Calathea Medallion vs Rattlesnake Plant
The rattlesnake plant is the toughest common calathea, rated medium where the medallion is hard. Start here if a calathea has beaten you before.
Rattlesnake Plant is rated medium to care for, Calathea Medallion hard. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the Rattlesnake Plant. Calathea Medallion rates 5/5 for humidity - needs a humidifier, a terrarium or a steamy bathroom. Rattlesnake Plant rates 4/5, so group plants or run a humidifier in winter.
What they share: both are pet-safe, both want medium indirect light, both take high watering and both stay medium.
Choose
Calathea Medallion if…
- ✓it will live in a bathroom, kitchen or a humidified room
- ✓you are happy to fuss a little for the better-looking leaves
- ✓the look is what you are after: Stunning patterned leaves that fold up at night. Beautiful but demanding.
Choose
Rattlesnake Plant if…
- ✓your home runs dry in winter and you will not add a humidifier
- ✓you want the lower-risk plant of the two
- ✓the look is what you are after: Long wavy leaves with dark markings. Purple undersides.
Calathea Medallion vs Rattlesnake Plant: side by side
| Attribute |
Calathea Medallion
|
Rattlesnake Plant
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Foliage | Foliage |
| Difficulty | hard | medium |
| Light | ●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
| Water | ●●●●○ 4/5 High |
●●●●○ 4/5 High |
| Humidity | ●●●●● 5/5 High |
●●●●○ 4/5 Above average |
| Pet safe | Safe | Safe |
| Mature size | Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
| Growth rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Air purifying | No | No |
| Native to | Brazil | Brazil |
Key differences between Calathea Medallion and Rattlesnake Plant
Rattlesnake Plant is the easier plant
Rattlesnake Plant is rated medium to care for, Calathea Medallion hard. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the Rattlesnake Plant.
Calathea Medallion needs damper air
Calathea Medallion rates 5/5 for humidity - needs a humidifier, a terrarium or a steamy bathroom. Rattlesnake Plant rates 4/5, so group plants or run a humidifier in winter.
How to tell Calathea Medallion and Rattlesnake Plant apart
The rattlesnake is the toughest common calathea -- narrower, wavy leaves with dark blotches, and noticeably more tolerant of a dry afternoon than the medallion. If you have killed a calathea before, start here.
Care at a glance
Calathea Medallion
Prayer Plant
Stunning patterned leaves that fold up at night. Beautiful but demanding.
Care in one line: Indirect light, consistent moisture, high humidity, filtered water.
Full Calathea Medallion care guide →
Rattlesnake Plant
Calathea Lancifolia, Rattlesnake Calathea
Long wavy leaves with dark markings. Purple undersides.
Care in one line: Indirect light, consistent moisture, filtered water, humidity.
Full Rattlesnake Plant care guide →Calathea Medallion vs Rattlesnake Plant: common questions
What is the difference between Calathea Medallion and Rattlesnake Plant? +
The rattlesnake is the toughest common calathea -- narrower, wavy leaves with dark blotches, and noticeably more tolerant of a dry afternoon than the medallion. If you have killed a calathea before, start here. On care, rattlesnake Plant is rated medium to care for, Calathea Medallion hard. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the Rattlesnake Plant.
Which is easier to care for, Calathea Medallion or Rattlesnake Plant? +
Rattlesnake Plant. It is rated medium while Calathea Medallion is hard, and it is more forgiving about light and watering mistakes.
Is Calathea Medallion or Rattlesnake Plant safe for cats and dogs? +
Both are safe. Calathea Medallion and Rattlesnake Plant are each non-toxic to cats and dogs, so either works in a home with animals.
Which needs less light, Calathea Medallion or Rattlesnake Plant? +
They are the same. Both score 3/5 for light, meaning near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which needs more water, Calathea Medallion or Rattlesnake Plant? +
Neither - both score 4/5. For each one, keep the soil evenly moist, never fully dry.
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