Calathea crotalifera
(Rattlesnake Plant, Rattle Shaker, Rattlesnake Ginger, Yellow Rattleshaker)
Origin: Central and South America, southern Mexico
Family: Marantaceae (Prayer Plant
Light: Sun-part shade/filtered shade
Height: 2-5'/Spacing: 1-2'
Blooms: Exotic, pale yellow, white, 10" upright stalk of leathery floral bracts with small yellow, tubular blossoms at sides, shaped like rattlesnake skin, Spring
Foliage: Evergreen, large, veined, smooth,
Soil: Well-drained, wet
Water: Moderate
Uses: Ornamental, hedge, mass plant, container, cut flowers, tropical garden
Propagation: Seeds, rhizome divitions
Comments: Calathea crotalifera or Rattlesnake Ginger or Yellow Rattleshaker is a non-woody tropical plant with an erect, rhizomatous spreading growth habit. It is a native of central and South America and southern Mexico. In Spring, Calathea crotalifer produces exotic,
pale yellow, 10" upright stalk of leathery floral bracts with small
yellow, tubular blossoms at sides, shaped like rattlesnake's rattle, hence its common name. Florists are delighted with the spectacular cut flowers. After flowering, 1/2 inch long egg-shaped seed capsules appear; seeds are deep blue with white flesh. Rattlesnake Ginger has deep green, large, ovate foliage, pinnately-veined with parallel lateral veined. Its midrib is paler green and the undersides are grayish green with purple margins. Yellow Rattleshaker is easily propagated from seeds or rhizome divisions and performs best in morning sun and afternoon shade or in a filtered shade environment in well-drained, moist, rich soil. Calathea crotalifera is low maintenance and it cannot tolerate frost.. Mass plant Rattlesnake Ginger for an exquisite ltropical hedge. It can also be container cultivated. Yellow Rattleshaker adds drama to the tropical landscape. Foot traffic are dead curious about this awesome specimen.
USDA Zones: 9-11
JennysGarden.com...Plant images and
growing conditions of Calathea crotalifera (Rattlesnake Plant, Rattle Shaker, Rattlesnake Ginger, Yellow Rattleshaker) growing in Jenny's Garden
Image of Calathea crotalifera or Rattlesnake Ginger or Yellow Rattleshaker coming soon...
Seeds/bulbs inquiries: jen@JennysGarden.com
