Calathea rufibarba (Furry Feather Calathea) Indoor Care, Propagation and Common Problems
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Furry Feather Calathea (Calathea rufibarba) grows best in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Calathea rufibarba also called Velvet Calathea is one of the popular Calathea varieties and bears red stems and deep blue-green, elongated leaves with a dark-purple underside.
The common names, 'Furry Feather Calathea' and 'Velvet Calathea', are in reference to the tiny hairs that cover the waxy leaves and stems which give the plant a soft, velvety feel to the touch.
On account of its fabulous foliage, Furry Feather Calathea is one of the best plants for the home and will create a delightful sight in any space.
Botanical name: Calathea rufibarba
Synonym: Goeppertia rufibarba
Family: Marantaceae
Common name: Furry Feather Calathea, Velvet Calathea
Origin
Calathea rufibarba also called Goeppertia rufibarba is native to the tropical rainforests of Bahia state of northeastern Brazil.
Toxicity
Calathea rufibarba like other Calathea Plants is non-toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. It is safe to grow indoors.
Related Plants
Furry Feather Calathea is related to the Marantas, Ctenanthe and Stromanthe which are collectively called Prayer Plants in reference to their curious characteristic of closing their leaves at night.
Where to Buy
Furry Feather Calathea are a perfect addition to any plant collection, you can get them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy or from (Link to Amazon).
Calathea rufibarba Care Indoors
Furry Feather Calathea (Calathea rufibarba) performs best in bright indirect light, average warmth of 15-250C, humidity of 60-80% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Calathea rufibarba requires repotting only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep it neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Keep reading for more on the growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Calathea rufibarba liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings and keep the soil moderately moist.
Cut down on watering in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Use tepid water that is free of chlorine and flourides as Velvet Calathea like other Calathea is sensitive to chemicals dissolved in water which cause brown leaf tips and edges.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Avoid wetting the foliage during watering or water from the bottom instead to prevent fungal infestations like leaf spot diseases.
Light Requirements
Calathea rufibarba grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves and also cause loss of leaf color.
Furry Feather Calathea can also be grown under grow lights where the natural lighting is not adequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
For even growth and to prevent lopsided growth, regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides.
Temperature and Humidity
Furry Feather Calathea prefers average warmth of 15-250C. At temperatures below this range, the plant stops growing while temperatures above this range may cause the plant to die. Keep it away from drafts as they cause sudden changes in temperature which the plant cannot tolerate.
Calathea rufibarba requires humidity of 60% to 80% to thrive. Low humidity results in brown leaf tips and edges. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to increse humidity for houseplants.
You may also grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen, laundry area and other moist areas in the home. Velvet Calathea is one of the best plants for the bathroom on account of its requirement for warm, humid conditions.
Once in a while, clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to keep them clean and also discourage pest infestations. Ensure that there is good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.
Potting Medium
The best potting soil for Calathea rufibarba should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose mixes or those designed for aroids are good for this plant.
Fertilizer
Feed Calathea rufibarba with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks through out the growing season for a lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Regularly, flush out accumulated chemicals (salts) from the soil by running a stream of water through the soil. Allow the stream of water to run for some time and repeat the process several times.
Repotting
Repot Calathea rufibarba every 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season when it becomes root-bound. Use a pot one size larger than the current one. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot.
At least one day before repotting, water the Velvet Calathea thoroughly to hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less repotting shock.
Where the plant is large and has outgrown its current pot, divide it into several sections and use the splits to propagate new plants. Once repotted the leaves may droop but the plant will eventually recover in about 3-4 weeks once it takes root. Check out these planters with drainage hole on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Calathea rufibarba is easy. Remove dead and yellow foliage to maintain the plant neat and reduce pest and disease infestations. Cut the leaves with a sharp knife or pruning scissors at the base, where the leaf meets the stalk.
