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Rattlesnake plant · Calathea lancifolia

Why is my Rattlesnake plant losing leaves?

It is less common for a Rattlesnake plant to drop leaves unless it is dealing with a severe pest infestation or prolonged neglect. Check for spider mites first, as these pests are a frequent cause of leaf loss.

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of leaves for tiny webs.
  2. Check the soil for signs of waterlogging or rot.
  3. Examine the base of the plant for any yellowing stems.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see tiny webbing between the stems and small yellow stippling on the leaves. Eventually, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and drop off while the soil remains constantly soggy. You may notice a musty smell coming from the pot.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots for decay. If the roots are mushy, trim them back and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Find out what's wrong with your rattlesnake plant

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Leaf drop is a sign of a major problem that needs immediate attention. It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaf to occasionally yellow and drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the humidity high to discourage spider mites and ensure your pot has excellent drainage. Regularly inspect the leaves for any signs of pests.

Keep your rattlesnake plant healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will the leaves grow back?
The plant will grow new leaves from the center, but it will not regrow leaves on the bare stems that have already dropped.
Should I cut off the yellowing leaves?
Yes, you can trim off yellowing leaves with clean scissors to help the plant focus its energy on new growth.

More problems with Rattlesnake plant

Back to the Rattlesnake plant guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.