Furry Feather Calathea (Calathea rufibarba 'Elgergrass')

Furry Feather Calathea

Calathea rufibarba 'Elgergrass'

Soft fuzzy undersides give leaves a warm texture, like a living velvet blanket. Evergreen foliage plant; common name: Furry Feather Calathea.

Partial sun
2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch leaf surfaces and fade foliage color
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use room-temperature, chlorine-free water to prevent leaf tip browning
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Temperature Thrives in warm, stable temperatures; avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C which cause leaf damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Long, lance-shaped leaves with deep green upper surfaces and rusty brown fuzzy undersides; upright growth habit
  • Stem: Slender, fuzzy stems that support dense upright foliage clumps
  • Flower: Small, white or pale purple blooms on short spikes (rare in indoor cultivation)
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist, mist foliage 2–3 times weekly to maintain 50–60% humidity

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows to prevent salt buildup in soil

Banana peel compost tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in room-temperature water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent mold and pest infestations
Pruning
  • Trim yellow or browning leaves at the base to maintain plant appearance and improve airflow
  • Remove spent flower spikes (if present) to redirect energy to foliage growth
  • Divide overcrowded clumps during spring repotting to propagate new plants and refresh soil
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental indoor foliage for high-humidity spaces like bathrooms or kitchens; adds texture to plant collections