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Calathea Lancifolia 'Rattlesnake' (Goeppertia lancifolia)

Ed's Plant Shop  |  SKU: EPS-CALATHEA-RATTLESNAKE-4IN

Size
$18.00 $20.00
Taxes, discounts and shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

The Rattlesnake Calathea (Goeppertia lancifolia, formerly Calathea lancifolia) is one of the most visually striking prayer plants available. Its long, lance-shaped leaves are patterned with dark green wavy markings on top — resembling a rattlesnake's skin — and a deep, rich purple on the undersides. It's also one of the few dramatic-looking houseplants that's completely safe for cats and dogs.

Like all Marantaceae, the Rattlesnake Calathea is nyctinastic — its leaves rise in the morning and fold upward at night in response to light. It's a genuinely interactive plant that changes throughout the day.

Why You'll Love It

  • Pet-friendly and non-toxic — safe for cats and dogs
  • Striking patterned foliage — wavy green markings on top, purple undersides
  • Low to medium light — ideal for apartments, offices, and shaded spaces
  • Moves with the light — leaves rise and fold daily in a natural rhythm
  • Grows up to 30" tall with a full, bushy upright habit

Plant Profile

  • Botanical Name: Goeppertia lancifolia (formerly Calathea lancifolia)
  • Common Names: Rattlesnake Plant, Rattlesnake Calathea
  • Family: Marantaceae (Prayer Plant family)
  • Native Habitat: Brazilian rainforests
  • Mature Size: Up to 30 inches tall
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Care Guide

  • Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun — it fades the leaf patterns and scorches the foliage. Low light is tolerated but slows growth.
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist, allowing the top inch to dry slightly before watering. Use filtered or distilled water — Calathea are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water, which causes brown leaf tips.
  • Humidity: Requires 50–70% humidity. A humidifier is more effective than misting. Bathrooms and kitchens often work well.
  • Temperature: 65–80°F. Keep away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and temperatures below 60°F.
  • Soil: Peat-based, well-draining mix with slight acidity (pH 5.5–6.5).
  • Fertilizer: Every two weeks during spring and summer with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20). Reduce in fall and winter.
  • Watering tip: Bottom watering prevents mineral buildup and promotes deep root hydration — set the pot in a tray of water for 20–30 minutes, then drain.
  • Pruning: Remove brown or yellowing leaves at the base with clean scissors.
  • Propagation: Root division during repotting in spring.

Troubleshooting

  • Brown leaf tips: Almost always caused by tap water fluoride or low humidity. Switch to filtered water and increase humidity.
  • Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage. Let the top inch dry before watering and ensure the pot drains freely.
  • Faded leaf patterns: Too much direct light. Move to a shadier spot with bright indirect light.
  • Drooping or curling leaves: Underwatering or very low humidity. Water thoroughly and check your humidity levels.
  • No leaf movement: Normal in low light — the nyctinastic movement is more pronounced with brighter indirect light.

Read our Calathea Care Guide for expert watering techniques, humidity tips, and troubleshooting.

Live Plants – Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping

What will I receive?

You’ll receive one healthy live plant in the nursery-pot or hanging-basket size selected above. The listed size refers to the approximate diameter of the nursery pot, not the plant’s total height or width.

Because every plant is naturally unique, height, fullness, leaf count, coloration, variegation, vine length, maturity, and overall shape may differ from the photographs.

Unless the product listing specifically states otherwise, plants arrive in a standard nursery grow pot. Decorative planters, baskets, saucers, stands, and other accessories are sold separately.

When will my plant ship or be delivered?

Please allow approximately 10–15 business days for processing and preparation. Ten business days is the earliest end of the range, and many orders require most or all of the stated processing window.

Processing time is separate from carrier transit time. Local NYC delivery also requires preparation and does not automatically mean same-day or next-day service.

Orders may occasionally require additional time because of plant availability, order volume, weather, seasonal demand, or courier coordination. We will send an update when confirmed fulfillment, tracking, or delivery information becomes available.

How are live plants packaged?

Each live plant is inspected and packed according to its size, shape, and shipping needs. Soil and foliage may be secured to reduce movement during transit, and protective materials may be added when appropriate.

Temporary drooping, shifted soil, limited leaf loss, or minor cosmetic stress can occur while a plant adjusts after shipping. This does not necessarily mean the plant is unhealthy.

What should I do when my plant arrives?

Unpack the plant promptly and carefully remove all protective packaging. Place it in appropriate light and allow it time to adjust to its new environment.

Check the soil before watering. Do not water automatically upon arrival because the plant may already have adequate moisture. Avoid immediately fertilizing, heavily pruning, or repeatedly moving the plant while it acclimates.

Should I repot my plant immediately?

We generally recommend allowing a newly delivered plant time to acclimate before repotting unless there is an urgent plant-health reason to do so.

Repotting an eligible small plant during the first 15 days may void the Plant Health Guarantee because it can make the cause of decline difficult to determine.

What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?

Report shipping or delivery damage within 48 hours. Keep the plant and all packaging while the concern is being reviewed.

Please provide your order number, a photograph of the entire plant, close-up photographs of the concern, and photographs of the box and packaging when applicable.

Small plants in nursery pots measuring 8 inches and below may also qualify for our 15-Day Plant Health Guarantee. Large plants in nursery pots measuring 10 inches and above have a 48-hour inspection and reporting window.

Review our Refund & Returns Policy for complete eligibility and documentation requirements.

How can I get help with my order or plant?

For the fastest assistance, use the AI chat assistant on our website. It can help with common order-status, delivery, policy, product, and plant-care questions.

Have your order number and the email address used at checkout available when asking about an order. When a concern requires photographs or human review, email support@edsplantshop.com.