Rattle Snake Plant Calathea crotalifera

The Rattle Snake Plant is a herbaceous perennial tropical plant that grows from an underground rhizome and produces very large green leaves and striking yellow inflorescences that resemble a baby's rattle. The unusual inflorescences are upright, up to 10 inches long, and consist of stacked floral bracts with small flowers peeking out at the edges. The genus name comes from the Latin calathus meaning basket in reference to the inflorescence looking like a basket of flowers. The plant is native to South American rain forests, but can be found grown outdoors in Hawaii. In non-tropical climates, it is grown indoors in containers. While indoor plants retain the plant's patterned foliage, flowers rarely appear.

The plants grow from underground rhizome in organically rich soil and, in Hawaii, have escaped from cultivation and grow wild in moderately wet areas. In less tropical climates, the plant is typically grown as an attractive houseplant, but it can be a challenge to grow the Rattle Snake plant indoors. The plant should be kept uniformly moist, well-drained, in a peaty potting mix at room temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees F. The container should be sited in limited sun to bright shade locations. It will tolerate some early morning sun or diffused sun. Also, avoid drafts or sudden temperature changes. Plants need high humidity, so consider standing a potted plant on a bed of wet pebbles, misting the foliage regularly or growing the plant in a humidified room. During the growing season (April-August), water regularly to keep soil moist (but not wet) and apply a balanced fertilizer each month. Reduce watering and fertilization in winter when plant growth typically slows down.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known serious insect or disease problems. However, watch for aphids, scale, mealybugs and spider mites. Leaf spots may appear and plants will react to low humidity with leaves that roll or brown up. Direct sun can cause leaf scorch.