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I do n’t have it off of any plant that look as cool as the rattler plant , with the striking , undulate purple and espy green leaves . Growing rattlesnake plant is a bit of a challenge when it comes to heat , humidity , and moisture . But the additional travail is deserving it when you ’re enjoying the unequalled foliage .
It ’s commonly mature as a houseplant , but you may see it out of doors in Hawaii , Florida , and Puerto Rico in shaded areas . It is a native of Brazil , after all , and it loves humidity and heat .
If you think this is one of the cool plants you ’ve fare across , read on and learn all about the rattler plant .
What is Rattlesnake Plant?
Rattlesnake plant ( Calathea lancifolia ) , also called zebra plants , are aboriginal to Brazil where they thrive in the understory of the rainforest . They have long , variegated leaves and the plant can reach 30 inch in height , if not more .
The eye - catch up with foliage have wave - like ripple and spots of dark green on a medium green bag on the upper side . The underside of the leaf is a deep reddish - purple .
Rattlesnake plants seldom blossom indoors , but in their natural environment , they produces small yellow flowers .
rattler plant are one of manyCalatheagenus , which also includes peacock plant life and jungle velvet . Plants in this genus are a bit special about their humidness , body of water , and sun , so they are n’t idealistic for beginners . Still , if you ’re inclined to put in some oeuvre , they ’ll reinforce you with a showy presentation .
To top it off , rattler works are n’t toxic to cats and dogs like many houseplant . The leaves are even used to enclose food in Brazil , much like banana leave .
How to Grow Rattlesnake Plants
you could grow rattlesnake plants in shaded spots outside in USDA Growing Zone 10 and above . Below that , you have to grow them indoors .
The optimum temperature is 65ºF to 85ºF , so think about where in your house you will place this plant life . Any low than this for long periods and you ’ll see drooping leaves and embrown of the plant , especially with sudden or free burning temperature drops .
Indoors
Rooms or country of the house need to be between 65 - 85ºF. Do n’t place it next to an AC vent where it will get a constant cold breeze .
These plants do best when they have hopeful , indirect sunlight . A small lineal light in the dawning is fine , but in the heat of the good afternoon Lord’s Day , they must be shade .
Unlike some house plants , rattlesnake plants can be a little fussy with their soil requirements . It must debilitate well , but hold wet . employ a expert quality potting premix and add a little George Sand to improve drainage . If you make your own potting soil , be certain to include perlite or Sir Tim Rice Hull to help continue body of water , but apply sand to increase drainage .
Avoid alkaline potting mixing . Neutral or slenderly acidulent grease works perfectly . This intend the pH should be below 7.0 .
Humidity is move to be your good supporter when it comes to growing rattler plants . you’re able to use a misting feeding bottle each day , but the best method is to place a tray filled with pebbles and water under the good deal holding the plant . When you water , the enfeeble urine will sit there and provide the humidity rattler works craves .
you may also increase the humidness course by placing plant close together .
Take your works to the shower with you . Of course not in the shower bath , but rattlesnake plants will benefit from the steaming , humid environment of a toilet .
tip with abalanced fertilizermade for houseplants once a month in spring and summer . run monthly in those two seasons will give you the healthy - sounding , strong leafage you desire .
If your house stick hot in the summer , make certain you irrigate enough to keep the land moist but not wet . You know a sponge when you wring it out really well ? That ’s what you ’re aiming for . In the winter , reserve the top inch to dry out before watering again .
look on what chemical substance are added to your water supply , you may need to age your water or use dribble water . This includes water for misting . If your municipality adds atomic number 17 , you’re able to set a container of water out overnight to allow the gas pedal to vaporise .
debris your rattlesnake plants regularly . This keeps the foliation and plant life as a whole healthy . expend a very piano , damp cloth .
Repot your rattlesnake flora every two years or so . You may need to do it more often if the industrial plant is a vigorous grower . Take this opportunity to divide the plant for more to weed up .
Outside
In its natural surround , you ’ll never see rattler plants growing in direct sun . They will struggle and break if you do n’t place them in part shade or dappled sparkle , with protection from the good afternoon sun .
Areas that experience sudden temperature cliff or cold winds ca n’t fend for rattlesnake plants . If the temperature throw below 65ºF , you should engraft the rattler plant in pots so you may move them in spite of appearance when necessary .
If you plant more than one rattler plant , space them 18 - 24 inches apart .
fecundate outside rattlesnake embed four time in spring and fall . utilize a balanced fertilizer and body of water in well . debar water in the eve .
Mulch in the hot part of the class to hold back moisture in the soil .
Propagating Rattlesnake Plant
you could disperse rattlesnake plant by take cutting of be plants or by separate mature plant . Both work very well .
Division
ensure you do n’t carve up a rattlesnake plant that has been sit in dry soil . This stresses the plant and might even pop it . pee well the daytime before you divide so there is wet in the soil .
Cuttings
Use a very keen set of stonecutter or a tongue for this project .
you’re able to also root a cutting in a cum - raising medium . Once you cut the leaf off , let it start to dry or callus at the cut for two days before planting it in moist medium . The plant should root and begin originate in about two to three weeks .
Common Problems and Solutions for Growing Rattlesnake Plants
Let ’s start with some visual aspect take that ordinarily mean a problem that can be work .
Leaf Pattern or Color Fading
One of the cool thing about this plant is the traffic pattern on the leaves , so you sure as shooting do n’t want it to fleet . This is ordinarily cause by too much unmediated sun . Simply move it to where there is indirect light .
Edges of Leaves Turn Brown
This often means humidness is lacking in the plant ’s environs . If the air in the house is too ironic , the leaves may go brown or draw in up at the edges . Add humidity through a misting bottle , or by placing a tray of pebbles under the container holding the plant .
Stems Go Limp or Rot
This is likely do by overwatering or an environment that is too cold . Move the container to a warmer surface area and protect the plant life from temperature fluctuations . Take aid not to overwater .
Leaves Dry and Fall Off
This is a sign of a dehydrated rattlesnake plant . If the whole plant is curt , cut the entire flora about an in above the soil . Water well and cover with a guileless plastic bag with hole in it . Keep the soil moist . When you see raw growth , keep the suitcase on for another month .
New Leaves are Faded Light Green Compared to Older Leaves
This is probably a lack of nitrogen . Give your rattlesnake plant life a good feed of fertiliser . habituate a balanced feed , but you may ask to use one robust in N until the color come aright on young growth .
Aphids
Most houseplants are susceptible to aphid . We have a guide onaphids on garden plantsand how to discern them . Use insecticidal soap or neem rock oil on a regular basis .
Spider Mites
Spider mite can cause a lot of damage in large numbers . The thick , fleshy leaves are very attractive to these pests . Read our article onspider mites here .
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