Calathea lancifolia (Goeppertia insignis) Indoor Care, Propagation and Common Problems
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Calathea lancifolia (Goeppertia insignis) prospers in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Goeppertia insignis commonly called Rattlesnake Calathea, Calathea Rattlesnake or Rattlesnake Plant is one of the popular Calathea varieties with slender pale-green leaves which are heavily marked above with dark blotches and have purple undersides.
Goeppertia insignis which also goes by the botanical name Goeppertia lancifolia is among the purple-leaved plants and is one of the best plants for the office space where it will add a magnificent splash of color.
Botanical name: Calathea lancifolia
Synonym: Goeppertia insignis, Goeppertia lancifolia
Family: Marantaceae
Common name: Rattlesnake Calathea, Calathea Rattlesnake, Rattlesnake Plant
Origin
Goeppertia insignis is native to the tropical forests in Brazil in the state of Rio de Janeiro where it grows on the forest floors and it is considered as one of the best tropical foliage plants.
Size
Rattlesnake Calathea grows in clumps to a height of about 2-3 feet. The leaves are about 1-2 feet long.
Is Rattlesnake Calathea toxic?
No. Calathea lancifolia like other Calathea Plants is non-toxic to both humans and pets according to ASPCA. It is safe to grow indoors.
Related Plants
Rattlesnake Calathea is closely related to the Marantas, Ctenanthe and Stromanthe which are collectively called Prayer Plants in reference to their curious characteristic of closing their leaves at night. Goeppertia insignis is one of the most popular plants on account of its ease of care and interesting foliage.
Where to buy
If you would like to add this beautiful Calathea lancifolia to your plant collection, you may obtain them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy) or from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
How to Care for Rattlesnake Plant Indoors
To care for Rattlesnake Calathea indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 15-260C, humidity of 60-80% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Calathea lancifolia care requires pruning to keep it neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Repotting is needed only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on the best growing conditions and how to provide them.
Watering
How often do you water Rattlesnake Calathea?
Water your Rattlesnake Calathea thoroughly in spring and summer until the water comes out through the drainage holes. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting and yellowing.
Lessen watering in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time. Do not let the soil dry out completely to prevent wilting and drooping leaves.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid cold shock which can cause stunted growth. The water should also be free of chlorine and flourides as like other Calatheas are sensitive to chemicals dissolved in water which can result in brown leaf tips and edges.
Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant.
To discourage fungal infestations like leaf spot, avoid wetting the foliage during watering; water from the bottom instead.
Light Requirements
Where to put Rattlesnake Calathea?
Rattlesnake Calathea grows best in bright indirect light (dappled light). Put it infront of a large, brightly-lit window. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves and loss of leaf color.
Where the natural lighting is not adequate, you may grow the plant under full spectrum grow lights to prevent yellowing and leggy growth.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for an even growth.
Temperature & Humidity
Rattlesnake Calathea prefers a warmth of 15-260C. At temperatures below this range, the plant stops growing while temperatures above this range may cause the plant to die.
Keep it away from drafts as they cause sudden changes in temperature which the plant cannot tolerate and may cause it to die.
Rattlesnake Plant thrives in a humidity of 60% to 80%. Low humidity causes the plant to develop brown leaf tips and edges. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity for the optimum growth of your plant.
To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier. Ensure that there is good air circulation to minimize fungal infestations.
You may also grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom or other moist areas in the home. The plant can also be grown in a closed terrarium where a high humidity can be maintained.
Fertilizer
Feed Rattlesnake Calathea with a balanced, liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer to promote a lush growth. Withhold feeding in fall and winter as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Once in a while, flush out accumulated chemicals (salts) from the soil by running a stream of water through the soil. Allow the stream of water to run for some time and repeat the process several times.
Potting Medium
The best potting mix for Rattlesnake Calathea should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most potting mixes designed for Aroids are perfect for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Goeppertia insignis every 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season when root-bound. Take care not to injure its delicate roots.
Use a pot one size larger than the current one. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent excessive wetness which can lead to root-rot and loss of the plant. Check out these planters with drainage hole on Amazon.
Before repotting, water the plant thoroughly at least 1 day before to hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less repotting shock.
If the plant is large and has outgrown its current pot, divide it into several sections and use the splits to propagate new plants. Repotting may cause the leaves to droop but the plant will eventually recover once it takes root; in about 3-4 weeks.
Pruning & Grooming
Pruning Rattlesnake Calathea involves removal of dead and yellow foliage to maintain the plant neat and minimize pests and diseases infestation.
Cut the leaves with a sharp knife or pruning scissors at the base, where the leaf meets the stalk.
