A Complete Rattlesnake Plant Care for Best Growth

Rattlesnake plant is a beautiful herb with its pretty big leaves. However, if you place it directly in sunlight for a long period, these dark green patterns will fade permanently, and it will get brown scorch marks. 

In this Rattlesnake plant care guide, we are going to discuss exactly such issues. If you are someone like 0atmillk on Reddit, who has made an impromptu purchase of a Rattlesnake plant and needs help for its care, don’t skip this article. 

Apart from basic safekeeping like watering or lighting, we will also go in-depth about the propagation and potting growth help. Plus, you will also learn about common problems and pests, and their solutions, obviously. Let’s get into it. 

Quick Overview of Rattlesnake Plant Care 

In a hurry? Take a quick look at the Rattlesnake Plant care guide:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight - avoid direct sun exposure
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged
• Humidity: Maintain 60%+ humidity with regular misting
• Temperature: Keep between 65-75°F (18-24°C) year-round
• Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with good aeration

Rattlesnake Plant at a Glance 

Before we move to a detailed discussion, let’s quickly explore the Rattlesnake Calathea Plant’s essentials:

Rattlesnake Plant Characteristics Table

Rattlesnake plant is a pet-friendly herb. Explore 10 more pet-friendly plant options that you can add to your indoor garden.

1. How Much Light Do Rattlesnake Plants Need? 

Like all the other Calatheas, Rattlesnake plants will do better in bright yet indirect light. Albeit they can tolerate a bit of direct sunlight, long exposure can cause scorching and remove the dark pattern on the leaves, as mentioned at the very start. 

Optimally, we would recommend that you place them in 10,000 to 15,000 lux light. This light can be tested by holding your hand 8-10 inches from a white paper and at least a blurry outline should be visible. For the best care, keep in mind the best plant light requirements. 

The Best Light Placement for Rattlesnake Plants

• The ideal position is to place these plants near north-facing windows for a consistent soft light.
• You can also place them near east/west windows, but not in front and there should be a few feet of distance. 
• South-facing window placement is avoided unless it is winter or your plant craves more light (consider if foliage is losing its color).

Why do Rattlesnake Plants Thrive Best in Indirect Light?

These herbs are native to Central and South America and receive filtered light from the canopy of tall trees. Therefore, they become sensitive to bright light and need an indirect source.

2. How Often Should You Water Rattlesnake Plants? 

You should water Rattlesnake plants 1-2 times a week. You can increase the water frequency in summer and decrease it during winter. 

However, there is no rule of thumb for this plant. Water when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feel dry, but don’t overwater since it can make the soil soggy, leading to root rot. Use a moisture meter to check the humidity in the soil. 

The Suitable Type of Water for Rattlesnake Plant

Always give filtered or distilled water to the plant. You can even use rainwater. Just ensure that you regularly drain the excess water from the pot, or else, you may soon see a detrimental effect on the plant's health. 

A quick pro tip: Avoid tap water, as it may contain fluoride that could hurt the growth of the plant. Similarly, avoid superphosphate fertilizers due to higher contents of fluoride. 

When Exactly Should You Water Rattlesnake Plants?

• If you spot browning tips or edges, your Rattlesnake plant is having underwater symptoms; treat it with some good-quality filtered water.
• And if you see root rot or leaf spots, you know what to do, just cut the water supply.

Quick Hack: To balance moisture retention with drainage, go with a pot having good aeration with high water holding capacity. 

3. Best Humidity Levels for Rattlesnake Plants

Being native to tropical regions, Rattlesnake plants demand a high humidity level of 50% to 70%. Now this is really high as compared to most indoors, having around 10 - 30% of moisture levels due to indoor heating and cooling systems. 

Why Rattlesnake Plants Need a Higher Moisture Level?

Apart from being homegrown in tropical regions, they also move a lot of water and nutrients from roots to the stems, which are lost via the leaves. A higher moisture level helps them retain the water in the body for the best growth. 

How Can You Maintain High Humidity for My Plant?

• Increase humidity levels by placing the plants on pebbles that are partially dipped in a shallow tray with some water. 
• If you have multiple plants, group them together. The photosynthesis process will maintain the humidity in the plants. 
• Alternatively, you can use an inexpensive humidifier nearby to maintain the plant's moisture levels.

4. Ideal Temperature for Rattlesnake Plant 

The ideal temperature range for a Rattlesnake plant is 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). In this range, the plant shows an optimum root and stem growth. 

At night, these plants preferred 10 degrees cooler than the above standard. This drop in temperature is essential as it helps them grow new tissues and makes them more resistant to disease and insect attack.

Hardiness Zone Rating: The USDA hardiness rating of Rattlesnake plants is 11 - 12. This means the Rattlesnake plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. And the temperature should never fall below 50°F.

Best Tips Regarding Rattlesnake Plant Temperature Guide

• Keep the plant away from sudden changes and cold drafts
• Too hot temperatures can cause spindly growth and increase the risk of diseases like root rot, fungal, and bacterial leaf spots.
• Too low temperature can lead to leaf drop or wiring issues.

