, giving this plant its common name. The calathea insignis has a clumping growth habit, meaning it grows in bunches. It can reach heights of up to 3 feet tall and spreads 2 feet wide when given proper care.
This tropical plant thrives in humid environments with filtered sunlight and moist soil Indoors, it makes an excellent tabletop or floor plant to add visual interest and a pop of color Outdoors, the calathea insignis can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 as long as it’s kept in a shaded spot.
Watering Your Calathea Insignis
When it comes to watering calathea insignis plants, consistency is key. These plants prefer evenly moist soil at all times without becoming waterlogged. Here are some tips for watering this fussy plant:
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Water your calathea insignis whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Check by sticking your finger in the soil to gauge moisture.
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It’s better to water lightly but frequently rather than soaking the soil completely. Aim for about 1 cup of water 2-3 times per week.
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Always water until it runs from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Allow any excess water to drain fully.
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Use distilled water, filtered water, or rainwater rather than tap water which contains minerals that can build up in the soil.
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In the spring and summer growing season, more frequent watering is needed. Reduce watering frequency in fall and winter when growth slows down.
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If the leaves start to curl or brown along the edges, this is a sign your plant needs more water.
Providing the Right Humidity
Calathea insignis plants thrive in humid conditions between 60-70% relative humidity. Replicating tropical humidity helps these plants grow lush and healthy. Here are some tips to increase humidity around your calathea:
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Use a humidifier or pebble tray filled with water near your plant.
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Mist the leaves frequently using a spray bottle filled with distilled water.
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Place the pot on a wet pebble tray to increase ambient moisture around the plant.
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Group other houseplants nearby to create a microclimate.
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Move your calathea away from heating vents which can dry the air.
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Avoid cold drafts from windows and doors which can shock the plant.
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Run a dehumidifier if humidity levels exceed 70% to prevent fungal diseases.
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Monitor with a hygrometer and make adjustments as needed to maintain ideal humidity.
Choosing the Best Light Conditions
Calathea insignis prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too much harsh direct sun will scorch and bleach the foliage. On the other hand, too little light will result in faded coloration. Follow these tips for ideal lighting:
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Place your calathea near an east or west-facing window where it will receive gentle morning or evening sun.
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Provide bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Avoid hot afternoon sun from south-facing windows.
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Filter sunlight with semi-sheer curtains to prevent leaf burn. Move the plant back from the window if leaves appear washed out.
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Supplement with a grow light if natural light is insufficient. LED full spectrum bulbs work best.
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Rotate the pot regularly so all sides receive equal light exposure. This encourages even growth.
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Watch for signs of too much light like bleaching, scorching, or yellowed leaves.
Maintaining Ideal Temperatures
The calathea insignis prefers warm temperatures between 65°F-85°F. Cooler temps below 60°F can shock the plant and cause damage. Follow these temperature guidelines:
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Keep daytime temperatures around 70-80°F and above 60°F at night.
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Move the plant away from cold drafty windows and avoid setting it by air conditioning vents.
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Use a space heater or grow lights to maintain warmth if your home gets cooler than ideal.
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Move the calathea outside only after all danger of frost has passed. Acclimate it gradually.
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Bring the plant back indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F in fall.
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A rapid temperature change of 10°F or more can shock the plant. Make adjustments gradually over several days.
Providing the Right Potting Mix
Calathea insignis requires a well-draining potting mix to prevent soggy soil. Here is an ideal potting mix recipe:
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2 parts peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention
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1 part perlite for aeration and drainage
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1 part bark or charcoal to buffer soil pH
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A handful of worm castings or compost for nutrients
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Mix ingredients together thoroughly in a large container until evenly blended.
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Repot young plants annually in the spring to provide fresh mix. Older plants can be repotted every 2-3 years.
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Always use containers with drainage holes and saucers to discard excess water.
Fertilizing Your Plant
Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce fertilizing to monthly in fall and winter when growth slows. Look for a fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 20-20-20. Avoid over-fertilizing which can burn the roots.
If the lower leaves start yellowing, this is a sign the plant needs fertilizer. Leach the soil with water monthly to prevent salt buildup.
