Calathea rufibarba

What is Calathea rufibarba?

Calathea rufibarba is an evergreen perennial that usually grows between 30 and 60 centimetres tall indoors. Its leaves are long, narrow and lanceolate in shape and have a beautiful wavy structure. The upper side of the leaves is dark green, while the underside of the leaves and the stem are reddish-purple in color. The botanical name rufibarba means "red beard" and refers to this coloration.

The flowers of Calathea rufibarba are basket-shaped and bright yellow. They usually appear in late winter or spring when the plant is feeling well. Although the flowers are not very large, they are very decorative and give the plant an exotic charm.

How to care for Calathea rufibarba?

Calathea rufibarba is a demanding houseplant that requires high humidity, a warm temperature and a bright, but not sunny, position. You should also water, fertilize, prune and repot it regularly. Here are some tips for caring for Calathea rufibarba:

• Location: Choose a bright but sunny to semi-shady spot for your Calathea rufibarba. Direct sunlight can burn or bleach the leaves. The temperature should be between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius during the day and not fall below 18 degrees Celsius at night. In winter, you can keep the plant a little cooler, but not below 15 degrees Celsius.
• Humidity: Calathea rufibarba likes a high humidity of at least 60 percent, preferably over 70 percent. To achieve this, you can spray the plant regularly with lime-free water or place it on a tray filled with water and gravel or expanded clay. Make sure that the pot is not standing in water. Alternatively, you can also place the plant in the bathroom or in a heated conservatory.
• Substrate: Use a high-quality potting soil for your Calathea rufibarba that is humus-rich, nutritious and well-drained. The pH value should be between five and six. You can also mix in some peat or perlite to improve the structure.
• Watering: Water your Calathea rufibarba regularly, but not too much. The root ball should always be slightly moist, but never wet or dry. Excess water should be poured off immediately to avoid waterlogging. Rainwater or lime-free tap water is best for watering.
• Fertilize: Fertilize your Calathea rufibarba once a month during the growth phase from April to September with a liquid fertilizer for green plants. In winter, you can reduce or stop fertilizing altogether.
• Repotting: You should repot your Calathea rufibarba every two to three years in spring. Choose a slightly larger pot with a drainage hole and fill it with fresh soil. Place the plant so that the root collar is no deeper than before. Press the soil down lightly and water the plant well.
• Pruning: Cut back your Calathea rufibarba in spring to shape it. Shorten the shoots by about a third of their length. Also remove withered flowers and dried or damaged leaves. Always cut just above a leaf node or branch. Use sharp and clean scissors to avoid bruising.

Is Calathea rufibarba poisonous to dogs?

Calathea rufibarba is not poisonous to dogs, but it can cause gastrointestinal problems in sensitive animals if eaten. You should therefore place your Calathea rufibarba out of your dog's reach or train him not to nibble on the plant.