Rattlesnake Plant in nursery pot

Nicknamed the Rattlesnake Plant for its strikingly ornamental foliage, this native of tropical Brazil forms a clump of light green, lance-shaped leaves that are heavily patterned with attractive dark green accents. Adding contrast are the rich maroon undersides of each leaf. Winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea insignis) makes a handsome addition to interiors, and thrives in bright indirect light. Shipped in a nursery pot.

For more information on growing Calathea, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: kah-lah-thee'uh

GROWING CALATHEA AS A HOUSEPLANT

Also known as Zebra Plant, the best foliage color is achieved in bright, indirect light. High humidity is preferred (see below for ways to increase humidity around your plant). Keep potting mix evenly moist.

Humidity: Most houseplants are native to tropical or subtropical regions of the world, where relative humidity is typically very high. They suffer in the dry air produced by furnaces and woodstoves. The best way to increase the humidity around your plants is to run a humidifier nearby. You can also set plants in trays filled with pebbles or gravel. Add water to a level just below the tops of the pebbles (if the potting mix in the pots comes in contact with the water, the mix will draw water into the pot, which will cause the mix to become saturated, eventually leading to rot). Refill trays frequently to replace water lost through evaporation.

GROWING CALATHEA OUTDOORS IN SUMMER

Light/Watering: Grow in partial shade to shade and water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Use a well-drained potting mix and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season (April to September).

End-of-Season Care: In all but the mildest winter climates (plants are hardy to Zone 11 [40°F]), bring plants indoors before frost and overwinter in bright indirect light. 

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