Rattlesnake plant | Calathea

Description

Common Name: Rattlesnake plant, prayer plant, rattlesnake calathea

Scientific Name: Goeppertia insignis, formerly Calathea lancifolia

Rattlesnake plant (Goeppertia insignis) is a tropical evergreen perennial native to Brazil, commonly grown as an indoor houseplant. It can be tricky to nurture, but if you give it the care it needs, you will be rewarded with an impressive display. 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. Rattlesnake plant grows at a moderate rate indoors but will slow or stop growing if the plant is in unfavorable conditions.

Re-potting: Re-pot your Calathea once a year. Select a pot that is one size larger than the previous one.

Additional Notes:

• Problem hai:
  • Browning leaf tips due to inadequate humidity or water.
  • Leaf curling caused by underwatering or cool temperatures.

Yaha Solution bhi hai:

• • Maintain humidity levels of at least 60%. Mist the plant regularly or keep it in a high-humid environment like a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
  • Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect sunlight and avoid direct sunlight.
  • Use a lightweight and airy potting mix with good drainage.
  • Feed the plant with general houseplant fertilizer every four weeks during the spring and summer.
  • Prune by snipping off browning or damaged leaves at the base of the stem.
  • Propagate through division using sterilized and sharpened cutting tools.
  • Watch out for pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale. Use neem oil as a natural treatment.

Why do rattlesnake plants close up at night?

The leaves of some rattlesnake houseplants tend to point upward at night and drop back down during daylight, which is why they are sometimes called rattlesnake prayer plants. This not-so-subtle movement is normal for this type of plant as a way to manage its light and water resources.