Goeppertia were previously classified as Calathea, you may see this plant labelled as Calathea insignis or Calathea lancifolia.
Goeppertia insignis is part of the Marantaceae family and its native range is Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). Leaves are oblong to lanceolate with a wavy leaf margin and dark green elliptic blotches either side of the midrib. Undersides of the leaves are maroon-burgundy.
Genus name comes from the Latin ‘calathus’ in reference to the bract looking like a basket of flowers. The specific epithet means lance-leaved, this is in reference to the lance shaped leaves.
Pot: ø 14cm.
Height: Approximately 35cm from base of pot
Light: Even if this plant doesn’t see the sun but receives indirect light all day, it will put out new growth, however, for optimum growth and pronounced variegation, provide this plant with bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain.
Water: Given adequate light, keep the potting mix evenly moist. If the soil dries out too much, the plant will become limp, aerate the mix with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes. Over the next day or so, the leaves will perk up.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, a little bit of orchid bark and worm castings. Adding a small amount of sphagnum moss will help to retain moisture in the mix.
Temperature: 15-23°C.
Humidity: Goeppertia prefer higher humidity (over 60%). You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Goeppertia are non-toxic.