Calathea rufibarba, commonly known as the Velvet Calathea or Furry Feather Calathea, is a tropical plant native to Brazil. Belonging to the Marantaceae family, it is renowned for its striking foliage. The large, oval-shaped leaves exhibit a deep green color on the top and burgundy undersides, giving the plant a distinctive look. The name "Velvet Calathea" comes from the soft, velvety texture of its leaves.
This plant thrives in warm, humid environments with indirect light. It prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. When mature, Calathea rufibarba can reach heights and widths of 2-3 feet.
Beyond its visual appeal, Calathea rufibarba has air-purifying properties, making it an excellent choice for indoor spaces like homes or offices.
Overall, this tropical beauty is a fantastic addition to any indoor garden or houseplant collection, thanks to its unique appearance and easy care requirements.
Furry Feather Calathea has moderate resistance to disease and can be prone to leaf spot disease. Its leaves may curl and become dry if humidity is low. The plant is considered difficult to care for because it needs high humidity and good ventilation to grow well. Those conditions can be hard to achieve in typical indoor environments. Furry Feather Calathea is suitable for people who can maintain high humidity, but even experienced growers may find it hard to get the plant to thrive. Beginners might be able to keep it alive, though it may not do very well.
How to keep Calathea Rufibarba.
Light
Furry Feather Calathea grows best in spots with moderate sunlight, though it can tolerate lower-light environments. Originating from areas with dense foliage cover, Furry Feather Calathea has adapted to do well even when light is limited. Excessively strong sunlight can cause its leaves to fade, while too little light may hinder its growth.
Water
Velvet Calathea is a moisture-loving plant. It will do well with watering once every week. Depending on your climate, you may need to water your plant multiple times per week.
Humidity
This plant needs special care because it loves high humidity levels of 60-80% or more. The best way to achieve this is by placing a humidifier near the plant. Daily misting is also essential! Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Furry Feather Calathea favors a warm, humid environment, similar to its native habitat. It performs best in temperatures of 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃). In winter, keep the plant away from cold drafts and maintain temperatures between 60 and 75 ℉ (15 to 24 ℃) to encourage growth.
Fertilizer
The Furry Feather Calathea needs the most fertilizer during its period of active growth, which is mainly in spring, summer, and early fall. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients that the soil might lack, supporting healthy root and stem growth and maintaining the attractive foliage that is a distinctive feature of this particular plant.
Pruning
Velvet Calathea does not require much pruning. You can trim the dried or damaged leaves to keep them healthy and neat. Pruning will also help refocus the plant’s energy into sprouting new growth.
Pot & Repot
When repotting a Furry Feather Calathea, pick a container slightly larger than the previous one that provides good drainage. Repot during spring or fall, using a well-draining potting mix. Plant it at the same depth as before. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the plant in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Toxicity
The ASPCA lists all Calathea plants as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. They are also non-toxic to humans. Having said all that, they are not meant to be ingested and may still cause stomach upset.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Calathea
- Family
- Marantaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Purple
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Brazil
