I wanted to get into growing plants, and I heard the rattlesnake plant was good for beginners. So, I did some research. It seemed like the soil is a big deal for these plants.
First, I went to the local gardening store and looked for the things I needed. I got some peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil. I also grabbed a bag of compost because I read that adding organic matter is good for them.

Then, I mixed everything. I put in two parts of the peat moss and one part perlite in a big bucket. I added some of the potting soil, but not too much, just enough to make it a bit denser. I threw in a good amount of compost too, to make sure the soil was rich.
I tested the soil by squeezing a handful. It held together, but it also crumbled easily when I poked it, which meant it was draining well. That’s important because these plants don’t like to sit in water.
- Check soil mix by hand for moisture retention and drainage
- Adjust mix ratio if needed
- Prepare the pot with the new soil mix
After preparing the soil, I carefully planted my rattlesnake plant in a new pot with the fresh mix. I made sure not to pack the soil too tightly. Then I watered it just enough to make the soil damp but not soaking wet.
I’ve been keeping an eye on it, making sure the top inch of soil dries out before watering again, especially now that it’s getting warmer. I heard these plants like humidity, and since they’re originally from Brazil, that makes sense.
So far, my rattlesnake plant seems to be doing well. It’s been a few weeks, and it looks healthy and vibrant. I think the soil mix is working out great. It’s been a fun little project, and I’m excited to see how my plant grows!