This clump forming tropical rhizomatous perennial has large upright to arching pointed dark green oblong leaves with a yellow green mid rib. The small yellowish tube-shaped flowers appear in an upright spike with orange bracts that arises from the ground.  

Hardiness zones 11 to 12 

Calathea crotalifera is naturally found from southern Mexico to Central America and south Ecuador growing along forest margins and river embankments on the coast and in the lower mountains.

It prefers a well drained organic rich moist sandy soil that is tending acidic in a semi shaded protected position. It is drought, cold and frost tender.

The Rattlesnake Calathea is grown for its foliage, clumping habit and its unusual flower heads. It is planted in tropical and sub-tropical gardens along borders or around a water feature. It establishes in 2 to 3 years from division and is suitable for coastal regions. It is also grown in bright conservatories in cold climates. ID 2936

Note:
This plant is not commonly cultivated outside its native environment and may be difficult to obtained, requiring a specialist nursery.

Calathea (kal-aTHEE-a / ka-LAY-thee-a) crotalifera (kro-ta-LIF-e-ra)

Marantaceae (MAR-an-TAY-see-ee)
Arrowroot