5. Best Soil for Rattlesnake Plants 

A soil that is well-draining, moisture-retentive, and nutrient-rich with a pH of 6.1 - 7.3 is best for a Rattlesnake plant. This mimics the humid, organic-rich forest floor of their native South American rainforests.

If you are preparing the soil at home, always use a combination of:

• 2 parts peat moss and 1 part sand.
• Equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and sand.
• Peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil.

Avoid using perlite as it often contains fluoride, which is not beneficial for plants. 

Pro tip: You can also use compost, biochar, and humic acid in the soil to promote the healthy growth of the plant. If you are going with a peat-free mix, coconut coir and De La Tank’s soil is also a great option. 

6. How to Fertilize Rattlesnake Plants?

Choose a balanced and water-soluble fertilizer for your plants. Always use diluted or half-strength fertilizer to prevent root rot. 

Here are some important points regarding fertilizing Rattlesnake plants:

• Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-5-5.
• Decrease the amount and frequency of fertilization in the non-growing season or winter. 
• Similarly, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers unless you are addressing any growth-related issue, such as laggy stems.

7. Rattlesnake Plants Potting and Repotting Guide

Potting means putting a newly bought seedling or plant in a pot with soil. On the other hand, repotting refers to placing a mature plant that has outgrown its previous habitat in a fresh pot with more soil. 

The procedure for potting and repotting of the Rattlesnake plant is similar, as described below:

Step 1: Identify If Your Plant Needs Potting

Check whether your plant really needs potting or repotting. Consider the following signs:

• Roots are coming out of the soil.
• Roots are grown from the sides and top of the pot.
• The pot doesn’t protect the plant now.

Step 2: Choose a Pot

Get a suitable pot for your Rattlesnake plant to pot it. Always use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent overwatering. You can either go with a plastic pot or a terracotta pot, albeit both have differences:

• A plastic pot holds moisture but can cause overwatering. 
• A terracotta pot is more porous but won’t retain the humidity in the soil.

My recommendation: Go with a terracotta pot as it has pores that remove the risk of overwatering. But you have to water your plant regularly. 

Step 3: Prepare the Potting Mix

Next, prepare a suitable potting mix for the plant. You can follow the given mix recipe, which includes:

• Seven parts coconut coir.
• Two parts orchid bark.
• Two parts worm castings.
• Two parts charcoal.
• Two parts pumice.

Mix all the elements to create an ideal moist soil for the plant.

Step 4: Repot the Plant

Here comes the tricky part. Here is how I will add the Rattlesnake plant and the soil to the pot:

• Add a layer of the prepared soil to the new pot.
• Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, and massage the roots.
• Place the plant into the new pot.
• Add more soil around the plant and gently press it down to prevent air holes.

Pro Tip: Watch this video to get a visual explanation of the potting and repotting guide for Rattlesnake plant: Repotting Calathea: The Right Way

Read this guide to learn in-depth about how to pot and repot your Rattlesnake plant: Revitalize Your Plants: A Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting for Thriving Growth

8. How to Prune Rattlesnake Plants 

Pruning refers to removing the old and dead parts of the plant. Summer and spring are the best seasons for pruning Rattlesnake plants. You should consider this time as the plant is growing pretty fast and can heal quickly. 

What Parts of the Plant Need to Be Removed?

• Dead and damaged leaves.
• Yellow or brown leaves.
• Damaged tissues or leaves.

Quick tip: If you spot split ends or brown parts, you can perform the trimming - regardless of the season. The quicker you prune, the more the chances of the plant’s better growth. 

How to Trim Rotten Parts?

There is no rocket science when it comes to trimming. All you need to do is spot rotten leaves or parts and cut them with the help of a pair of scissors or a blade. 

9. How to Propagate Rattlesnake Plants?

Rattlesnake plants cannot be propagated from leaf cuttings. They must be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Here is the step-by-step guide for plant propagation:

Step 1: Remove the Plant from Its Pot

Remove the plant from the pot. If the plant is loose, it will easily come out. However, if it’s stiff, you need to water it a bit to wash the dirt from the root.

Step 2: Separate the Plant

Give a gentle wiggle or break apart the clumps of dirt from the roots. Use water to loosen the soil. Don’t rush, as it can break the stems.

Step 3: Spot the Separation

From the base of the plant, find a part, rhizome, or a bump where you can separate the stem. Don’t use scissors as they can hurt the plant. Instead, tear with the help of your fingers. 

Step 4: Repot the New Plants

Prepare the soil mix, and place the new plants in the fresh pot. Ensure that the roots are deep and are properly covered. Add more soil around the plant to prevent water leakage. 

Regrowing any plant is not an easy job. Therefore, you have a complete grip on how to repot and grow houseplant cuttings during the propagation phase. 

Looking for expert advice on how to care for the Rattlesnake Plant? Check out this discussion from the IndoorGarden subreddit, where plant enthusiasts share their experiences and tips!

