Goeppertia lancifolia
rattlesnake plant ( syn. Calathea insignis )
Striking foliage with bold green markings and rich purple undersides makes this a standout choice for indoor plant displays. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves fold upwards in lower light, showing off their underside colouring.
Goeppertia lancifolia is mainly grown for its ornamental foliage, as flowering is rare indoors (in its native Brazil, it can produce small yellow flowers in spring). Good for beginners with patience and the right home conditions, the rattlesnake plant can form a bushy, upright clump and add lasting colour and texture to humid indoor spaces out of drafts and direct sun.
Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from.
Goeppertia lancifolia is mainly grown for its ornamental foliage, as flowering is rare indoors (in its native Brazil, it can produce small yellow flowers in spring). Good for beginners with patience and the right home conditions, the rattlesnake plant can form a bushy, upright clump and add lasting colour and texture to humid indoor spaces out of drafts and direct sun.
Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from.
How to care for Goeppertia lancifolia:
Goeppertia prefers bright, indirect light and stable temperatures above 15°C (41°F), making it ideal for warm, steamy rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the foliage.
Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, using a free-draining, peat-free houseplant compost, and reduce watering slightly in winter. High humidity is essential—mist the plant regularly, stand the pot on a tray of damp gravel, or use a room humidifier to maintain the moisture it needs.
Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best and avoid drafts or sudden shifts in temperature. Keep it well away from radiators, and frequently opened doors or windows. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Low humidity may cause leaf edges to curl or brown, while overly wet compost can lead to root rot.
Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, using a free-draining, peat-free houseplant compost, and reduce watering slightly in winter. High humidity is essential—mist the plant regularly, stand the pot on a tray of damp gravel, or use a room humidifier to maintain the moisture it needs.
Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best and avoid drafts or sudden shifts in temperature. Keep it well away from radiators, and frequently opened doors or windows. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Low humidity may cause leaf edges to curl or brown, while overly wet compost can lead to root rot.
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Bright, indirect light
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Peat-free general-purpose compost
Hardiness:
Frost tender
14cm pot | 50cm tall
£19.99
In stock
(shipped within 1-2 working days)
(shipped within 1-2 working days)
with white pot
£25.48
shipped within 2 weeks
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