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Bright Indirect Light
1-2 ft./yr Growth
Safe for Pets
Shipping calculated at checkout.
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Moisture Meter
Measure moisture, pH levels, and light
+ $19
Premium Potting Mix
Nutrient-rich blend for healthy growth
+ $19
Coco Coir Pole
Support indoor climbing plants and vines
+ $12
Calathea Rattlesnake Information
About The Calathea Rattlesnake
The Calathea Rattlesnake is known for its long, wavy green leaves with a brushstroke pattern resembling reptile skin. It raises and lowers these leaves from day to night, a phenomenon called nyctinasty and the source behind its nickname prayer plant. This plant is pet-friendly!
- Each plant is unique; size and shape fluctuate by season so all measurements are shown as a range
- Small plants measure between 10-16 inches tall from bottom of the grow pot to the top of the foliage
- Medium plants measure between 16-20 inches tall from bottom of the grow pot to the top of the foliage
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Arrives in a nursery grow pot nestled in your planter choice
Sizing Guide
Small
Approximately 5" in diameter, fits plants in a 4" grow pot or smaller
Medium
Approximately 7" in diameter, fits plants in a 6" grow pot or smaller
Large
Approximately 10-12" in diameter, fits plants in a 10" grow pot or smaller
Massive
Approximately 12-14" in diameter, fits plants in a 12" grow pot or smaller
Watering Requirements
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out half way down between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. This plant can benefit from extra humidity. Calatheas can be sensitive to hard tap water. Try using filtered water or leaving water out overnight before using.
Sunlight Requirements
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light, but can tolerate low indirect light.
Humidity Requirements
Calatheas prefer higher humidity if possible, preferably above 40%. Consider incorporating a humidifier to boost humidity levels more consistently if the air in the home is dry.
Pet-Friendly Plant?
Yes, this plant is safe for homes with pets.
How often should I water a Calathea Rattlesnake plant?
Water your Calathea Rattlesnake when the top half of soil has dried out, which typically averages to once a week depending on your home's environment. Allowing the plant to sit in stagnant water triggers root rot, while letting the soil completely dry out will cause the foliage to droop and brown.
Why are my Calathea Rattlesnake leaves curling or turning brown at the tips?
Brown, crispy edges or curling leaves on a Calathea are almost always caused by dehydration, low humidity or tap water sensitivity.
Why do my Rattlesnake plant's leaves move up and down?
Your plant is exhibiting a natural phenomenon called nyctinasty! Calatheas possess a tiny joint-like mechanism called a pulvinus at the base of each leaf that reacts to light changes. During the day, the leaves drop down flat to maximize their surface area and absorb ambient sunlight. At night, they fold up vertically like hands caught in a prayer position, revealing the striking, deep purple undersides of the foliage.
What are the ideal light requirements for a Rattlesnake plant?
The Calathea Rattlesnake thrives in medium to bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, a dark corner may cause its spots to fade and drastically slow its growth.
Our planters are made from the highest quality materials, and designed to complement a range of styles.
Porcelain Planters
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Ceramic Planters
No Exterior Planter
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Isabella
Includes drainage hole and matching saucer
Hyde
Includes drainage hole & matching saucer
Grow Pot
Plastic container with drainage holes used by our greenhouse
Grant
No drainage hole; use as cache pot or add lava rocks
Marianne
No drainage hole; use as cache pot or add lava rocks
All of our plants ship in premium packaging for zero damage on arrival. Here’s what you can expect in your box on arrival:
Your Calathea Rattlesnake
Fully rooted in a nursery pot with soil intact
Custom Protection System
Corner guards, soil stabilizer, and branch sleeves keep it secure
Pre-Watered & Ready
Each plant is watered 24 hours before it is shipped
Care Instructions Card
Includes expert-curated care tips to help your plant thrive far beyond the first 30 days.
Perfect For Gifting
No pricing or packing slips included with gifts! Just the plant and a note.
Additional Resources
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 1
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 2
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 3
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 4
- How To Care for a Calathea
- What is a prayer plant?
- How Often & How Much You Should Water Houseplants
- Understanding Lighting in Your Home and How It Affects Your Plants
- How to Fertilize Your Houseplants
What is a prayer plant?
Calatheas, better known as ‘prayer plants,’ are all members of the genus Maranta, to which genus Calathea is closely-related. If you’re new to prayer plants and humidity-loving Calatheas, we’ll walk you...
Read More
How Often & How Much You Should Water Houseplants
Water is amazing. Made up of hydrogen and oxygen, it's literally responsible for all life on Earth. Watering your plant is a no brainer, but how much and how often...
Read More
How to Fertilize Your Houseplants
You know your houseplants need sunlight and water, but what about fertilizer? Fertilizing houseplants during the growing season provides them with essential nutrients that help them thrive: nitrogen (N), phosphorus...
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Why Choose The Sill?
Not all Calathea Rattlesnakes are created equal
Greenhouse Grown
Not warehouse-held. Hand-picked and cared for by our experts.
Indoor Ready
Pre-conditioned to indoor light conditions.
Hand-Selected
Inspected by experts. Only our best ship out.
30-Day Guarantee
Free replacements if not happy and healthy.