Calathea rufibarba is an indoor plant with velvety dark green and purple leaves. This plant is an excellent addition to your indoor setting, which requires not much maintenance.
WHAT IS CALATHEA RUFIBARBA?
Calathea rufibarba is also called furry feature and velvet calathea. Calathea rufibarba belongs to the Marantaceae family of plants. Calathea rufibarba is mostly found in humid environments.
APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS
Calathea rufibarba is a beautiful plant even without flowers. Calathea rufibarba has dark green-colored leaves which have crinkled edges with silver-colored brush marks on the surface. On the lower side of the leaves, burgundy purple color adds more attraction and beauty to the appearance of the plant. Calathea rufibarba is tall in height and has red stems. It is an indoor plant.
If your looking for a plant that brings freshness then check out the low maintenance Maranta leuconeura.
QUICK SUMMARY
Botanical Plant name: Goeppertia rufibarba.
Native to: Amazon rainforests in Brazil, South America.
Care: Easy to care.
Size: Grow up to 3 feet.
Common problems: Brown and yellow leaves, root rot, tip burn.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to both humans and pets.
HOW TO CARE FOR CALATHEA RUFIBARBA?
For the optimal growth of Calathea rufibarba some conditions need to be considered;
SUNLIGHT
Like most of the variegated plants, Calathea rufibarba also needs plenty of indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in an area where it gets direct sunlight for too long as it may cause the leaves of the plant to fade and lose their markings. It should be placed at least 3-4 feet from the window so that it can get enough indirect light.
WATERING
Calathea rufibarba needs a lot of moisture to grow well, but it is important to ensure that the soil does not get too soggy. The soil of this plant should not be allowed to dry out more than an inch from the top, so it is ideal to water the plant at regular intervals. However, over watering should be avoided as it can result in root rot.
It is best to use room temperature water instead of cold water for watering the plant. If minerals are present in tap water, it can cause burnt tips and leaf edges. To avoid this, filtered or diluted water should be used for watering this plant.
If Calathea rufibarba is watered properly it grows tall and provides your home with a good looking tall plant. If your looking for another plant idea that brightens your home, then check out the beautiful Poinsettia.
HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE
Calathea rufibarba likes an environment with high humidity. It grows well if the humidity is more than 50%. Although it can tolerate periods with low humidity, the plant will dry out if the humidity is low for a very long time. Temperatures of around 65*F to 90*F are ideal for Calathea rufibarba.
CLEANING
Due to the fuzzy nature and density of the leaves, lukewarm showers can help clean and keep the leaves of the plant dust-free. Misting the plant is another way to keep it clean. A damp cloth can also be used to clean the dust present on the leaves of the Calathea rufibarba.
FERTILIZING & SOIL
It is recommended to use half the strength of nitrogen-rich foliage fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season. Over-fertilizing should be avoided as it can damage the plant.
Soil which retains moisture and drains well is ideal for the growth of Calathea rufibarba. However, it is important to ensure that the soil does not get too soggy.
REPOTTING
Repotting the plant after every two years should be done if the plant is healthy and growing. Choose a pot that is at least 2 inches bigger than the previous pot.
HOW AND WHEN TO PRUNE?
Calathea rufibarba should be pruned when you see too many dry and dull leaves on the plant. Calathea rufibarba can be easily pruned by using gardening scissors. Cut the stem on which there are dry yellow leaves to give the plant a healthy look.
Calathea rufibarba can be pruned at any time of the year.
PROBLEMS WITH CALATHEA RUFIBARBA
Some of the major problems with Calathea rufibarba are as follows:
- Cold dry temperatures are the major factor damaging Calathea rufibarba. The drought damages Calathea rufibarba.
- Scale and spider mites are the threats to the Calathea rufibarba. And this results when the plant is under hydrated.
- Overwatering Calathea rufibarba plays a major role in rotting of the plant.
- Rotting of roots occurs due to the overhydration and the introduction of the pathogens.
HOW TO PROPAGATE CALATHEA RUFIBARBA?
Here is the procedure for propagating Calathea rufibarba:
1- Take a pot filled with moist soil.
2- Then, take some rhizomes of Calathea rufibarba having many leaves.
3- Plant these into the pot.
4- Make sure to use clean scissors or a knife for cutting the plant.
COMMON FAQS
HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A CALATHEA RUFIBARBA NEED?
Calathea rufibarba needs bright light but it should not be directed directly at the plant.
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT CALATHEA RUFIBARBA?
The Speciality of the Calathea rufibarba is the hairy texture of the leaf’s surface, which gives a velvety and furry appearance.
ARE CALATHEA RUFIBARBA GOOD INDOOR PLANTS?
Calathea rufibarba is an ideally good indoor plant.
CAN A CALATHEA RUFIBARBA SURVIVE IN LOW LIGHT?
Calathea rufibarba can definitely survive in low lights well but low lights can affect the freshness of the plant.
CAN CALATHEA RUFIBARBA GROW IN SHADES?
Yes, Calathea rufibarba loves to be in shady areas but avoids putting the plant in completely dark places.
WHAT IS THE COMMON REASON FOR THE DEATH OF CALATHEA RUFIBARBA?
The common reason is overwatering the plant because it leads to the decay of roots.
SUMMARY
Calathea rufibarba is the plant native to Amazon rainforests in Brazil. Calathea rufibarba is the ideal indoor plant which needs less care and indirect bright light. Calathea rufibarba can be put on the windows to add beauty and freshness to your room and house. Height of Calathea rufibarba measured is upto 3 feets. Beautiful velvety and furry appearance and texture of the leaves with the purple and dark green color make it magnificently attractive. Calathea rufibarba is very easily propagated and pruned.
Beneficial conditions for Calathea rufibarba can be created by providing bright indirect sunlight, humid soil, suitable warm temperatures, proper cleaning, fertilization, and repotting.
Calathea rufibarba is a non-toxic plant for humans and animals.
We recommend you check out the low toxicity Calathea orbifolia, which is not harmful to humans and pets.
