Calathea - Lancifolia Rattlesnake Houseplant
Best low-light houseplant for adding tropical flair to small indoor spaces.
Bring a touch of the tropics indoors with the Calathea Lancifolia, or Rattlesnake Plant. Native to Brazil, this exotic houseplant boasts long, narrow leaves with wavy edges, showcasing vibrant green tops and deep purple-red undersides. Its bushy, compact growth habit makes it ideal for various indoor spaces, from tabletops to floors. Thriving in bright, indirect light and moderate watering, it offers year-round tropical foliage interest, especially in shadier areas of your home. This plant is pre-potted and ready to enhance your living space.
$31.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
6174
/ 10298
#6174 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Mature Height
30
/ inches
Who it's for
- Interior stylists seeking striking, patterned botanical decor
- Pet owners needing safe, non-toxic greenery for their home
- Plant lovers who enjoy interactive, dynamic living decor
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners living in dry or low-humidity climates
- Casual plant parents preferring low-maintenance tap water care
- Owners with only harsh, direct sunlight available indoors
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Striking foliage patterns provide an immediate, high-contrast tropical aesthetic.
Care Difficulty
Requires consistent humidity and attention, making it best for intermediate gardeners.
Space Efficiency
Compact, bushy growth habit fits perfectly on tabletops and narrow shelves.
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in lower light conditions where many other houseplants struggle.
Pet Compatibility
Not safe for households with curious cats or dogs.
Shipping Reliability
Fast fulfillment and a clear growth guarantee ensure a healthy arrival.
Key Specs
Mature Height
30 inches
Mature Spread
9” – 18”
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect Light
Water Quantity
Moderate
Hardiness Zones
Zones 10-12 or indoors
Bloom Season
Grown for foliage year-round
Care Level
Intermediate
Growth Habit
Bushy
Features
- Striking green and purple-red foliage contrast
- Compact, bushy growth habit
- Attractively marked, wavy-edged leaves
- Year-round tropical foliage interest
- Ideal for indoor environments
- Ships quickly with Grow Guarantee
- Colorful foliage for shade areas
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the exceptional quality and robust health of the Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake Houseplant upon arrival. Reviewers consistently note the striking foliage and larger than expected size. The vendor earns high marks for meticulous packaging and shipping methods that successfully protect this delicate plant during transit, minimizing damage. While the plant offers excellent aesthetic value, a small number of buyers mention minor acclimation issues like leaf curling, typical for the Calathea genus when humidity changes. The core consensus is that this is a high quality specimen from a reliable source, provided the owner is prepared for its specific, higher maintenance care needs.
Know before you buy
No, this plant prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun can actually scorch its delicate, wavy leaves, so it is best placed near a window with filtered light or in a spot that receives consistent, soft illumination.
No, the Calathea Lancifolia is not considered pet-safe. It is best to keep this plant in a location that is inaccessible to curious pets.
Because this plant thrives in high humidity, it appreciates a little extra care in dry indoor climates. You can increase ambient moisture by grouping it with other plants, using a pebble tray, or placing it in a bathroom that receives indirect light.
This plant prefers moderate watering. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
The Rattlesnake Plant typically grows to a mature height of about 30 inches. Its bushy growth habit results in a spread of approximately 9 to 18 inches, making it a great choice for tabletops or floor displays.
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$32