Calathea rufibarba is a dense plant with fine, oblong and wavy leaves that have wavy edges

The leaves are finely hairy on the underside, hence the name (rufibarba = "red beard"). The long petioles are also red and hairy. This gives the plant a distinct and soft texture that sets it apart from other Calathea species. However, the variety we sell here has green undersides because it has been bred to have this.

It grows from an underground rhizome that acts as a water and nutrient reservoir and reaches a height of about 50-70 centimeters. It becomes very dense and can be divided. Can bloom with small yellow flowers under the right conditions.

Botanical description

Calathea rufibarba , which according to current systematics is actually called Goeppertia rufibarba, is a striped-leaf plant (Marantaceae) that in nature only occurs in a relatively small area on the east coast of Brazil, more specifically in the state of Bahia.

It grows there near the coast in the Guaraqueçaba Nature Reserve, near the city of Curitiba. The forest there is known as the "Atlantic Rainforest" and is a subtropical vegetation form with a lot of rainfall in a relatively mild climate.

The Marantaceae are also called "Prayer plants" because of the movement of their leaves, which they fold upwards at night as if in prayer. In general, Marantaceae leaves move relatively quickly and a lot, so that these movements (which almost all plants actually do) are much more noticeable in them. This makes them seem truly alive.

This nocturnal movement is an adaptation where the plant folds its leaves in the evening to reduce water loss and protect the leaf surface. In the morning, the leaves open again to maximize light absorption.

Care

Calathea rufibarba thrives in warm and humid air, not below 18°C. Avoid drafts and cold temperature changes that can damage the plant.

The plant requires warm temperatures, shade and humidity to thrive. Place in bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can burn the delicate leaves.

Mist the leaves if the air is dry to increase the humidity around the plant. Maintain high humidity, preferably above 60%, for best growth. Low humidity can cause brown leaf edges.

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.

Replant in spring in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil like this one. The dense plant can be divided when replanting to create new plants.

Fertilize moderately during the growing season with a halved dose of liquid plant food. The soft, hairy texture on the underside of the leaves makes this Calathea particularly attractive as a houseplant. Buy Calathea rufibarba online!