Prized for its intense green spear-like leaves, Calathea lancifolia makes an attractive centerpiece for any houseplant lineup. The snaking structure and vivid markings on its foliage have earned the Calathea lancifolia its nickname – the “Rattlesnake” plant. This article will explain all the ins and outs of caring for a Calathea lancifolia.
What is a Calathea lancifolia?
Calathea lancifolia are indigenous to Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro region, growing in the tropical rainforest. Famed for its undulating spear-like foliage, a Calathea lancifolia conjures to mind the body of a rattlesnake. The foliage is predominantly bright green with some darker green splotches. Underneath, the leaves sport intense shades of purple and even red.
Quick Summary
Botanical Names: Calathea lancifolia, Goeppertia insignis
Native to: Brazil
Care: Moderate
Size: Reaches up to 2 ½ feet
Common Problems: Insufficient humidity, Overwatering, Mealybugs, Spider mites
Toxicity: Not toxic to animals and people
Plant inspiration tip: looking for a simple but evergreen plant, then check out the amazing Heartleaf from Southeast Asia.
How to care for Calathea lancifolia
Sunlight
Calathea lancifolia is used to bright but indirect levels of sunlight because they grow under the shade of the jungle canopy. Indoors, this means a bright room, preferably not south-facing, with something like a net curtain to filter the sun’s rays.
Too much direct sunlight will decrease the vibrancy of the foliage and might even burn the edges of the leaves. If this occurs, move the plant to a shadier spot.
Watering
The soil of Calathea lancifolia should be kept lightly moist throughout much of the year. Water if the upper inch of the growing medium appears to be drying out. Giving the plant too much water and saturating the soil can cause root rot and other problems.
Stop watering when liquid starts to sprinkle out of the pot’s drainage holes. Water less often during the winter, once a month or so.
Humidity & Temperature
Calathea lancifolia relies on high humidity and warm temperatures because these replicate a jungle environment. 65 to 75ºF (18 to 24ºC) is an ideal sweet spot for the whole year. Maintain humidity at approximately 60%.
Keep this topped up by misting the leaves every few days or giving the plant a brief shower with lukewarm water. A humidifier can also be used, particularly in the winter months. The ideal location for a Calathea lancifolia is a steamy bathroom.
Cleaning
Dust can quickly collect on the outstretched leaves of a Calathea lancifolia, impeding photosynthesis. Remedy this by gently cleansing the leaves with a moist cloth. Stay away from leaf shine as this might have negative impacts on the foliage.
Fertilizing & Soil
A well-draining growing medium that still provides correct moisture levels is needed for a Calathea lancifolia. While this sounds tricky, it can easily be achieved by using a 2:1 peat moss and perlite growing medium.
For those who want a more sustainable alternative to peat moss, a mix of houseplant compost or coconut coir and coarse sand also works. Make sure that the moisture-retentive component (peat moss, compost) outweighs the draining ingredient (perlite or sand).
To achieve the brightest and bushiest foliage, feed the Calathea lancifolia a balanced liquid-based fertilizer once each month during the main growing season (spring to late summer).
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Repotting
Calathea lancifolia grow at a decent speed, so repotting is a must when owning these plants. Once every year or two, upgrade the plant to a pot one size larger than the previous one. To avoid stressing the plant out too much, do this in the springtime.
Use the same growing medium and depth level for the rootball that the plant had in its previous pot.
Propagation
Calathea lancifolia is most commonly propagated through division. These tropical perennials grow in clumps that are joined together by succulent rhizomes. Clumps can be separated to create new plants.
Ease the Calathea lancifolia out of its nursery pot and slowly pull the clumps apart. Each new plant should have its own small root system and at least one or two large, healthy leaves. Pot them up using a similar growing medium to the original specimen.
Toxicity
Calathea lancifolia isn’t harmful to cats, dogs, and humans.
Pruning
The main pruning chore with Calathea lancifolia is removing spent or sickly leaves. Snip off dead, drooping, or infected leaves at the point where they meet the stem. This encourages a new shoot to emerge in its place. Thoroughly sterilize tools when cutting away any leaves that may be diseased to protect the rest of the plant.
Plant inspiration tip: looking for a indoor flowering plant, then check out the beautiful Aglaonema nitidum.
Pests and other common problems
Insufficient humidity
The main cause of stress for Calathea lancifolia is not getting the right amount of moisture. Brown tips on the foliage or curling leaves indicate a lack of humidity. Prune dehydrated leaves and increase the humidity through misting or other methods.
Overwatering
Although they need to stay consistently moist, too much water can still be bad for Calathea lancifolia. Sodden roots will rot, severely hampering the plant. Only water if the top inch of the growing medium feels dry.
Mealybugs
Known for extracting the sap from the stems of unsuspecting plants, mealybugs will produce a sticky white deposit of mildew on infected leaves. Prune afflicted areas to limit their advance or use organic pesticides and neem oil to remove the insects.
Spider mites
Another sap-sucking pest, spider mites can be indicated by yellowing or spotted leaves or buildups of strange webbing underneath leaves. Remove sickly leaves and use organic pesticides or insecticidal soap to curb the infestation.
Plant recommendation tip: need a ornamental plant for the home, then check out the Burmese evergreen.
Common FAQs
Are Calathea lancifolia plants difficult?
When provided with the correct growing conditions (60% humidity, temperatures from 65 to 75ºF), Calathea lancifolia is not hard to take care of. The tricky nature of these requirements makes them more suited to moderately-experienced plant owners.
Should I mist my Calathea lancifolia?
Calathea lancifolia leaves can be misted every few days to aid in maintaining correct moisture levels. However, this can’t be relied upon to completely provide the right conditions. Other methods such as humidifiers should be used as well.
How do you make Calathea lancifolia so bushy?
To keep the famous foliage of a Calathea lancifolia looking bright and bushy, regularly remove sick or spent leaves. This helps the plant recover by pushing out newer, bushier growths. Providing the correct moisture and temperature conditions also encourages this.
Should I cut brown leaves off my Calathea lancifolia?
When exposed to dry conditions or inadequate water quality, the leaves of a Calathea lancifolia might begin to turn brown or shrivel up. These leaves can be removed to help the plant recover, as well as generating more humidity around the plant.
How long does it take a Calathea lancifolia to reach full growth?
To reach a fully mature size of 2 ½ feet, a Calathea lancifolia typically needs about a year or so.
How do you grow Calathea lancifolia indoors?
Keeping a lancifolia indoors requires paying special attention to atmospheric conditions such as temperature and humidity, keeping them at the right levels all year round. Use a well-draining soil mix composed of houseplant compost or peat moss and sand or perlite. Keep the plant in a location that provides bright but not direct sunlight.
