Calathea Rufibarba Prayer Plant 12cm pot
£10.00
Out of stock
The Calathea Rufibarba, commonly known as the Furry Feather or Velvet Calathea, is a beautiful and distinctive houseplant that stands out with its unique velvety leaves. Unlike other Calatheas, the Rufibarba’s long, slender leaves have a soft, furry texture, adding a tactile element to its visual appeal. The leaves are deep green on top with a rich, purplish underside, creating a striking contrast that enhances its tropical look.
This air-purifying plant helps cleanse indoor air, making your home environment fresher and healthier. It thrives in low to medium light, making it perfect for shaded spots or rooms with indirect light. The Calathea Rufibarba is also pet-friendly, meaning it’s safe to keep around cats and dogs, making it an excellent choice for households with pets.
As a prayer plant, the Calathea Rufibarba performs its signature leaf movement, folding upwards in the evening and reopening in the morning. This rhythmic behaviour adds a dynamic and calming presence to any room.
I would like to introduce Calathea Rufibarba (Goeppertia rufibarba), a very special plant to our collection.
Care Instructions
Calathea LOVES humidity, so give her as nice and humid an environment as you can. Resting in a tray of clay pebbles (we sell those too) plus regular misting and even a humidifier will help.
The soil should always be moist, water a little bit and frequently, don’t totally soak her or leave her sitting in a pool of water.
Plant Pro Tip
You will get some crisp edges from time to time and this is to be expected. If you do get crispy edges bump up the humidity.
Calathea is not toxic to pets or humans
- How often should I water my Calathea Rufibarba?
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water little and often, ensuring the pot has good drainage to prevent the plant from sitting in water.
- What are the best conditions to ensure my Calathea Rufibarba thrives?
- This plant loves humidity; consider placing it on a tray of moist pebbles and misting regularly. It’s best suited to low to medium indirect light, away from direct sunlight.
- Is the Calathea Rufibarba suitable for beginners?
- Yes, it’s quite forgiving and pet-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners. Be mindful of its need for humidity and consistent watering to prevent crispy leaf edges.
☀️ Light
☀️☀️▫️ (Medium)
The Calathea Rufibarba thrives in low to medium light conditions. It prefers indirect light, so placing it near a north-facing window or a spot that receives filtered light is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, so be sure to avoid any harsh exposure.
💧 Water
💧💧▫️ (Medium)
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water little and often to maintain moisture without soaking the plant. Ensure any excess water can drain away to prevent root rot.
🌡️ Temperature
🌡️🌡️▫️ (Average)
Calathea Rufibarba enjoys a typical indoor temperature range between 18°C to 24°C. Avoid draughty areas or sudden temperature changes which can stress the plant.
💦 Humidity
💦💦💦 (High)
This plant loves humidity! Utilise a humidifier or place it on a tray of wet pebbles to boost the moisture in the air around it. Misting the leaves regularly also helps increase humidity.
🪴 Repotting
Repot the Calathea Rufibarba every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its pot. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to recover and grow into the warmer months.
🐾 Pet Friendliness
The Calathea Rufibarba is non-toxic and safe around cats and dogs, making it a worry-free choice for pet owners.
✅🪴 Recommended Locations at Home
This plant fits beautifully in shaded corners or near north-facing windows. It’s also perfect for bathrooms where humidity tends to be higher.
🌬️🪴 Air Purifying
The Calathea Rufibarba is known for its air-purifying properties, helping to remove impurities from the indoor environment and improve overall air quality.
✨ Other Plant Features
The rhythmic movement of the Calathea’s leaves from day to night adds a dynamic and intriguing element to its presence, making it not only a plant but a conversation starter.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask Mossbot or contact us via our website. Don’t forget, we also offer a free plant hospital service if your Calathea needs extra care!

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