Calathea rufibarba green (Goeppertia rufibarba) - Ornamental plants

The Calathea rufibarba (Goeppertia rufibarba) is a native plant of the Amazon rainforests in Brazil. Unlike most Calathea varieties, this plant is more subtle when it comes to patterns. This plant has long, slender, and wavy leaves that are light green when young. As the leaves mature, they transition into darker green upper side and maroon to burgundy below. The stems of a rufibarba are long and slender and are burgundy in color as well. What makes this plant unique is that the stems and the leaves’ underside are covered in hair-like fuzz. This has led many gardeners to give it nicknames such as “the fuzzy/ furry feather Calathea,” “velvet Calathea,” “furry Calathea,” and many more. The velvety Calathea grows up to 3 feet / 1 meter in height and can form clusters of leaves in no time. Calathea rufibarba ideally needs bright indirect light, avoid direct sunlight. If you plan on bringing this plant to your office or house, make sure that it sits at least 3-4 feet from your window to give it enough light. Care: Keep soil moist most of time – without being soggy, maintain high humidity, keep away from drafts, do not place directly under the sun, avoid using water with high mineral content. Common problems: Browning or scorching leaves, yellowing leaves, root rot, tip burn Toxicity: Considered non-toxic to both humans and pets.