Goeppertia rufibarba aka Furry Feather Calathea

Taxonomy ID: 9160

Goeppertia rufibarba, formerly known as Calathea rufibarba, is a flowering plant in the Marantaceae family native to Bahia state in northeastern Brazil. This tender, evergreen perennial is commonly grown as a houseplant and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The plant's common names, such as furry feather or velvet calathea, are due to its unusual fuzzy, fur-like underleaf texture. The leaves of Goeppertia rufibarba are long, narrow, and lance-shaped, with scalloped edges and fine hairs across their surface, giving a velvety texture that is soft to the touch. The plant produces clumps of green leaves with purple undersides that form an arching foliage. Additionally, it may produce small yellow flowers that bloom from the base of the plant. Goeppertia rufibarba requires warm temperatures, shade, and humidity to thrive, making it an ideal indoor plant. Many of the houseplants formerly known as Calatheas now belong to the genus Goeppertia, and prayer plants are a common name for them. Some species of Goeppertia have delightfully patterned leaves that come in all sorts of colors and shapes. Finally, the leaves of some species of Goeppertia fold up at night through a process called nyctinasty, meaning night movement.

Common names

Furry Feather Calathea, Wave Away, Undulations, Fuzzy Feather Calathea

More information about Furry Feather Calathea

How difficult is it to take care of Furry Feather Calathea

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Furry Feather Calathea is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

What is the region of origin of Furry Feather Calathea

Furry Feather Calathea’s native range is Tropical Americas.

What are the water needs for Furry Feather Calathea

Furry Feather Calathea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Furry Feather Calathea

Furry Feather Calathea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Furry Feather Calathea

To ensure optimal growth, the Furry Feather Calathea prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

What's the right humidity for Furry Feather Calathea

No extra humidity is necessary for the Furry Feather Calathea. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

How to fertilize Furry Feather Calathea

Repotting the Furry Feather Calathea should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Cat approves this plant

Is Furry Feather Calathea toxic to humans/pets?

Furry Feather Calathea is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

What is the growth pattern of Furry Feather Calathea

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Furry Feather Calathea, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Is Furry Feather Calathea flowering?

Yes, if you provide your Furry Feather Calathea with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.

More info:
Wikipedia