Calathea Lancifolia, commonly known as the Rattlesnake Plant, is a splendid tropical perennial known for its eye-catching foliage. Originating from the South American country of Brazil, this plant has been adopted by many interior plant lovers, especially because of its somewhat exotic appearance coupled with moderate complexity in its maintenance. This plant can make an attractive statement in any indoor environment and is distinguished by lance-shaped leaves with dark green edges that mimic the shape of a rattlesnake’s scale. This article aims to provide information on the distinctive traits of Calathea Lancifolia, its necessities for care, its advantages, and maybe some disadvantages of its cultivation.
Characteristics of Calathea Lancifolia
Calathea Lancifolia is an indoor plant belonging to the Marantaceae family, which is characterized by the aesthetic finish of the foliage. It has long lanceolate leaves extending up to 45 cm in length and is a member of the Arecaceae family. It has narrow oblong leaves which are dark green with blotches resembling the pattern of a rattlesnake skin hence the name ‘Rattlesnake Plant’. The lower surface of the leaves is a beautiful purplish color and can be seen when the leaves change their positions or close, something that is quite common in most Calathea varieties.
However, this plant has one fascinating feature; nyctinastic movement which is a natural activity between dusk and dawn. The leaves of this plant make some movements by raising and lowering it about the light intensity around the plant, this is referred to as the movement of the prayer plant. The plant has a sort of uniqueness because this kind of vibe gives it a lively look at different parts of the day: at night, the leaves look like they are ‘bowing’ and during the morning they look like they have woken up.
Growing Conditions and Care
Light Requirements:
Calathea Lancifolia prefers bright, filtered light or dappled shade for 5 to 8 hours per day. Acute sunlight which is directly experienced leads to the leaves becoming scorched and the intended color and pattern being faded. Ideally, it should be positioned near a window that faces the North or East direction. In case of a limited supply of natural light, the plant will also be able to grow using artificial fluorescent light which makes it ideal for offices or rooms with little light.
Watering:
They require consistent moisture for their health, meaning that you ought to avoid over or under-watering the plants. The plant enjoys a well-watered environment and as much as this is the case it is very important to ensure that the soil does not get too saturated as this may lead to rotting of the roots. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering especially when it is during the growing period, spring, and summer. During the non-growing period, the water requirement is low, and thus, it is recommended that one should only water the Loplants enough to ensure that the soil is not dry. The local climate also dictates whether to water the plant with distilled or rainwater; however, tap water contains chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, to which the plant reacts badly.
Humidity:
Calathea Lancifolia is tropical foliage and this means that the plant prefers very moist conditions. Ideally, the humidity level should be above 50 % and should not go below this level during the several cycles that follow. To accomplish this it would be wise to use a humidifier, put a tray of water near the plant, or simply mist the leaves occasionally. This can also be achieved by placing some plants near each other to help raise the humidity levels around the room. Humidity should be checked often in interior spaces or dry weather especially when the heating system is on during winter to prevent the leaves from curling or browning.
Temperature:
Calathea Lancifolia thrives in temperatures ranging between 65°F – 75°F (18°C – 24°C). This plant is somewhat temperature-sensitive, and it should not be positioned near the windows, doors, or vents. Extreme temperatures below 60°F (15°C) are also a major threat to the plant as low temperatures lead to the deterioration of the foliage and slow down the development of the plant.
Soil and Potting:
Calathea Lancifolia ‘Rattlesnake Plant’ needs well-draining soil, so it is suitable to grow in pots filled with fibrous or perlite. Peat, perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir will balance moisture as well as good drainage, with one-part peat, two-part perlite, and one-part orchid bark/coco coir ratio being ideal. When transplanting, it is recommended to use a pot with drainage holes in the bottom so as not to let the water accumulate. Transplanting it every two to three years or when it becomes pot-bound helps in promoting growth.
Fertilization:
There are not many special requirements for Calathea Lancifolia and it simply requires regular feeding during its growing period. With most nutrients, it is advisable to apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every four to six weeks from spring to early fall. Some of these methods are as follows: It is good to avoid fertilizing during the winter season since this can lead to an excess of nutrients damaging the plant.
Benefits of Calathea Lancifolia
Aesthetic Appeal:
However, it is the ornamental value that stands out in the case of Calathea Lancifolia, meaning the ornamental foliage of the plant. The plant has interesting and complex leaves with a bright color that combines perfectly with interior design trends. Launched in grey, the design blends in well with the minimalist décor and adds an artistic and bohemian touch.
Air Purification:
Some of the common houseplants include Calathea Lancifolia which helps purify indoor air just like any other plant. This assists in purging airborne pollutants and other bad substances making the air you breathe healthier. While it may not be as effective as large-scale industrial systems in expunging airborne pollutants, it does play its part in improving IAP.
Pet friendly:
It is quite remarkable that Calathea Lancifolia is not poisonous to pets, so cat and dog owners can bring this gorgeous plant into their homes safely. It does not produce toxic compounds like some other houseplants so it is possible to grow it around pets that may chew on it.
Potential Challenges
Leaf Curling and Browning:
This variety is generally subject to the problems of leaf curling and browning, which are similar to stress reactions. Some of these symptoms are due to low humidity, poor watering regimes, and direct exposure to sunlight. The treatment involves the identification of the factors that cause illnesses and the changes that need to be made to the plant to revert this indisposition.
Pests:
The money tree is relatively fragile and can be affected by standard houseplant diseases; these include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. One can prevent infestations by practicing keen inspection of the plant and cleaning it by washing the leaves with a damp cloth frequently. Insect infestation if observed, can be easily dealt with using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root Rot:
It is lethal to the plant and can be caused by over-watering or poor drainage / excess settlement of water at the base of the plant. Frequently overcrowding the plant, leaving it to stand in water and poor drainage of the potting mix are some of the preventable factors. If root rot is confirmed the affected roots can be pruned and the plant transplanted to new soil to be saved.
Propagation
It is rather easy to propagate Calathea Lancifolia, and this can usually be accomplished through cutting and division. Propagation is preferably done at the time of repotting, during springtime. To propagate, take the plant out of the pot and split the root clump into several sections with each section having well-developed roots and several leaves. Transplant each division in a new pot filled with a new soil mix, and water adequately.
Conclusion
It is a captivating plant with beautiful foliage that is not very hard to maintain and is scientifically known as Calathea Lancifolia. An attractive feature that has to do with its variability is that it has special patterns on its leaves, and it moves as well as cleans the air. Even though the plant needs to pay attention to the humidity and the amount of watering, this exotic and attractive piece is worth it. Thus, the Rattlesnake Plant fascinates plant enthusiasts and beginners who strive to bring a charming hint of the tropical climate indoors while bringing numerous advantages to any interior. As you learn about its requirements, and recognize possible issues, you can appreciate the limitless beauty of Calathea Lancifolia.
