Calathea Rufibarba
plant
Discover watering, soil, fertilizing, pests, styling, and troubleshooting tips for Calathea Rufibarba
from our experience growing and caring for it in our Brooklyn home!
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Calathea Rufibarba care guide
lineage and Symbolism
The Velvet Calathea (aka Calathea rufibarba) from the Marantaceae family has long, wavy leaves with deep green tops and purple undersides. We love placing it in bright, indirect light, where it really shows off its rich colors. It typically grows up to 3 feet tall, so it’s perfect for filling in those empty corners or standing proud on a plant stand. Here’s a quirky tidbit: its leaves actually move in response to light throughout the day! If you watch closely, they’ll rise and fall!
Calathea rufibarba symbolizes new beginnings and resilience. Its nurturing nature makes it a great match for detail-oriented and caring Virgos.
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“This Calathea arrived home gorgeous as can be. She is huge and fluffy. I just can’t keep my hand os of this one so fuzzy !”
Light and placement
What is the light requirement forCalathea Rufibarba?
We recommend placing your Calathea Rufibarba in bright, indirect light to keep its beautiful leaves vibrant. A north or east-facing window works best – direct sunlight can scorch its delicate foliage. Aim for around 6-8 hours of filtered light a day, and avoid harsh afternoon sun.
How to know if Calathea Rufibarba is not getting right amount of light?
Too much light often results in the leaves fading or developing crispy, brown edges—this is especially common when it gets direct afternoon sunlight. If it’s not getting enough light the leaves might lose their vibrant colors and new growth could become leggy or sparse.
Where to place Calathea Rufibarba and where to avoid?
We recommend placing your Calathea rufibarba near a north or east-facing window where it can get bright, indirect light. These spots will provide gentle light without exposing the plant to direct sun which could damage its leaves. It’s perfect for a living room corner, a spot near your desk, or even in a shaded area of your kitchen. Avoid placing it near south or west-facing windows: the intense afternoon sun can be too harsh!
During winter moveit closer to the window to maximize the lower light, but avoid drafts – keep the windows closed. In summer, you might want to pull it a bit farther from the window if the sun becomes too intense, especially in the afternoons. Use a sheer curtain if moving the pot around is too much of hassle.
Soil
What soil composition to use for Calathea Rufibarba?
We recommend using a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture but doesn’t get soggy: a blend of 2 parts standard potting mix, 1 part loam, and 1 part perlite works well. This mix helps maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH which is ideal for the plant’s health. If you’re a frequent waterer, add a bit more perlite for extra drainage. We avoid heavier soils like topsoil as they can retain too much water and cause root issues.
Best soil to use for Calathea Rufibarba?
This is a great soil mix for your indoor Calathea Rufibarba. If you’re using other potting mixes, just make sure to add more perlite!
Temperature and Humidity
What is the best temperature condition for Calathea Rufibarba?
Calathea rufibarba thrives best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F – keep it away from drafts or sudden temperature changes in colder regions. If you’re in a warmer area, avoid placing it near heaters or in direct sunlight, as excessive heat can cause the leaves to curl or dry out.
In colder climates or during winter, watch for signs of stress like wilting or leaf discoloration if temperatures drop below 60°F.
What is the best humidity condition for Calathea Rufibarba?
Calathea rufibarba loves high humidity: ideally around 60% or more. In drier regions or winter months, you can use a humidifier or mist the leaves to keep them happy. If you notice browning leaf edges, it’s a sign of too little humidity. And too much humidity can lead to fungal issues, so ensure good air circulation.
We recommend placing it in more humid spots like bathrooms or kitchens if possible – this plant will thrive with little else maintenance!
Our favorite humidifiers
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fertilizer
What is the best fertilizer composition to use for Calathea Rufibarba?
For your Calathea rufibarba, use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10, applied monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).The key ingredients such as Nitrogen is required for foliage growth, phosphorus for root health, and potassium for overall strength.
For a simple DIY recipe:mix 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt (for magnesium) and 1 tablespoon of banana peel water (rich in potassium) into 1 gallon of water. This blend provides essential nutrients while staying gentle on the plant and helping support strong leaves and overall growth! Apply once a month during growing season.
