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The calathea insignis, also known as the rattlesnake plant, is a popular houseplant known for its striking green and white striped foliage. With its colorful leaves and tropical vibe, it’s easy to see why this plant is a favorite for many plant parents. However, caring for a calathea insignis requires a bit more effort than your average houseplant. This fussy plant has specific needs when it comes to water, humidity, and light.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for calathea insignis. From ideal conditions to common problems and solutions, these tips will help ensure your rattlesnake plant thrives indoors.
An Overview of Calathea Insignis
Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, the calathea insignis is characterized by its long, oval-shaped leaves with white stripes following the midrib. The stripes resemble the pattern of a rattlesnake, giving this plant its common name. The calathea insignis has a clumping growth habit, meaning it grows in bunches. It can reach heights of up to 3 feet tall and spreads 2 feet wide when given proper care.
This tropical plant thrives in humid environments with filtered sunlight and moist soil. Indoors, it makes an excellent tabletop or floor plant to add visual interest and a pop of color. Outdoors the calathea insignis can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 as long as it’s kept in a shaded spot.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Sunlight Needs
Calathea insignis prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too much harsh direct sun will scorch and bleach the foliage. On the other hand, too little light will result in faded coloration.
Place your calathea near an east or west-facing window where it will receive gentle morning or evening sun. Provide bright indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Avoid hot afternoon sun from south-facing windows.
Filter sunlight with semi-sheer curtains to prevent leaf burn Move the plant back from the window if leaves appear washed out Supplement with a grow light if natural light is insufficient, LED full spectrum bulbs work best,
Rotate the pot regularly so all sides receive equal light exposure. This encourages even growth. Watch for signs of too much light like bleaching, scorching, or yellowed leaves.
Ideal Temperature
The calathea insignis prefers warm temperatures between 65°F-85°F. Cooler temps below 60°F can shock the plant and cause damage.
Keep daytime temperatures around 70-80°F and above 60°F at night. Move the plant away from cold drafty windows and avoid setting it by air conditioning vents. Use a space heater or grow lights to maintain warmth if your home gets cooler than ideal.
Move the calathea outside only after all danger of frost has passed. Acclimate it gradually. Bring the plant back indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F in fall. A rapid temperature change of 10°F or more can shock the plant. Make adjustments gradually over several days.
Humidity
Calathea insignis plants thrive in humid conditions between 60-70% relative humidity. Replicating tropical humidity helps these plants grow lush and healthy.
Use a humidifier or pebble tray filled with water near your plant. Mist the leaves frequently using a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Place the pot on a wet pebble tray to increase ambient moisture around the plant. Group other houseplants nearby to create a microclimate.
Move your calathea away from heating vents which can dry the air. Avoid cold drafts from windows and doors which can shock the plant. Run a dehumidifier if humidity levels exceed 70% to prevent fungal diseases. Monitor with a hygrometer and make adjustments as needed to maintain ideal humidity.
Potting Mix
Calathea insignis requires a well-draining potting mix to prevent soggy soil. Here is an ideal potting mix recipe:
- 2 parts peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention
- 1 part perlite for aeration and drainage
- 1 part bark or charcoal to buffer soil pH
- A handful of worm castings or compost for nutrients
Mix ingredients together thoroughly in a large container until evenly blended. Repot young plants annually in the spring to provide fresh mix. Older plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. Always use containers with drainage holes and saucers to discard excess water.
Watering
When it comes to watering calathea insignis plants, consistency is key. These plants prefer evenly moist soil at all times without becoming waterlogged.
Water your calathea insignis whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Check by sticking your finger in the soil to gauge moisture. It’s better to water lightly but frequently rather than soaking the soil completely. Aim for about 1 cup of water 2-3 times per week.
Always water until it runs from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Allow any excess water to drain fully. Use distilled water, filtered water, or rainwater rather than tap water which contains minerals that can build up in the soil.
In the spring and summer growing season, more frequent watering is needed. Reduce watering frequency in fall and winter when growth slows down. If the leaves start to curl or brown along the edges, this is a sign your plant needs more water.
Fertilizer and Pruning
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce fertilizing to monthly in fall and winter when growth slows down. Look for a fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 20-20-20. Avoid over-fertilizing which can burn the roots.
If the lower leaves start yellowing, this is a sign the plant needs fertilizer. Leach the soil with water monthly to prevent salt buildup.
Pruning
Prune off any dead, dying, discolored, or damaged leaves and stems to improve the appearance and health of your plant. Use sterilized shears and make cuts just above the node. Avoid over-pruning healthy new growth. You can propagate a calathea insignis by:
- Division – Carefully divide the tubers and re-pot to create new starter plants.
