Calathea rufibarba ‘Lancelot’ (Furry Feather Calathea)

Calathea rufibarba ‘Lancelot’ is not just a plant but a living piece of art that brings the beauty and diversity of the rainforest into the home. Its ability to enhance decor, improve air quality, and contribute to a sense of well-being makes it a cherished addition to any indoor plant collection. Calathea has been recently reclassified into the genus Goeppertia.

Calathea rufibarba ‘Lancelot’ – Furry Feather Calathea: An In-depth Look

Calathea rufibarba ‘Lancelot’ stands out with its elongated, wavy leaves that cascade gracefully from the plant’s center. The foliage possesses a distinctive velvety texture, with a lush green color on the top and a striking purple hue underneath. This contrast, coupled with the plant’s elegant posture, makes ‘Lancelot’ a prized addition to any indoor plant collection.

Native: Calathea rufibarba is native to the Brazilian rainforests, thriving under the dense canopy where the environment is humid and light is filtered through the treetops. It belongs to the arrowroot family (Marantaceae), along with the Prayer Plant.

Plant Type and Habit: Calathea rufibarba ‘Lancelot’ is a clump-forming evergreen perennial that exhibits an upright growth habit. It forms a clump of tall, slender leaves that gracefully arch from the central base, creating a lush and tropical feel.

Size: The plant can reach up to 1-3 feet (about 30-90 cm) in height and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in spread. Its size contributes to its appeal as a statement piece in indoor spaces.

Flowers: Though this Calathea is primarily grown for its foliage, it can produce small, yellow or orange flowers. These blooms are quite inconspicuous compared to the leaves and rarely seen when grown indoors.

Foliage: The foliage of ‘Lancelot’ is its most notable feature. Each leaf boasts regal burgundy stems leading to lance-shaped, elongated medium green leaves with a distinctive wavy quality. The foliage features burgundy-purple undersides, enveloped in a velvety layer of fine hairs, adding a luxurious texture and depth to its appearance.

Hardiness: Calathea rufibarba is hardy in USDA zones 11-12. It is not frost-tolerant and must be kept in environments above 60°F (15°C) to thrive.

Uses: Calathea ‘Lancelot’ is predominantly used as an indoor ornamental plant. It’s favored for adding a touch of the tropics to homes and offices, and its air-purifying qualities make it a functional as well as a decorative addition.

Toxicity: Calathea plants are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making them a safe choice for pet owners and families. Their sap may irritate sensitive skin.

Benefits: Beyond its ornamental appeal, it improves indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants.

Calathea rufibarba Care

Caring for Calathea rufibarba involves creating a balanced environment that mimics its native tropical habitat.

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while too little light may cause them to lose vibrancy. A spot near a window with sheer curtains or an east-facing window is ideal.

Soil: A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is suitable. Incorporating perlite or vermiculite can improve drainage.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Use distilled, rainwater, or filtered tap water to avoid brown tips caused by fluoride and other chemicals in tap water.

Temperature and Humidity: Thrives in temperatures between 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (24°C). Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts. Requires high humidity levels, ideally above 60%. Low humidity can lead to brown leaf tips and edges. Use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other plants to increase surrounding humidity.

Fertilization: Fertilize every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer. Reduce fertilization in fall and winter.

Pruning: Trim away yellow or brown leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new growth.

Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant breathe.

Repotting: Every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting.

How to Propagate Calathea rufibarba – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating a Calathea plant, like many other members of the Calathea genus, is best done through division. This method ensures the new plants have a good start with established roots and foliage.

Choose the Right Time: The best time for propagation is in late spring when the plant is in its active growth phase.

Prepare Your Tools and Workspace: Ensure you have clean, sharp scissors or a knife, pots for the new plants, and appropriate potting mix (peat-based or similar to what the parent plant is in). Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to prevent the spread of disease.

Remove the Plant from Its Pot: Carefully take your Calathea plant out of its pot. You may need to tap the pot’s sides or gently pull the plant by the base to ease it out.

Inspect and Separate the Rhizomes: Look for natural divisions in the root ball where the plant has formed distinct clumps or sections. These are your propagation points. Gently tease the roots apart with your fingers or cut through them with your clean, sharp tool if necessary. Ensure each division has a good amount of roots and at least one or two shoots (leaves).

Pot Up the Divisions: Fill your new pots with a suitable potting mix, making a hole in the center for the division. Place each division in its pot, ensuring it sits at the same depth as in the original pot. Fill around the roots with more potting mix, gently firming to support the plant.

Water and Care for Your New Plants: Water each new Calathea plant thoroughly after potting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the new plants in a warm, humid spot with indirect light, similar to the parent plant’s preferred conditions.

Monitor and Maintain Humidity: To ensure high humidity, you can cover the pots with plastic bags to create a greenhouse effect. Ensure to open the bag daily for fresh air and check the soil moisture.

Be Patient: Growth may be slow initially as your Calathea plant adjusts and develops new roots and foliage. It can take several weeks to see significant growth.

Calathea rufibarba: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

Calathea rufibarba is relatively resistant to major problems, but like all indoor plants, it can encounter some pests, diseases, and common issues.

Pests

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be identified by the fine webs they weave on the plant. They cause yellowing or speckled leaves. Increase humidity around the plant and wash it with a strong stream of water. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests tend to cluster in leaf axils and under leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply neem oil.

Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink, aphids typically feed in groups on the undersides of leaves. Combat them with a gentle spray of water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to protect the plant’s health and appearance.

Scale insects: Hard or soft-bodied insects that attach themselves to the stems or leaves, causing yellowing and growth stunting. Scrape off with a fingernail or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used.

Diseases

Root rot: Often a result of overwatering, leading to brown, mushy roots and wilted leaves. Prevent by ensuring good drainage and letting the soil partially dry between waterings. Affected plants may need repotting with fresh soil after cutting away any rotten roots.

Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial infections causing spots on leaves. Avoid wetting foliage when watering and improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves and treat with fungicides if necessary.

Common Problems

Brown Leaf Edges/Tips: Often a result of low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Use distilled water or rainwater and increase humidity around the plant.

Curling Leaves: Can indicate under-watering or too low humidity. Ensure consistent soil moisture and raise humidity levels.

Fading Leaf Color: Insufficient light can cause the vibrant patterns of your Calathea to fade. Provide bright, indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Light Does a Calathea Rufibarba Need?

Calathea Rufibarba thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves, while too little light may cause the plant to lose its vibrant color and vitality. A spot near a window that receives filtered light or a location with partial shade is ideal to meet its light requirements.

Is Calathea Rufibarba Toxic to Humans?

Calathea Rufibarba is non-toxic to humans. It is considered safe to grow in homes and spaces where children and pets are present, as it does not pose a risk of toxicity if ingested. This makes it a popular choice among houseplants for those concerned about safety.

Is Calathea Rufibarba Indoor or Outdoor Plant?

Calathea Rufibarba is primarily grown as an indoor plant, especially in temperate climates. It prefers the controlled environment of indoor spaces where its requirements for humidity, temperature, and indirect light can be more easily managed. In tropical climates with conditions similar to its native habitat, it may be grown outdoors in shaded areas. However, for most regions, it is best suited to indoor cultivation to protect it from extreme temperatures and to maintain the high humidity levels it needs to thrive.