Furry feather calathea

Furry feather calathea Care

Goeppertia rufibarba

What is the plant

Calathea rufibarba is a flowering plant in the Marantaceae family native to Brazil. The plant's common name is due to its fuzzy, fur-like underleaf texture, which is unusual in its genus.

Calathea rufibarba has recently been reclassified - it is now known as Goeppertia rufibarba. This tender, evergreen perennial is frequently grown as a houseplant because of its long, arching foliage. It forms clumps of narrow, lance-shaped, green leaves with purple undersides. The leaves have scalloped edges and fine hairs across their surface, giving a velvety texture which is soft to touch. Yellow blossoms are produced from the base of the plant. Common as a houseplant, the species requires warm temperatures, shade, and humidity to thrive, and may produce small yellow flowers.

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Lighting

Part Sun

Hardiness zone

min 12

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Calathea must be kept in damp soil at all times, but definitely do not allow the plant to sit in water or in very wet soil. High humidity levels are a must. Mist frequently. Pop it in the shower room or kitchen from time to time to give an extra boost.
Fertilizer
Apply a weak dose of a nitrogen rich foliage fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season.
Sunlight
As with most variegated plants, Calathea need plenty of diffused light however direct sunlight will cause the leaves to fade and lose their markings. They can tolerate some degree of shade.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Calathea enjoy moist potting medium. Try a mix of 50 percent potting soil, 20 percent orchid bark, 20 percent charcoal, and 10 percent perlite.
Temperature
The plant prefers warm to high temperatures, ideally between 65 - 75°F (18-23°C) but can cope with as low as 60°F (15°C). Avoid draughts and ensure the plant has reasonable ventilation.
Container
This plant can be grown in containers. Choose a pot with enough drainage holes. Place the container on the tray with pebbles.