Velvet Calathea Goeppertia rufibarba

The furry feather Calathea is an herbaceous perennial native to tropical rainforests of Brazil and thrives under tree canopies in its warm, humid, and partially shaded environment. It grows upright and has a clumping habit, and the leaves and stems have an interesting velvety texture of reddish hairs. The plant is used primarily as an ornamental houseplant. This species is a member of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae). The specific epithet, rufibarba, is from the Latin word rufus that means "red" and barba, meaning "beard' and references the reddish fuzz that is found on the stems and the undersides of the leaves.

The furry feather Calathea prefers bright, indirect light, and moist, well-drained, peaty potting mix with the addition of perlite of vermiculate to encourage adequate drainage. The soil should be moist but not wet or soggy. Distilled water or rain water should be used for watering since tap water contains fluoride that can cause the leaves to turn brown. The room temperature needs to be maintained between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the required humidity level should be 60% or above. A humidifier may be required, or the plant can be placed on a tray of wet pebbles to add moisture to the air. Fertilize the plant monthly during the spring and summer. Dust can collect on its leaves which will slow down photosynthesis. At regular intervals gently wipe the leaves with a clean damp cloth. The best method of propagation is division of its rhizomatous roots.

This evergreen plant can grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Its leaves are glossy and green on the upper surface and purplish on the undersides. Reddish hairs appear on the stalks, midribs, and underside of the leaves. The leaves are up to 10 inches long and appear on 8-inch stalks. The plant can produce inconspicuous, small, yellow or orange blooms. 

The furry feather Calathea is primarily grown as an indoor plant where the room temperature, humidity, and light source can be controlled. This showy evergreen will add interest to your houseplant collection and can be used in both the home or office.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Overwatering can cause root rot, and leaf spot can occur from getting the leaves wet while watering or from poor air circulation. Low humidity or fluoride in the tap water can cause the leaf edges and tips to turn brown. Leaf curl can occur from low humidity or inadequate water. The leaf color will fade from inadequate light, and direct sun light can cause the leaves to scorch.