Due to the toxicity of parts of the Rattlesnake plant, most people are in a dilemma about the toxicity of flower of this houseplant to their curious pets, including cats.
The rattlesnake plant (Goeppertia insignis) is also known as the Prayer Plant or Calathea Rattlesnake.
Go through this complete article to learn everything about the toxicity of the Rattlesnake Plant and its flower in detail.
Table of Contents Show
What Does Rattlesnake Plant Flower Look Like?
The Rattlesnake Plant bears delicate and unique flowers that grow in upright stalks in clumps. As its name suggests, the flower looks just like a rattlesnake’s rattle.
When you look at each flower cluster, you can see overlapping bracts curling downwards. The bracts contain beautiful fan-shaped blossoms.
The external bract has a creamy white color with a green, or orange hue and waxy texture. The flowers inside the bracts are small with yellow or orange color.
Focusing on the size of the flower, the entire cluster grows about 10 inches tall. When you look at the bracts, each bract is about 2 inches long the holds about 0.4-0.8 inches long flowers.
The fragrance of the Rattlesnake flower is mild and delicate resembling Jasmine or Honeysuckle with a refreshing, citrusy undertone.
How Often Does Rattlesnake Plant Bloom?
When you keep the Rattlesnake Plant outdoors, it can bloom several times a year. However, the timing also depends upon light, temperature, and humidity.
The main blooming season of this flower is spring and summer. Sometimes, the plant also amazes you with the surprise blooms during the fall and winter.
During the growing season, the Rattlesnake plant produces multiple sets of flowers that can typically last about a week.
Remember that it’s almost impossible to see your Rattlesnake blooming indoors so placing the plant outdoors is vital if you want to enjoy their beautiful blooms.
Also, provide bright, indirect lights as this plant does not prefer direct sunlight. You must water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Additionally, use half-diluted balanced fertilizer and place the plant in a warm temperature of 65-80°F to induce its blooms.
Are Rattlesnake Plant Flowers Toxic To Cats?
Some parts of the Rattlesnake plant such as leaves and stems are mildly toxic due to the presence of a poisonous compound, saponin.
However, the poison is not in the huge amount to poison or kill your children and pets. Also, the Rattlesnake flower is absolutely safe for your cats and other pets.
Nevertheless, it’s not good to take risks so keeping your cats and other pets away from the Rattlesnake plant and its flowers is vital.
Although the flower and other parts are not extremely toxic, your cats and other pets can still suffer from stomach upsets and other gastrointestinal problems.
Thus, if your curious pets are always finding ways to reach the Rattlesnake plant due to the eye-catching flower, it’s better to keep the plant in the hanging baskets.
In case of accidental ingestion, contact:
From Editorial Team
Additional Information!
Although the Rattlesnake plant is safe, the leaves can still irritate your and your pet’s skin if the leaves break. Wearing gardening gloves while handling the plant can solve this problem.
Also, if you are in search of non-toxic houseplants for the safety of your favorite pets, Spider plants, Bromiliad, Calathea, Birds Nest Fern, etc., can be a perfect choice.