How and when to fertilize Calathea Rufibarba?
We recommend fertilizing your Calathea rufibarba once a month during spring and summer. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer (at half strength) and apply it directly to the soil after watering to avoid burning the roots and also avoid leaves at all cost. Make sure to evenly distribute the fertilizer around the base. No need to fertilize in fall or winter.
What are the signs Calathea Rufibarba needs food?
Slower growth, pale or yellowing leaves, and a lack of new growth esepcially during the growing season is a sure sign it needs food. We suggest keeping an eye on its growth patterns in spring and summer to catch these signs early.
Best fertilizer to use for Calathea Rufibarba?
Pots and planters
What are the best pots to use for Calathea Rufibarba?
For Calathea rufibarba, we recommend using a medium-sized pot, about 1-2 inches larger than the root ball, to avoid overwatering. A ceramic or terracotta pot works best. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent water buildup. A deeper shape is ideal to allow root growth, and a heavier pot helps stabilize the plant as this one can grow tall. Lighter plastic pots may cause it to tip over, so avoid them for this plant.
Our favorite Terracotta and hanging pots
Watering
How and When to water Calathea Rufibarba?
We suggest watering once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days in warmer months and every 2-3 weeks in winter. Avoid hard or chlorinated water. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, and always empty the saucer.
If using a well-draining soil mix with perlite or loam, adjust the frequency slightly depending on how fast the soil dries out. Using room-temperature, filtered water is ideal to mimic its natural humid environment.
what are the Signs of over or under watering Calathea Rufibarba?
Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a musty smell from the soil, which can lead to root rot. You might also notice wilting, even though the soil is wet. Underwatering shows up as dry, crispy leaf edges or browning tips, while the leaves curl inward. If you see the plant’s leaves drooping and the soil is bone dry, it’s likely thirsty.
To avoid confusion between the two: Be sure to check the soil moisture using a moisture meter before adjusting your watering routine: the reading on it should say moderate.
Our favorite watering cans
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pruning
When to prune Calathea Rufibarba and why?
Pruning is typically needed when you notice yellowing or browning leaves, as well as dry or crispy edges – the best time to prune is in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
how to prune Calathea Rufibarba?
Inspect the plant: Look for leaves that are yellowing, browning, or damaged. These are the ones to remove, as they’re draining energy from the plant.
Sterilize your shears: Use rubbing alcohol to clean your pruning shears to prevent the spread of any disease.
Cut at the node: Position the shears just below the leaf at the node (where the leaf meets the stem). This is where new growth can emerge. Make a clean and sharp cut to avoid damaging the plant.
Prune dead or dying stems: Remove any stems that are fully brown or wilted by cutting them at the base, a bit closer to the soil.
how to care after pruning Calathea Rufibarba?
After pruning, water your Calathea lightly to reduce stress, and place it back in its usual spot with high humidity and indirect light. Don’t fertilize for at least a couple of weeks after.
propagating
When to Propagate Calathea Rufibarba?
The easiest method to propagate Calathea rufibarba is by division, since stem cuttings do not root well for this plant. Propagation should be done in spring or early summer when the temperature is consistently warm: ideally between 65°F and 75°F. High humidity and indirect light are key for successful propagation!
how to Propagate Calathea Rufibarba?
Prepare the plant:
Water the plant a day before propagation to ensure the roots are hydrated and pliable.
Locate the divisions:
Remove plant from the pot without damaging the roots – just gently shaking them to take apart – and then look for sections where the plant has naturally divided. Calathea rufibarba often grows in clumps, and you’ll see separate root systems attached to smaller clusters of stems.
Seperate the divisions:
Using your hands or a sterile knife, carefully divide the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have at least a few stems and a healthy portion of roots.
Repot the divisions:
Place each divided section into a pot with a well-draining mix as recommended above, and choose pots with drainage holes to avoid root rot. Watering:
Water each new plant lightly, make sure excess water drains out. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
how to care after propagating Calathea Rufibarba?
Place the new pots in a warm spot with bright, indirect light and high humidity. Water lightly, and mist regularly to maintain humidity. Avoid fertilizing until the new plants are established — this one does take a month of so, it doesn’t propagate as quickly as some of the other tropical plants.
