Calathea lancifolia: everything you need to know

Calathea lancifolia, also known as Rattlesnake Plant or rattlesnake fern, is a plant belonging to the Marantaceae family that grows in Central America. Appreciated for its thick, braided and brightly colored foliage, Calathea lancifolia has won over many amateur gardeners. But what should we know about its characteristics? In this article we will deepen all the necessary information regarding the care of the Calathea Lancilofia plants: how to take care of it correctly and perform the best treatments in order to make it soft and resistant to diseases and parasites.

How to take care of Calathea lancifolia

Originally, this plant comes from the tropical rainforests of South America. Calathea lancifolia is a plant that grows in bushes with leaves with zig-zag and lanceolate patterns. Its flowers are not the most showy, although some species of Calathea can be found that emit characteristic scents. Calathea lancifolia is a plant that requires special care to stay well and healthy.
Calathea lancifolia needs well-drained soil so that too much water does not accumulate in the vase. The best soil for these plants is composed of a mixture of peat, leaf humus and sand, in order to provide the soil with good drainage and allow water to flow freely inside the pot.
The ideal temperature for Calathea lancifolia is between 18°C and 24°C throughout the year. It is advisable to place the plant in a point of the house with good, even if not direct, lighting. If the cold is too intense, it is advisable to cover the plant with a garden cloth or a sheet of transparent plastic to improve thermal insulation.

Calathea lancifolia watering should be regular but not constant. Water should be allowed to evaporate completely from the soil before the next watering. To prevent the soil from drying out too quickly, it is recommended to water the plant about a couple of times a week in summer and once a week in winter. We also recommend watering with warm water to avoid thermal shocks on the plant. It is also advisable to periodically spray the leaves with water to keep them moist and free from dust.
Calathea lancifolia also needs nourishment to thrive. Being native to the tropical rainforest, it needs fertilizers rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. It is recommended to fertilize the plant during spring and summer every two weeks with organic or synthetic fertilizers diluted to 20%. During the autumn and winter period it is recommended to reduce the frequency of fertilizing to a couple of times a month to prevent the plant from getting too much nourishment.

Calathea lancifolia also requires peace. Most of the plant’s life cycle takes place at night, when its leaves close to retain moisture inside the pot and thus protect its tissues from damage by harmful bacteria or fungi. Therefore, it is important to maintain tranquility around the plant during the night so that all the vital processes necessary for its health can take place. Finally, it is important to underline that Calathea lancifolia can be sensitive to various environmental conditions such as temperature, amount of water or level of nutrition.
Although his needs are simple enough to follow, it is important to always monitor his appearance and behavior in order to identify any problems that could affect his health. If not, caring for Calathea lancifolia can be quite simple and extremely rewarding!

Pests and diseases of Calathea lancifolia

In general, Calathea lancifolia is a robust and resistant plant. It is resistant to several pests and diseases, but there are a few to keep in mind.

Calathea lancifolia can be subject to parasites such as aphids, leaf rust, root rot and mealybugs if not properly cared for or treated in time. Therefore, it is very important to check your plant often to make sure it is not suffering from any disease or infestation and to take prompt action if necessary to safeguard it from any future health problems.

Curiosity about Calathea lancifolia

Calathea Lancifolia is a very fast growing plant and can reach up to two meters in height in a few years. Another curiosity concerns the leaves of this plant. The lancifolia have green leaves with white streaks that give them an appearance very similar to that of tree bark. Furthermore, these leaves have the habit of changing color throughout the day, becoming lighter or darker depending on the weather.
Calathea Lancifolia is also known for its red leaves, which appear at the top of the plant in spring. These red leaves give the plant an even greater aura of beauty. Another interesting feature of Calathea Lancifolia is that it produces white flowers that bloom at the base of the plant in spring and summer.

These flowers are very delicate and fragrant and attract many pollinating insects. When the flowers bloom, the petals turn pink, making the plant even more beautiful and interesting to look at. This design is much loved by those looking for a touch of originality and creativity in their home decor.
NB: Calathea lancifolia is a pet friendly plant, which does not create any problems for your animal friends.