- Stem cuttings – Take 3-4 inch cuttings and root them in water or moist potting mix.
- Seeds (advanced) – Plant seeds harvested from flowers 1⁄4 inch deep. Maintain warm, humid conditions.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some common issues you may encounter while caring for a calathea insignis and how to fix them:
- Brown crispy edges – Increase humidity and water more frequently
- Yellowing leaves – Usually a sign of over or under-watering. Adjust as needed.
- Wilting, drooping leaves – Water more often and check for root rot.
- Few flowers/no blooms – Increase light exposure and fertilize regularly.
- Brown spots on leaves – Can indicate a fungal or bacterial infection. Improve airflow and reduce watering.
- Webbing or insects – Wipe leaves down with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Isolate plant and treat repeatedly.
Displaying Your Calathea Insignis
The eye-catching striped foliage of the calathea insignis makes it a beautiful display plant. Here are some tips for showing it off:
- Situate in an entryway, living room, or kitchen where it will get noticed.
- Complement the stripes with a colorful pot.
- Allow the leaves to spread instead of bunching them together.
- Place your calathea near other tropical plants with shiny foliage.
- Rotate the pot weekly so all sides get light and grow evenly.
- Prune off ugly leaves and stems to maintain an attractive appearance.
- Show off the whimsical leaves by photographing your plant for Instagram!
Caring for the fussy calathea insignis takes some work but it’s worth it for this uncommon tropical plant. To keep your rattlesnake plant looking its best, remember to:
- Water several times per week so the soil stays evenly moist. Use distilled or rain water.
- Mist frequently to maintain 60-70% humidity around the plant.
- Situate in bright, indirect sunlight 4-6 hours per day.
- Keep daytime temperatures between 70°-85°F and above 60°F at night.
- Repot annually in a well-draining potting mix
- Fertilize regularly in spring and summer
- Prune off dead leaves and stems
With the proper care, your calathea insignis will reward you with its showy striped foliage for years to come. Following these tips will help ensure your rattlesnake plant thrives as a houseplant.
Calathea Insignis – Calathea rattlesnake Watering
It’s important to keep up a regular watering routine. In summer you want to keep the soil moist but not soggy. To monitor this, you can use your finger to poke into the top 5 cm of potting mix and feel the soil moisture level before watering. If it feels particularly wet, let it dry out for longer. Over watering can lead to fungal issues or root rot. Try watering a couple of times a week, but always testing the soil first to see if watering is necessary. During winter, when the plant isn’t in an active growing phase you should reduce watering frequency and use tepid/room temperature water. We’ve also had good success bottom watering the Calathea Rattlesnake which can be a simple way to take the guesswork out.
With all plants, drainage is essential. Ensure that whatever vessel your plant is in, there are sufficient holes in the bottom to allow excess water to freely drain from the pot and away from the plant’s roots.
Calathea Insignis – Calathea rattlesnake Humidity
Calatheas thrive in HIGH humidity environments, this is one of the major things that trips new plant parents up, especially if we have heaters, aircon or draughty windows and door in the house – this dries out the air and can quickly damage our plants. Some tips for increasing humidity include grouping plants together, placing pots on a pebble tray and if you want to go all out – buy a small humidifier online and place it in amongst your rainforest friends!
10 Rattlesnake Plant Mistakes To Avoid (Calathea Lancifolia/Goeppertia Insignis)
FAQ
How do you care for Calathea insignis indoors?
Taking care of a Calathea Rattlesnake is easy. Keep its soil evenly moist, avoid midday or afternoon direct sunlight, and maintain warm temperatures and high humidity levels. Additionally, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot monthly for optimal growth.
How do I make my Calathea happy?
They’re not shy to let you know when they need something, but they’re easy to keep happy. A potted calathea will command attention in any room you place it in. Calatheas don’t thrive on neglect, but care is as simple as regular watering and giving them a light mist every few days.
Where should Calathea be placed in the house?
Calatheas grow best in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight. In summer, a position near a north- or east-facing window is ideal. In winter, when light levels are lower, a south-facing windowsill is better. If there is insufficient natural light, you could use artificial grow lights.
Should I cut the brown tips off my Calathea?
Although brown calathea leaves won’t turn green again, you can improve the look of your plant by cutting brown leaves and leaf tips away with sterilized scissors. If needed, prune just a few leaves at a time, and never remove more than 20% of your plant’s leaves in one go.