Propagation
Calathea rufibarba (Furry Feather Calathea) is best propagated by plant division at the beginning of the growing season (in spring) during repotting. Dividing the plant at this time hastens establishment as it is in the active growth phase.
Read more on how to propagate Calathea Plants in 2 easy ways.
Calathea rufibarba Problems
Velvet Calathea growing problems include curled and yellow leaves, drooping leaves, loss of leaf color, brown leaf tips, plant dying, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Diseases
Calathea rufibarba is prone to leaf spot disease which is enhanced by the humid conditions in which it grows. The disease is characterized by brown patches surrounded by a yellow halo. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it for the disease.
Plant dying
Calathea rufibarba may die due to two possible reasons. One possible is root-rot which is brought about by soggy soil. Slip the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots. Brown-black mushy roots indicate root-rot, trim them off and treat the healthy roots with a fungicidal solution.
Disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution or use a fresh pot to repot the plant in fresh free-draining soil. Do not water the plant and keep it dry for some time before resuming watering
To prevent root-rot in the future, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Avoid overwatering the plant during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time but maintain the soil slightly moist.
The second possible reason why Calathea rufibarba is dying is pest infestations as it is prone to mealy bugs, aphids, scale insects and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests. Learn how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
Read more on these 12 Reasons Why Calathea is Dying and How to Save It
Drooping leaves
Calathea rufibarba drooping leaves are due to three possible causes. One possible cause is too dry air (low humidity). To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
The second possible cause of drooping leaves in Furry Feather Calathea is incorrect watering; either overwatering (soggy soil) or underwatering. Water the plant liberally and maintain the soil moderately moist during the growing season.
Reduce watering in the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Make sure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Learn more on how to water indoor plants the correct way.
The third possible cause of drooping leaves in Velvet Calathea is that the plant is root-bound. This means that the roots have filled the pot and there is very little soil to hold water when you water your plant.
Therefore, there is no water for the plant to take up to the leaves. The leaves loss their stiffness and they droop. Check the bottom of the pot for roots growing through the drainage hole and repot the plant into a pot one size larger than the current one or divide it into several sections to propagate new plants.
Check out these 10 Causes of Calathea Drooping Leaves and How to Revive It
Curled and yellowing leaves
Calathea rufibarba curled and yellowing leaves are caused by incorrect watering; either overwatering (soggy soil) or underwatering. Overwatering and soggy soil causes the roots to die due to lack of oxygen in the soil. When the roots die they cannot take up water and therefore the leaves begin to curl, yellow and eventually die.
Underwatering implies that there is too little moisture in the soil and therefore, the plant has no water to take up to the leaves. As such, the leaves begin to curl, yellow and eventually die if the situation is not corrected.
Water the Furry Feather Calathea thoroughly and keep the soil moderately moist during the growing season. Decrease watering in the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Ensure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Brown, dry leaf tips and edges
Brown, dry leaf tips and edges in Calathea rufibarba are due to four possible causes. One possible cause is dry air (too little humidity). To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom and other moist areas in the home.
The second cause of brown, dry leaf tips and edges in Furry Feather Calathea which is accompanied by stunted growth is infestation by spider mites due to the air being too dry (low humidity). Remove the dead growth and raise humidity for the plant to discourage the pest infestations.
The third cause of brown, dry leaf tips and edges in Velvet Calathea is watering it with hard water. Water the plant with chlorine-free water only like rain water. Velvet Calathea is sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals dissolved in water and it responds with brown leaf tips and edges.
The fourth cause of brown, dry leaf tips and edges in Calathea rufibarba is accumulation of salts or chemicals in the soil which may have come from the water or fertilizers used. Flush out accumulated chemicals (salts) from the soil regularly by running a stream of water through the soil. Allow the stream of water to run for some time and repeat the process several times.
Leaves appear washed out
Calathea rufibarba washed out leaves are due to exposure of the plant to hot direct sunlight as the plant grows best in bright indirect light. Place the plant in a more shaded spot or instal a light curtain to shield it from direct sunlight to prevent its eventual death.
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