Calathea rufibarba Indoor Care; Watering, Light, Pruning, Soil, Propagation, Problems
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Furry Feather Calathea (Calathea rufibarba) grows best in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Calathea rufibarba also called Velvet Calathea is one of the favorite 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 well-liked 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.
Is Calathea Rufibarba pet-friendly?
Calathea rufibarba like other Calathea Plants is non-toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. It is safe to for cats, dogs and other pets.
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).
How to care for Furry Feather Calathea indoors?
To care for Furry Feather Calathea indoors, give it bright indirect light, warmth of 15-250C, humidity of 60-80% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained 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
How often do you water Calathea rufibarba?
Water your Calathea rufibarba liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and never soggy. Avoid overwatering which can result in yellowing leaves and mushy stems.
Cut down on watering in the cold season (fall and winter) as growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to avoid crispy brown leaf edges and droopy foliage.
Use tepid water (room temperature water) to avoid shocking this tropical plant as it can lead to reduced growth and droopy leaves. Confirm that the water is free of chlorine and other dissolved chemicals to avoid brown leaf tips and edges.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent sogginess as it can lead to root-rot; yellowing, wilting and drooping leaves. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Pro tip: If using tap water, let it sit overnight before watering to allow chemicals to dissipate.
Light Requirements
How much light does a Calathea rufibarba need?
Calathea rufibarba thrives in medium to bright indirect light; position the plant infront of a large, brightly-lit, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight as it cause loss of leaf color and scorching; brown spots on the leaves.
If the leaves start curling or becoming pale, move the plant to a brighter spot or instal grow lights where the natural lighting is not adequate.
Pro tip: For even growth and to prevent lopsided growth, give the pot a 900 turn every month to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides.
Temperature & 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 sources of drafts like windy doors, drafty windows, AC units, heat sources and others as they cause flactuations in temperature which can result in stunted growth, drooping, wilting and yellowing.
Calathea rufibarba prsopers in a humidity of 60% to 80%; low humidity will result in brown leaf tips and edges. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together.
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.
Pro tip: Maintain good air circulation for the plant to discourage fungal diseases.
Potting Soil
The best potting soil for Calathea rufibarba should be a light, well-draining, and nutrient-rich soil. A potting mix made up of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite or sand, and 1 part coconut coir or peat moss is perfect for this plant.
Fertilizer
Feed your 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 salts by running a stream of water through the soil. Repeat the process several times to clear most of the salts.
Repotting
Repot Calathea rufibarba every 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season when it becomes root-bound to encourage a lush growth.
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. Check out these planters with drainage hole on Amazon.
At least one day before repotting, water the plant 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 due to transplanting shock but the plant will eventually recover once it takes root (in about 3-4 weeks).
Pruning & Grooming
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.
Once in a while, clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to keep them clean and also discourage pest infestations.
Pro tip: Use a sterilized pruning scissors to avoid trasmitting diseases between plants.
Calathea rufibarba Propagation
Calathea rufibarba (Furry Feather Calathea) is best propagated by plant division at the beginning of the growing season. Dividing the plant at this time hastens establishment as it is in the active growth phase. Learn how to propagate Calathea Plants in 2 easy ways.
Calathea rufibarba Problems & Remedies
Calathea rufibarba problems are drooping leaves, brown leaves, plant dying, brown leaf tips, curled and yellow leaves, loss of leaf color, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Drooping leaves
Drooping leaves on Calathea rufibarba are caused by dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, temperature stress, low light, being pot-bound among others.
Check out these 10 causes of Calathea drooping leaves and how to revive it.
Brown leaves
Why are the leaves of my Calathea rufibarba turning brown?
Brown leaves on Calathea rufibarba are due to incorrect watering, soggy soil, temperature stress, direct sunlight, overfertilizing among others.
Check out these 11 causes of brown leaves on houseplants with solutions.
Plant dying
Why is my Furry Feather Calathea dying?
Your Furry Feather Calathea is dying due to root-rot, soggy soil, inconsistent watering, low light, dry air, pest infestations among others.
Read more on these 12 reasons why Calathea is dying and how to save it.
Brown, dry leaf tips and edges
Brown, dry leaf tips and edges on Calathea rufibarba are due to dry air, spider mites infestation, hard water, and salts build-up.
How to fix it
Low humidity: To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom and other moist areas in the home.
Spider mites infestation: Remove the dead growth, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap, raise humidity and keep the plant well pruned.
Hard water: Use rain water, distilled water or filtered water.
Salts build-up: Flush out excess salts from the soil every 1-2 months by running a stream of water through the soil.
Curled and yellowing leaves
Curled and yellowing leaves on Calathea rufibarba are due to inconsistent watering or soggy soil.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out and never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use well-drained soil and a pot with a drainage hole.
Diseases
Calathea rufibarba is prone to leaf spot disease which is enhanced by warm, humid conditions. The disease is characterized by brown patches surrounded by a yellow halo.
How to fix it
Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it a systemic fungicide. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's directions on the label.
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