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Furry Feather Calathea

Plant care guide

How to care for Furry Feather Calathea

Calathea rufibarba (now Goeppertia rufibarba)

Care level: ModerateNon-toxic to cats & dogs

The furry feather calathea has long, wavy green leaves with soft, velvety burgundy undersides that are surprisingly fun to touch. It is a bit tougher than many patterned calatheas and forms a full, upright fountain of foliage.

Also known as: Furry Feather Calathea, Velvet Calathea, Fuzzy Feather Calathea, Calathea rufibarba, Goeppertia rufibarba, Furry Feather Prayer Plant

Just arrived? Your first week at home

  1. Unbox it right away and let the leaves spread out; gently straighten any that are folded.
  2. Set it in medium to bright indirect light, away from direct sun, heat vents and cold drafts.
  3. Check the soil: water with room-temperature filtered water only if the top inch is dry.
  4. Some curled leaves or a yellow lower leaf are normal after shipping; trim fully yellow leaves at the base.
  5. Wait 2 to 3 weeks before repotting.
  6. Add humidity by grouping it with other plants or placing a humidifier nearby.

Every plant is covered by our 30-day plant health guarantee. If your plant arrived damaged or isn't doing well, email a few photos to support@rootandreachbotanicals.com and we'll help you troubleshoot or make it right.

Light

Medium to bright indirect light suits it best, such as a few feet from an east window or set back from a south or west window. It tolerates somewhat lower light than flashier calatheas. Keep it out of direct sun, which scorches the leaves.

Water

Keep the soil lightly moist, watering when the top inch dries, roughly every 5 to 7 days in warm months. Use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is hard or heavily treated. Avoid wetting the fuzzy leaf undersides when watering. Curling leaves signal thirst; yellow leaves and soggy soil signal overwatering.

Humidity

Aim for 50 percent humidity or more. A humidifier works best; pebble trays and grouping plants help. Skip misting, since water sitting on the velvety leaves can cause spotting.

Temperature

Keep it between 65 and 80 degrees F, away from drafts, cold windows and blowing heat or AC. It does not tolerate temperatures under about 60 degrees F well.

Soil & repotting

Use an airy, moisture-retaining mix like indoor potting soil with coco coir and perlite in a pot with drainage. Repot every 1 to 2 years in spring, moving up only one pot size.

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

Troubleshooting common problems

  • Brown crispy tipslow humidity or tap-water minerals. Use filtered water and increase humidity.
  • Curling leavesthirst or dry air. Water when the top inch is dry and add humidity.
  • Yellow leavesoverwatering or soggy soil. Let it dry slightly between waterings.
  • Spots on leaveswater sitting on the fuzzy undersides. Water at the soil line and skip misting.
  • Spider mitesfine webbing and speckling in dry air. Rinse the plant and treat with insecticidal soap.

Tips to help it thrive

  • Gently dust the leaves with a soft brush instead of wiping, to protect the velvety texture.
  • Divide a full clump in spring to make a new plant.
  • Its upright, wavy shape looks great in a tall planter or on a plant stand at eye level.

Pet safety

Furry Feather Calathea is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves, which can cause a mild upset stomach.

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