Can’t tell if she’s dying or not
I feel like her leaves aren’t as vibrant as they were when I got her. I didn’t get a picture of her root system but it was pretty full so I moved her to a new pot recently. This one has a mix of orchid bark, perlite and soil, but a little more heavy on the orchard bark since I was reading that this one needs a bit more airflow in the soil. I’m concerned about the color of the stems and such. I’ve attached some photos for reference. Any tips or suggestions for her? #RattlesnakePlant #NewPlantMom
3ft to light, indirect
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 4 days ago
8
Best Answer
Your Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia) looks overall healthy, but a few things could be behind the duller leaf color and stem concerns after the repotting:
Here’s what may be going on:
1. Post-Repotting Stress
It’s common for Calatheas to sulk a bit after being repotted, especially if the root system was disturbed. This may lead to temporary dullness or slight discoloration.
2. Soil Composition
While adding orchid bark is great for aeration, too much can reduce water retention — Calatheas prefer consistently moist but not soggy soil. A better blend might be:
• 1 part potting mix
• 1 part orchid bark
• 1 part perlite or coco coir
3. Humidity & Water
Calatheas are humidity lovers. Brown tips or fading vibrance may signal low humidity or hard water. Try:
• Using filtered or distilled water
• Keeping humidity above 50–60%
• Grouping it with other plants or adding a pebble tray
4. Lighting
They thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can wash out colors and scorch leaves.
5. Stem Color
The reddish/purple stems are natural, but if they’re turning brown and mushy, that may indicate rot or overwatering. If they’re just dark and firm, it’s normal.
⸻
Suggestions:
• Monitor watering — never let it fully dry out.
• Adjust the soil to hold a bit more moisture.
• Boost humidity with a humidifier or tray.
• Be patient — it should rebound as it adapts.
Here’s what may be going on:
1. Post-Repotting Stress
It’s common for Calatheas to sulk a bit after being repotted, especially if the root system was disturbed. This may lead to temporary dullness or slight discoloration.
2. Soil Composition
While adding orchid bark is great for aeration, too much can reduce water retention — Calatheas prefer consistently moist but not soggy soil. A better blend might be:
• 1 part potting mix
• 1 part orchid bark
• 1 part perlite or coco coir
3. Humidity & Water
Calatheas are humidity lovers. Brown tips or fading vibrance may signal low humidity or hard water. Try:
• Using filtered or distilled water
• Keeping humidity above 50–60%
• Grouping it with other plants or adding a pebble tray
4. Lighting
They thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can wash out colors and scorch leaves.
5. Stem Color
The reddish/purple stems are natural, but if they’re turning brown and mushy, that may indicate rot or overwatering. If they’re just dark and firm, it’s normal.
⸻
Suggestions:
• Monitor watering — never let it fully dry out.
• Adjust the soil to hold a bit more moisture.
• Boost humidity with a humidifier or tray.
• Be patient — it should rebound as it adapts.
@ProudRanunculus
Good morning 🌞!
My Rattlesnake plant looks almost identical to yours and it's quite healthy!
However... it's listed as being in a pot without drainage. It's necessary to use only pots with good drainage because generally plants will get root rot if they aren't allowed to release excess water.
You can snip off the one leaf that looks dry on the edges if you don't like looking at it. Doing so won't hurt your plant. Make sure to snip it at the base of your Rattlesnake.
They do move their leaves slightly during the day, which is normal. What I find fascinating is how all of the leaves go straight up when nightfall begins!
Good morning 🌞!
My Rattlesnake plant looks almost identical to yours and it's quite healthy!
However... it's listed as being in a pot without drainage. It's necessary to use only pots with good drainage because generally plants will get root rot if they aren't allowed to release excess water.
You can snip off the one leaf that looks dry on the edges if you don't like looking at it. Doing so won't hurt your plant. Make sure to snip it at the base of your Rattlesnake.
They do move their leaves slightly during the day, which is normal. What I find fascinating is how all of the leaves go straight up when nightfall begins!
@ProudRanunculus
About the dull leaf color...which, in my opinion, isn't so dull!
Spray the leaves with Neem and they'll become so shiny!
Make sure to do this away from sunlight or grow light and allow to dry for 6 hours or so.
BTW.. Rattlesnake plants thrive best with indirect light!
Hoping all this helps! 🤗🌹
The photo of "Little One" was just taken.
About the dull leaf color...which, in my opinion, isn't so dull!
Spray the leaves with Neem and they'll become so shiny!
Make sure to do this away from sunlight or grow light and allow to dry for 6 hours or so.
BTW.. Rattlesnake plants thrive best with indirect light!
Hoping all this helps! 🤗🌹
The photo of "Little One" was just taken.
@SvelteShangrila thank you very much for the information! I will make those changes and hopefully I can have an even happier plant soon. I was definitely concerned about the stem color because I had no clue what color they are supposed to be 😅
@CutePolypremum Good Morning! ☀️ yes thank you so much! You keep coming in clutch! And you “Little One” looks amazing 🤩
@ProudRanunculus
Hi again!
What does "You keep coming in clutch" mean? 🤔
Hopefully between @SvelteShangrila and @CutePolypremum, your beloved Rattlesnake will flouish and become even more beautiful than she already is.
You're so welcome 🤗
Hi again!
What does "You keep coming in clutch" mean? 🤔
Hopefully between @SvelteShangrila and @CutePolypremum, your beloved Rattlesnake will flouish and become even more beautiful than she already is.
You're so welcome 🤗
@CutePolypremum Oh sorry, it’s a saying that just means you’re always very helpful at the perfect time! ☺️
@ProudRanunculus
That's awesome!
That's awesome!