Calathea Rattlesnake Kokedama
Best living art for intermediate plant lovers seeking exotic foliage.
Discover the Calathea Rattlesnake Kokedama, a unique houseplant presented in the traditional Japanese Kokedama style. Its striking dark green leaves feature deep purple undersides and ripple patterns, adding a touch of exotic beauty to any space. This plant is known for its fascinating leaf movement, adjusting its position throughout the day. Native to tropical regions, it thrives indoors with bright, indirect light and requires regular watering. It arrives established and ready for display, offering an established, low-maintenance piece of living art.
$59.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
6174
/ 10298
#6174 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
+15%
Above average
Scientific Name
Calathea Lancifolia
/ Calathea Lancifolia
Who it's for
- Interior designers seeking a modern, sculptural focal point
- Nature lovers who enjoy observing rhythmic plant movement
- Apartment dwellers needing compact, mess-free greenery
Who should skip it
- Busy owners wanting a low-maintenance, simple watering routine
- Beginners living in dry or low-humidity environments
- Gardeners looking for a long-term, low-intervention plant solution
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
The striking foliage and unique moss ball create an instant centerpiece.
Care Difficulty
High humidity and watering needs demand a dedicated plant parent.
Display Versatility
The included ceramic vase options allow for seamless interior styling.
Interactive Appeal
Fascinating daily leaf movement provides a dynamic, living art experience.
Pet Friendliness
This variety is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Setup Convenience
Arrives fully established and ready for immediate display in any room.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Calathea Lancifolia
Plant Type
Flowering Plant
Soil Type
Ball of soil (kokedama)
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect Light
Origin
Tropical South and Central America, Africa, and the West Indies
Age/Stage
Established
Indoor Suitability
Yes
Vase Color Options
Black or White
Features
- Unique Kokedama moss ball presentation
- Leaves move with the sun
- Striking dark green and purple foliage
- Arrives established and ready to display
- Requires bright, indirect light
- Includes decorative vase option
- Intermediate care level
- High watering needs
What customers say
Customer sentiment centers on the Calathea Rattlesnake Kokedama's stunning aesthetic and perceived quality. Reviewers call it living art, praising the modern, minimalist presentation. The retailer earns high marks for meticulous packaging, ensuring the plant arrives healthy and vibrant, boosting initial satisfaction. While the high price point leads some to question the value, most acknowledge the craftsmanship justifies the cost. A recurring point is the inherent care difficulty of the Calathea, which requires high humidity. Novice owners sometimes struggle, but expert enthusiasts appreciate the unique challenge. Overall, this is viewed as a delightful, high-end specialty item perfect for sophisticated decor.
Know before you buy
Kokedama is a traditional Japanese style of planting where the root system is wrapped in a ball of soil and moss rather than being placed in a standard pot. It creates a sculptural, floating effect that serves as a piece of living art.
Because the roots are encased in a moss ball, the best way to water is to submerge the ball in a bowl of room-temperature water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow it to drip-dry completely before placing it back on its display stand.
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. It is best to keep it in a location that your cats or dogs cannot reach.
Calathea Lancifolia exhibits a behavior called nyctinasty, where the leaves adjust their position in response to light levels. You will notice the leaves folding upward at night and opening wide during the day to capture sunlight.
This designation means the plant has specific environmental needs, particularly regarding humidity and consistent moisture. You will need to monitor the moss ball closely to ensure it does not dry out completely, as this species is not drought-tolerant.
Yes, the Kokedama includes a decorative ceramic vase option in either black or white, which provides a stable base for the moss ball while catching excess water.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$60