Calathea crotalifera aka Rattlesnake Plant

Taxonomy

Common names

Rattlesnake Plant

How to care for Rattlesnake Plant

Water

Rattlesnake Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Rattlesnake Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Rattlesnake Plant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Rattlesnake Plant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Rattlesnake Plant. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Rattlesnake Plant should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Rattlesnake Plant, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Region of origin

Rattlesnake Plant’s native range is Tropical Americas.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Rattlesnake Plant with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia