What is a rattlesnake plant?

A rattlesnake plant is an ornamental house plant with long, slender green leaves and purple undersides. The plant grows to a height of 30 inches, and it is resistant to the tip and edge browning common in its relatives. It is also known as Calathea lancifolia or Calathea insignis.

The rattlesnake plant grows best in moist soil, with a temperature above 60 degrees and with 50 percent humidity. They do well in lower than 50 percent humidity, but the threat of spider mites is higher. The plant grows best with low-to-moderate light and with window exposures that face north, east or west. Rattlesnake plants recover slowly from wilting, so regular watering is recommended.