Calathea Lancifolia 200mm

🌿 Calathea lancifolia

Common Name: Rattlesnake Plant
Family: Marantaceae (Prayer Plant family)
Origin: Native to Brazil, especially rainforest understorey regions

📏 Physical Description

• Growth Habit:
  A compact, clump-forming tropical perennial that typically grows 30–60 cm tall (12–24 inches) and spreads gently over time.

• Leaves:
  Long and narrow, lance-shaped leaves with beautifully wavy edges.
  The upper surface is light to mid-green with dark green ovals or blotches arranged in rows, giving the appearance of a rattlesnake's skin.
  The underside is a rich purple-burgundy, adding dramatic contrast.

• Stems:
  Thin and flexible, emerging from a short central rhizome.

• Movement:
  Like other Marantaceae, Calathea lancifolia displays nyctinasty—leaves rise at night and lower during the day (a "prayer plant" movement).

🌸 Flowers

• Appearance:
  Rarely blooms indoors. When it does, it produces small, yellowish-white tubular flowers near the base.
  Calathea is grown almost entirely for its ornamental foliage.

🌱 Care and Cultivation

• Light:
  Prefers bright, indirect light.
  Tolerates low light, but patterns may fade and growth slow.
  Avoid direct sunlight—it can scorch leaves.

• Watering:
  Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
  Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil feels dry.
  Use filtered or rainwater if possible—Calatheas are sensitive to fluoride and salts.

• Soil:
  Needs a rich, well-draining mix. A blend of potting soil with peat or coco coir, perlite, and some orchid bark is ideal.

• Humidity:
  Thrives in high humidity (60%+).
  Mist regularly, use a pebble tray, or place near a humidifier—especially in air-conditioned or heated rooms.

• Temperature:
  Ideal range: 18–26°C (65–80°F).
  Avoid cold drafts and temps below 15°C (59°F).

• Feeding:
  Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer.

• Repotting:
  Repot every 1–2 years to refresh soil and accommodate root growth.

• Propagation:
  Best propagated by division during repotting.

✅ Quick Care Summary

RequirementDetailsLightBright indirect to low lightWaterKeep moist; water when topsoil is drySoilRich, well-draining tropical mixHumidityHigh (60–80%)Temperature18–26°C; protect from cold or draftsFeedingMonthly during growing seasonPropagationDivision

✅ Perfect For:

• Indoor tropical displays

• Bathrooms or kitchens with natural humidity

• Shaded patios and verandas

• Pairing with other bold-foliage plants like calatheas, marantas, or ferns

Fun Fact:
Despite its dramatic look, Calathea lancifolia is non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a great choice for homes with animals.