Prayer Plant

Goeppertia insignis (ghep-PER-tee-ah in-SIG-nis)

Family: Marantaceae Unknown Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

The rattlesnake plant is a herbaceous perennial evergreen, native to Southeastern Brazilian rainforests, with striking foliage and showy yellow flowers. Because it is a tropical plant and not frost hardy, it is typically grown as an indoor houseplant in most North American sites. The leaves, in particular, provide winter interest with wavy margins, purple undersides, and an alternating pattern of small and large green ellipses. The plant form is fountain-like with a spreading habit. It is a member of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae). The specific epithet, insignis, is Latin and means "remarkable" or "distinguished by a mark" and references the rattlesnake markings on the plants leaves. For best results growing indoors, provide a uniformly moist environment in a well-drained, peaty potting mixture at room temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in limited sun to bright shade locations. The rattlesnake plant does not tolerate full sun, drafts, or sudden temperature changes. It will tolerate early morning sun or diffused sun. To provide the required high humidity, consider standing a potted plant in a bed of wet pebbles or growing the plant in a humidified room. During the growing season (spring and summer), water regularly to keep soils moist (but not wet) and apply a balanced fertilizer monthly. Reduce watering and fertilization in winter when plant growth typically slows down. When dust collects on the leaves, photosynthesis slows down. Removed the dust by cleaning the leaves with a clean cloth. This plant typically grows to 1 1/2 feet tall indoors but can reach up to 2 1/2 feet tall outdoors. The leaves are long, slender with wavy margins, and they can measure up to 18 inches long. The leaf blades are light green with dark green to black spots on either side of the midrib. The markings on each leaf resemble the markings found on some rattlesnakes; hence, the common name for this plant. The undersides of the leaves are purple. In the evening, the leaves fold in half and reopen at sunrise. On plants grown outdoors, small, light green to yellow flowers bloom from late spring to early summer in 2 to 4 inch long conical spikes. Flowers rarely appear on indoor plants The rattlesnake plant can be difficult to care for properly because of its humidity requirements, but when grown indoors it is typically used as an accent plant, as a specimen in indoor settings, or in large terrariums or greenhouses because of its attractive leaves. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for aphids, scale, mealybugs and spider mites. Overwatering can result in root rot, and fungal leaf spots can occur from wetting the leaves when watering. Yellowing of the leaves can be a result of underwatering or overwatering. Browning or curling of the leaf edges and tips can result from low humidity. More information on Goeppertia .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 51 attributes.