Troubleshooting common issues
1. Why are the leaves of my Calathea Rufibarba drooping?
Cause: Underwatering or low humidity.
Solution: Immerse your index fingers 2-3 inches in the soil and check to see if it’s soggy, if so let it dry out before watering again. if it’s too dry, water thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes. If this doesn’t work, then mist the plant every other day for a couple of weeks or place a humidifier next to it. This should help.
2. Why is the color of my Calathea Rufibarba fading?
Cause: Too much direct sunlight.
Solution: Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. Ideally around the north facing or east facing window. Use a sheer curtain to get filtered light.
3. Why are the leaves of my Calathea Rufibarba yellowing?
Cause: Overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Solution: Reduce watering if the soil is soggy – use moisture meter to check if the level is at about dry in order to feed more. Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry between waterings and ensure the pot has good drainage. Trim yellow leaves to encourage healthy growth.
4. Why are there Brown tips to the leaves of my Calathea Rufibarba?
Cause: Low humidity or exposure to chemicals in tap water
Solution: Increase humidity around the plant using a humidifier or a pebble tray, and switch to filtered or distilled water to avoid leaf damage for a few weeks.
5. Why are there spots on leaves of my Calathea Rufibarba?
Cause: Fungal or bacterial infections due to overwatering, or consistently wet leaves.
Solution: Reduce watering and improve air circulation. Trim any affected leaves and avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. If it still doesn’t help, you can also consider using a fungicide or neem oil to get rid of the infection – Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of mild dish soap to help the oil stick. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and mist the entire plant and repeat every 7-10 days until the spots clear up.
6. Why are the leaves on my Calathea Rufibarba folding up at night?
Cause: This is a natural response in Calathea rufibarba – part of its circadian rhythm, known as nyctinasty
Solution: No action needed – enjoy the way plant changes the moment the soft morning light hits its leaves!
7. Why is my Calathea Rufibarba stem weak and falling over?
Cause: Overwatering or poor soil drainage, leading to root issues.
Solution: Check that your pot has proper drainage and adjust watering to ensure the soil doesn’t stay waterlogged.Drain the water completely everytime you water the plant.
curated styling tips for Calathea Rufibarba
1.Living Room Statement Corner Near an east-facing or north-facing window, let the Calathea rufibarba stand out in a textured, neutral-colored planter. Its medium height (up to 3 feet) makes it a perfect floor plant. Pair it with contrasting, smaller plants like succulents in minimalist pots to create a varied, but balanced, indoor garden. The plant’s movement during the day adds subtle life to the space.
2.Reading Nook Companion: Place your Calathea rufibarba beside a cozy armchair in a reading nook. Use a sleek, dark-colored ceramic pot to contrast its wavy green leaves and purple undersides. Position it near an east-facing window and add a floor lamp for soft lighting at night. The plant’s delicate movement will create a serene environment for your reading time!
3.Bathroom Beauty: With its love for high humidity – the Calathea rufibarba makes a perfect bathroom plant. Place it in a stylish ceramic or terracotta pot by your bathtub. The moist environment will help keep those leaf edges crisp and green. Add a few trailing plants nearby for a lush, spa-like vibe.
FAQ
Is Calathea Rufibarba toxic to pets?
No, Calathea rufibarba is non-toxic to both cats and dogs!
Does Calathea Rufibarba like to be placed outside in summer?
Yes, but only in a shaded spot. We recommend keeping it away from direct sunlight, as outdoor conditions can be too harsh. If temperatures drop below 65°F, bring it back inside
What are advantages and disadvantages of Calathea Rufibarba?
Advantages: Non-toxic, vibrant foliage, and adds humidity to the room.
Disadvantages: Sensitive to humidity and requires specific care to avoid browning leaves.
How fast does Calathea rufibarba grow?
It’s a moderate grower – you’ll notice more leaf growth during the spring and summer months. Proper humidity, watering, and light are key to promoting steady growth.
What are the common pests and bugs for Calathea Rufibarba plant?
Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are the most common pests – check for webbing or sticky residue on leaves, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if spotted.