Keep the leaves clean by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust as well as discourage pests and diseases.
Rattlesnake Calathea Propagation
Rattlesnake Calathea (Goeppertia insignis) is best propagated by plant division at the beginning of the growing season (in spring) during repotting. Dividing the plant at this time hastens establishment as it is in the active growth phase.
Learn how to propagate Calathea Plants in 2 easy ways.
Rattlesnake Calathea Problems & Solutions
Rattlesnake Calathea (Goeppertia insignis) problems are drooping leaves, plant dying, yellow leaves, brown leaf tips, loss of leaf color, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Drooping leaves
Rattlesnake Plant drooping leaves are caused by too dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, being pot-bound or temperature stress.
How to fix it
Dry air: To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier, group the plants together or grow the plant in a terrarium.
Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches dry out but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Confirm that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole.
Being pot-bound: Repot the plant into a pot one size larger than the current one or divide it into several sections to propagate new plants.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot surfaces, hot air vents, windy doors among others.
Check out these 10 Causes of Calathea Drooping Leaves and How to Revive It.
Plant dying
Your Rattlesnake Calathea is dying due to to root-rot disease or spider mites infestation.
How to fix it
Root-rot: The diseases is prevalent in soggy soil. It is characterized by yellowing and wilting of the leaves which is rapidly followed by browning and plant collapse.
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots.
- Trim the brown-black, mushy roots and treat the healthy roots with a copper-based fungicidal solution as indicated on the label.
- Disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution or use a fresh pot to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
- Do not water the plant immediately and keep it dry for 5-7 days before you can resume watering.
- Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
- Reduce watering in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time; keep the soil slightly moist.
Spider mites infestations: Regularly check underneath the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures. Upscale humidity to depress the pests.
Read more on these 12 Reasons Why Calathea is Dying and How to Save It.
Yellow leaves
Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Rattlesnake Plant are inconsistent watering, soggy soil, nutrient deficiency, and temperature stress.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule. Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry.
Soggy soil: Use a well-draining potting soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.
Nutrient deficiency: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts coming from hot surfaces, hot air vents, AC units, windy doors among others.
Brown leaf tips & edges
Brown leaf tips and edges on Rattlesnake Calathea are caused by dry air, spider mites infestation, use of hard water, and salts buildup.
How to fix it
Dry air: To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom and other moist areas in the home.
Spider mites infestation: Remove the dead growth and raise humidity to discourage the pests.
Use of hard water: Use water that is chlorine-free like rain water or filtered water.
Salts buildup: Regularly, flush out accumulated salts from the soil by running a stream of water through the soil.
Loss of leaf color
Calathea lancifolia washed out leaves are due to exposure of the plant to hot direct sunlight. Place it in a more shaded spot or instal a light curtain to protect it from direct sunlight to prevent its eventual death.
Pests
Calathea fasciata is prone to mealybugs, aphids, scale insects and spider mites which are prevalent in low humidity.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants.
- Treat the infested plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturers directions.
- Regularly check underneath the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
- Maintain the plant properly pruned and raise humidity to discourage pest infestation.
Diseases
Calathea lancifolia is prone to leaf spot disease due to the humid conditions in which it grows. The disease is indicated by brown patches surrounded by a yellow halo.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to minimize the risk of spread to the rest of the plants.
- Spray the affected plant with a systemic fungicide and ensure to cover all the parts with the fungicidal solution.
- Keep the plant on the dry side, do not mist it and ensure good air circulation.
- Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Goeppertia insignis syn. Calathea lancifolia?
Goeppertia insignis also goes by the botanical name Calathea lancifolia. It is one of 243 species, which have recently been reassigned to the genus Goeppertia.
Goeppertia are distinguished from Calathea by their rosette-shaped flowers as Calathea have more of a ladder structure for their blooms.
Goeppertia is in honour of a German botanist and paleontologist, Heinrich Göppert (1800–1884).
2. What is interesting about Rattlesnake Plant?
Rattlesnake Plant bears very spectacular foliage which makes it a delight in any plant collection.
3. Is Rattlesnake a Prayer Plant?
Rattlesnake is one of the Prayer Plants. This is a group of plants which exhibit a curious characteristic of closing their leaves at night making them appear like praying hands.
4. How do you take care of Goeppertia insignis?
For optimal growth, provide Goeppertia insignis with bright, indirect light (dappled light), average warmth of 15-260C, 50% to 80% humidity and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
5. How often do you water Goeppertia?
Water Goeppertia liberally during the growing season when the top 2-3 inch of soil dries out and maintain the soil moderately moist through out. Decrease watering in the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
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