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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Goeppertia insignis

rattlesnake plant

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

Synonyms
Goeppertia lancifolia
Calathea insignis
see moreCalathea lancifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Yellow Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter Purple Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
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

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

Get involved

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