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Calathea lancifolia
rattlesnake plant
Eastern Brazil; lowland tropical rainforest understory
Overview
Calathea lancifolia (recently reclassified as Goeppertia insignis) is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial from eastern Brazil, growing 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide indoors. Leaves are 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long, narrow lance-shaped with wavy margins, bright pale green with alternating dark-green oval blotches that resemble snake-skin patterning, and deep purple-maroon on the underside. Petioles are 8–18 inches (20–45 cm) long and rise from a creeping rhizome at soil level. Leaves close vertically upward at night and reopen in the morning — the nyctinastic movement common to plant family Marantaceae. Indoor plants flower rarely; outdoor specimens in tropical zones 10–12 produce small yellow flowers in cone-shaped bracts at soil level. The plant is non-toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. Like other Calathea spp., it is sensitive to chemicals in tap water — chlorine, fluoride, and dissolved salts cause leaf-tip browning over weeks; rainwater, distilled water, or tap water left to outgas overnight reduces this damage. Cold-tender: leaf damage occurs below 55°F (13°C) and the plant dies below 40°F (4°C). Air humidity below 50% causes leaf-edge curling and browning. Common indoor pests include spider mite, thrips, and mealybug.
Native Range
Native to subtropical and tropical lowland rainforests of eastern Brazil. Grows in deep shade on the rainforest floor under closed canopy.Suggested Uses
Grown as an indoor specimen for the patterned foliage in temperate climates and as a shade groundcover in tropical zones 10–12. Container culture in 6–10 inch (15–25 cm) pots with rich, moisture-retentive potting mix supports the typical indoor mature size. Used in terrariums and bathroom installations where humidity is consistently above 60%.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Indoor plants flower rarely. Outdoor specimens in tropical zones 10–12 produce small yellow flowers held in compact cone-shaped bracts at soil level, sporadically through the year. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks per inflorescence.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow in cone-shaped bracts (rare in cultivation)Foliage Description
Pale green with dark-green oval blotches (snake-skin pattern); purple-maroon underside; lance-shaped 12-24 inches (30-60 cm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in bright indirect to medium light at 65–80°F (18–27°C). Direct sun scorches the patterned upper leaf surface within hours and bleaches the dark blotches. Watering occurs when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of potting mix has dried — typically every 4–7 days. Tap water left in an open container overnight reduces leaf-tip browning from chlorine and dissolved salts. Air humidity 60–80% supports full leaf development; humidity below 50% causes leaf-edge curling and browning over weeks. Plants are re-potted every 1–2 years and may be divided at the rhizome at the same time.Pruning
Damaged or yellowing leaves are removed at the petiole base at any time of year. The plant is divided at the rhizome every 2–3 years at re-potting; each division requires at least 2–3 leaf-bearing stems to establish. Cut surfaces of rhizome divisions are dusted with cinnamon or sulfur powder to reduce fungal entry.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons