Goeppertia Insignis Rattlesnake Plant

The Rattlesnake Plant, Goeppertia insignis, was reclassified out of Calathea in recent years, but you will still see it sold under its older name, Calathea lancifolia, everywhere from garden centers to seed catalogs. Long, slender, wavy-edged leaves carry an alternating pattern of dark green to black blotches down the midrib over a lighter green background, with purple undersides that show off when the plant folds its leaves up at night.

It grows as a clumping, evergreen perennial reaching 9 to 20 inches tall and wide, an easy scale for a plant stand, shelf, or bathroom counter with good indirect light. Like other prayer plants, its leaves fold together in the evening and reopen each morning, a small daily show that makes it a favorite for anyone who likes an interactive houseplant.

This is a genuinely pet-friendly choice if you want foliage color without the toxicity warnings common in this category. Browse the rest of our Houseplants collection for more easy-care picks, and check the Nature Hills Garden Blog for more indoor growing guides.

Order your Rattlesnake Plant today and grow with the confidence of Nature Hills' full plant guarantee.