Pruning Your Calathea
Prune off any dead, dying, discolored, or damaged leaves and stems to improve the appearance and health of your plant. Use sterilized shears and make cuts just above the node. Avoid over-pruning healthy new growth.propagate. You can propagate a calathea insignis by:
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Division – Carefully divide the tubers and re-pot to create new starter plants.
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Stem cuttings – Take 3-4 inch cuttings and root them in water or moist potting mix.
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Seeds (advanced) – Plant seeds harvested from flowers 1⁄4 inch deep. Maintain warm, humid conditions.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some common issues you may encounter while caring for a calathea insignis and how to fix them:
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Brown crispy edges – Increase humidity and water more frequently
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Yellowing leaves – Usually a sign of over or under-watering. Adjust as needed.
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Wilting, drooping leaves – Water more often and check for root rot.
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Few flowers/no blooms – Increase light exposure and fertilize regularly.
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Brown spots on leaves – Can indicate a fungal or bacterial infection. Improve airflow and reduce watering.
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Webbing or insects – Wipe leaves down with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Isolate plant and treat repeatedly.
Displaying Your Calathea Insignis
The eye-catching striped foliage of the calathea insignis makes it a beautiful display plant. Here are some tips for showing it off:
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Situate in an entryway, living room, or kitchen where it will get noticed.
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Complement the stripes with a colorful pot.
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Allow the leaves to spread instead of bunching them together.
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Place your calathea near other tropical plants with shiny foliage.
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Rotate the pot weekly so all sides get light and grow evenly.
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Prune off ugly leaves and stems to maintain an attractive appearance.
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Show off the whimsical leaves by photographing your plant for Instagram!
Caring for Your Calathea Insignis
Caring for the fussy calathea insignis takes some work but it’s worth it for this uncommon tropical plant. To keep your rattlesnake plant looking its best, remember to:
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Water several times per week so the soil stays evenly moist. Use distilled or rain water.
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Mist frequently to maintain 60-70% humidity around the plant.
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Situate in bright, indirect sunlight 4-6 hours per day.
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Keep daytime temperatures between 70°-85°F and above 60°F at night.
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Repot annually in a well-draining potting mix
Fertilizer
Feed your rattlesnake plant every month during the spring and summer growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage healthy foliage development, and follow the product label instructions.
Water
Water your rattlesnake plant frequently in the summer to keep the soil moist. 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 arent receiving enough water.
If you water the plant too much, it will flood the bottom. Just the right amount of water will trickle out of the holes in the bottom. Do not let the plant sit in excess water.
10 Rattlesnake Plant Mistakes To Avoid (Calathea Lancifolia/Goeppertia Insignis)
FAQ
How do you care for Calathea insignis indoors?
How often should I water calathea insignis?
Should I cut the brown tips off my Calathea?
How do you care for a Calathea?
One method is to place your calathea on a humidity tray. You can make your own humidity tray by filling a dish with pebbles and water, and allowing the houseplant to sit on the pebbles, above the water level – just be careful to avoid letting the plant wick up water through its pot.
How do you care for a Calathea rattlesnake plant?
The calathea rattlesnake plant likes high humidity but not waterlogged conditions. Water the plant consistently to keep it evenly moist during the growing phase, and in the winter allow the top of the soil to dry before watering. Water in small amounts frequently rather than watering deeply, and do not allow the plant to sit in standing water.
Is Calathea lancifolia hard to take care of?
When provided with the correct growing conditions (60% humidity, temperatures from 65 to 75ºF), Calathea lancifolia is not hard to take care of. The tricky nature of these requirements makes them more suited to moderately-experienced plant owners.
How often should you repot Calathea lancifolia?
Calathea lancifolia grow at a decent speed, so repotting is a must when owning these plants. Once every year or two, upgrade the plant to a pot one size larger than the previous one. To avoid stressing the plant out too much, do this in the springtime.
Do Calatheas need direct sunlight?
Calatheas (Goeppertias) thrive in bright, indirect light. They are understory plants that get filtered sunlight from above through the trees in their native environment. Avoid putting your plant in a window with direct afternoon sun, or its delicate leaves will burn.
Is a rattlesnake Calathea a low-maintenance plant?
While rattlesnake calathea isn’t exactly a low-maintenance plant, it’s not hard to keep it happy if you provide it with its basic care requirements: The first step to success in your calathea growing adventure is to choose a healthy specimen. Avoid wilting plants or those with yellowing or brown leaves.