Calathea lancifolia — iNaturalist
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About
Also known as *Goeppertia insignis*, this plant is a popular houseplant, commonly called the rattlesnake plant. It is an evergreen perennial known for its striking foliage that folds up at night, resembling a prayer.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant is an evergreen perennial that grows to 60–75 cm, featuring slender pale green leaves up to 45 cm. The adaxial surface has dark green alternating large and small leaflets overlaid on the light green leaf, while the underside is distinctly purple.
Distribution & habitat
Native to Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil.
Cultivation notes
It prefers indirect sunlight and well-drained, moist soil with a pH of 6.1 to 7.3. It requires a minimum temperature of 16 °C (61 °F).
History & etymology
The species was previously known as *Goeppertia lancifolia* and is currently listed as a synonym of *Calathea lancifolia*.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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