Goeppertia insignis

RHS Plant Profile
rattlesnake plant

Synonyms

Goeppertia lancifolia
Calathea insignis
Calathea lancifolia

Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

An evergreen perennial to 60cm, forming a clump with undulate, lance-shaped pale green leaves with dark patches either side of the midrib, deep purple beneath. Small yellow flowers appear in short spikes in summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Marantaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Goeppertia are evergreen rhizomatous perennials forming clumps of elliptic leaves, often attractively-patterned; racemes of small tubular flowers are seldom produced in cultivation. Previously included within the genus Calathea
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free potting compost with bright indirect or filtered light. Provide high humidity, draught-free conditions and a constant temperature of at least 16°C. Water moderately when in growth and keep just moist in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly

Propagation

Propagate by division in late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free