Any tips on care for the rattlesnake plant? Getting mixed care instructions online!
byu/Heem_butt08 inIndoorGarden

10. Seven Most Common Rattlesnake Plant Issues and Their Solution

The most common Rattlesnake plant issues are brown leaf tips, yellow leaves, leaf curling, spider mite infestation, fading leaf colors, limp stems, and mealybug infestation.

Let’s see how you can resolve these issues:

• Brown Leaf Tips: Brown, crispy leaves are due to low or inadequate humidity. Tap water could also cause this issue. To solve this problem, trim the brown edges and maintain humidity in the room. 
• Yellow Leaves: Yellow leaves indicate aging, and they are a sign of over-watering or poor drainage. If you spot yellow leaves, this is natural and a sign of aging. Reduce water frequency and remove the affected leaves. 
• Leaf Curling: Curly leaves indicate underwatering. An over-dry soil can lead to curling or drooping in the leaves. To handle it, put the plant in a sink for 45 minutes and fill the pot with 3-4 inches of water.
• Spider Mites Infestation: These pests cause webbing on the plant, resulting in the yellow or speckled leaves. To tackle spider mites, isolate the plant, wash it thoroughly, and apply insecticidal soap/neem oil spray. Plus, increase the humidity of the area to get rid of mites.
• Fading Leaf Colors: A long exposure to direct sunlight is the most common cause of fading leaf patterns. Insufficient light can also produce distinctive markings on the leaves. The solution is to provide optimum light to the plant and avoid direct sunlight. 
• Limp Stems: A cold environment with temperatures below 60°F (15°C) results in limp or rotting stems. Overwatering or poor drainage are also some of the other issues for limp stems. Resolve the problem by giving warm conditions to the plant and ensuring proper drainage. 
• Mealybug Infestation: This problem arises due to white, cottony pests. These mites reside under the leaves, sucking sap and other nutrients. To get rid of mealybug infestation, use cotton swabs to clean the plant from these pests and spray it with a mixture of alcohol + water + dish soap. 

11. Seasonal Rattlesnake Plant Care Tips

Rattlesnake plant is a moderately challenging herb. Therefore, you have to adjust its care routine as per the season. Here are some tips, catered to each term:

a. Spring (March-May)

Spring is regarded as the growth-efficient season. The following are spring houseplant care tips:

• Resumes monthly fertilization that you have stopped in the winter. 
• Start repotting, pruning, and propagating.
• Gradually increase watering frequency as growth resumes.

b. Summer (June-August)  

Summer is the peak growing season. Focus more on watering and protection from direct sunlight. During a dry period, give special consideration to the humidity levels. Continue fertilization at half strength. 

c. Fall (September-November)

The growth of the plant starts slowing down in the fall. Therefore, you can also:

• Begin reducing fertilization frequency. 
• Start transitioning to the winter watering schedule.
• Watch for temperature drops that stress plants.

d. Winter (December-February)

Winter is also called the dormant phase. Here you need to:

• Stop fertilizing completely during dormancy.
• Water every 1-2 weeks, let the top inch dry between waterings.
• Keep your plant alive by maintaining a 65-75°F temperature.
• Use grow lights if natural light is insufficient.

If the temperature goes lower than expected, be ready to transit your plant from outdoors to indoors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Rattlesnake Plants Bloom Indoors?

Yes, Rattlesnake plants can bloom indoors, but they need to be monitored carefully. Provide sufficient lighting, warm temperatures, and suitable humidity. 

Can Rattlesnake Plants Survive in Low Light?

Yes, Rattlesnake plants can survive in low light. But they don’t thrive in such conditions. In fact, consistent low lighting can hinder their growth, and they may become dull. 

How Fast Do Rattlesnake Plants Grow?

Rattlesnake plants grow at a slow to moderate rate. They produce leaves monthly and reach their ideal height of 2 feet in 1 - 2 years.

Why does My Rattlesnake Plant Move Its Leaves?

Your Rattlesnake plant moves its leaves due to nyctinasty, a phenomenon where the leaves fold up during the night and open in the day. 

Can I Put My Rattlesnake Plant Outside in Summer?

Yes, you can put Rattlesnake plants outdoors in summer. This will provide it with warm conditions and a humid yet tropical climate. Careful for bright and direct sunlight. 

How Long Do Rattlesnake Plants Live?

Rattlesnake plants can live for many years and can even survive a decade. This entirely depends on the growing conditions. 

Is Rattlesnake Plant Pet Friendly?

Yes, the Rattlesnake plant is pet-friendly and non-toxic to dogs. However, ingesting a large quantity of this plant may cause irritation as well as digestive upsets in the pets. You can also pair this flora with other pet-friendly plants for companion growth and aesthetics.

Conclusion 

In summary, your Rattlesnake plants grow well when you provide bright and indirect sunlight while keeping them under 65-75°F (18-24°C) year-round. 

They need a 60% plus humidity for best growth as well as a well-draining soil with peat mix. Keep the plant near the north or east-facing window. If you are looking to add a Rattlesnake plant to your collection, contact MyGreenScape for quick delivery with a 30-day plant guarantee.