Calathea Rattlesnake Watering

Calathea rattlesnake watering

Water. Here's where rattlesnake plant care can get tricky: rattlesnake plants do best in evenly moist soil, but they don't like being waterlogged or too dry. This means you should water when the surface of the soil feels dry, or about once a week (or even more if you live in a dry area).

How do I know if my Calathea needs water?

Calathea prefer soil that is consistently evenly moist at all times but not soggy. If the top 2” of the soil become dry then your plant is ready to be watered. If you let the soil dry out too much, you may see browning, yellowing, or curling leaves, but don't fear.

Should I mist my Calathea Rattlesnake?

A Native of Brazil, the Calathea appreciates a humid environment which can be difficult to create in indoor spaces. So plan on misting your Calathea regularly (once a week is ideal) to ensure it receives the moisture it craves.

Are Calathea Rattlesnake plants easy to care for?

Its foliage is a combination of spotted light yellow-green and deep green with deep-purple undersides. By day, the leaves lay flat, then in the evening, they curl upwards as if they are in prayer. The Rattlesnake Calathea is easy to care for, making it a great first plant!

What does Overwatered Calathea look like?

Limp or Rotting Stems or Drooping Leaves could be caused by overwatering, although more likely by cold temperatures or exposure to drafts. If the plant remains in these conditions the damage will not be reversible, so make sure to move the plant to a warmer spot or away from the cold draft immediately.

Can I mist my Calathea with tap water?

Keep the soil moist from spring to autumn, and provide some humidity by misting the leaves daily or standing on a tray of moist pebbles. Calatheas need to be watered with filtered or distilled water, or rainwater – not tap water.

Do Calatheas like bottom watering?

When you water a Calathea, be sure that water leaks out the bottom of the drainage holes, and consider using the bottom-watering technique. Also important – do not use tap water when watering Calatheas – especially here in San Diego! The best water to use is distilled water, but filtered or rainwater will work as well.

Do Calatheas like to dry out between watering?

Calatheas enjoy weekly waterings, allowing the top 2' of soil to dry out partially. In winter, we recommend watering less frequently to prevent overwatering and root rot. This plant is not very drought tolerant, and extended periods of dryness will cause leaf edges to brown.

Should you let Calathea dry out?

Calathea plants like to grow in a consistently moist soil, but they do NOT like to dry out completely. What is this? A good rule of thumb that I like to use for these plants is to allow the surface of the soil to dry out, and then water again.

How much water does a rattlesnake plant need?

Rattlesnake Calathea should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. In most cases, you'll need to water every few days. However, you should avoid keeping the soil saturated with water or adding enough water to form lasting puddles.

Do rattlesnake plants like big pots?

You will want to size up your pot at least 2 inches in diameter and simply move the plant into the new pot with new, fresh soil. Allow the plant about a week to get adjusted to its new home before adding any water or fertilizer. A good rule of thumb is that you will have to do this about every 12-18 months.

Do Calatheas like wet leaves?

Calathea like to have moist soil or planting substances, but not soggy. They do not want lots of water, as it can drown them. When you water a Calathea plant, do not water it so much that the plant ends up sitting in standing water. Temperature – Calathea plants do not like the cold very much.

Why is my Calathea not happy?

Calathea leaves curling and wilting can be an indication that you're not giving your plants enough water. What makes this even more frustrating is that they can also indicate that you're actually overwatering instead! It might also just be the plant being cranky due to being moved or repotted.

Do rattlesnake plants need a lot of light?

Rattlesnake calathea plants do best in bright indirect light. Too much direct sun can be overpowering to these low-light plants in their growing season, and can also lead to leaf scorch. Keep them out of direct sunlight and in partial shade or in other shady areas in your home.

Does rattlesnake plant close at night?

Like other marantaceae plants, the calathea lancifolia closes up its lance-shaped leaves when it is dark out, and unfolds them again when the sun rises. If you watch your rattlesnake plant closely as night approaches, you'll see its leaves slowly lifting.

How do you tell if a plant is getting too little or too much water?

When plants have too little water, leaves turn brown and wilt. This also occurs when plants have too much water. The biggest difference between the two is that too little water will result in your plant's leaves feeling dry and crispy to the touch while too much water results in soft and limp leaves.

How can you tell the difference between overwatering and underwatering?

Wilting: Plants will wilt when they're overwatered and when they're underwatered, so check the soil to determine which it is. If the soil is wet, it's overwatered - if it's dry, it's underwatered.

How do you tell if a plant is Underwatered vs Overwatered?

Underwatering plants causes dry leaves, brown tips, leaf drop, wilting, and leaf curling. The soil will feel dry, but the plant will improve after watering. Overwatering causes yellowing leaves, brown tips, wilting despite wet soil, and also symptoms of underwatering if root rot has started.

Can I use bottled water on Calathea?

Are the edges of your Calathea's leaves browning? It's because they like drinking filtered or dechlorinated water… not tap! Don't be alarmed, you don't have to buy bottled water for your Calatheas. Water they love can be achieved by leaving it out overnight, so all the chlorine and any other chemicals can evaporate.

Why is my rattlesnake plant curling?

Curling, spotted leaves and lower yellow leaves are a result of under watering. Remember to keep the soil moist at all times. The only time the plant will forgive you for under watering is during the winter months.