Calathea rufibarba (Goeppertia rufibarba) is commonly know as velvet calathea and is a native of Brazil. It is an extremely popular houseplant collected for the burgundy, furry underside of the leaves.

It is perfectly content in a lower light area of your home. Like all plants in the Marantaceae family, it will curl up its leaves if exposed to too much light. Because it doesn’t need a lot of light, it doesn’t need a lot of water. Water this plant when the leaves start to look limp.

Care and maintenance: this plant enjoys a low level of maintenance. It will tolerate lower light conditions – but remember nothing will thrive in a cave. The less light it gets, the less water it needs.

Your plant will come in its preferred potting mix. No need to pot it on once you get it home. There will be plenty of growing room in its pot for at least a year.

Fertilise when you see active growth. Fertiliser supports growth, it doesn’t benefit the plant if it’s not growing.