Velvet Calathea

Calathea Rufibarba

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Overview

The Velvet Calathea, Calathea rufibarba, is prized for its velvety-feel, elongated dark green leaves with purplish undersides and wavy edges. This elegant tropical perennial reaches up to 2-3 feet high and wide, thriving in indirect light. Prefers humidity, moist soil but not waterlogged. Sensitive to cold, ideal for indoor landscapes or warm outdoor environs. Offers air-purifying qualities, adding a lush texture to the design palette.

Sun Deep Shade, ShadeWater HighZones 3–8Climate Subtropical

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — is prized for its velvety-feel

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — elongated dark green leaves with purplish undersides and wavy edges

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — Prefers humidity, moist soil but not waterlogged

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — This elegant tropical perennial reaches up to 2-3 feet high and wide, thriving in indirect light

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — Sensitive to cold, ideal for indoor landscapes or warm outdoor environs

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — Offers air-purifying qualities, adding a lush texture to the design palette

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — scientifically named Calathea rufibarba

Culture

Sun: Deep Shade, Shade
Water: High
USDA zones: 3–8

Shape & size

Mature height: 12–18 Inches
Mature width: 12–18 Inches

Classification

Family: Marantaceae
Climate: Subtropical

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Photos (29)

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — is prized for its velvety-feel

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — elongated dark green leaves with purplish undersides and wavy edges

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — Prefers humidity, moist soil but not waterlogged

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — This elegant tropical perennial reaches up to 2-3 feet high and wide, thriving in indirect light

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — Sensitive to cold, ideal for indoor landscapes or warm outdoor environs

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — Offers air-purifying qualities, adding a lush texture to the design palette

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — scientifically named Calathea rufibarba

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — Renowned for its visually striking foliage

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — with a unique velvety texture on the underside - hence the common name

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — the Velvet Calathea features elongated leaves that can grow up to 18 inches in length

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — though it can tolerate moderate shade

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — The leaves exhibit a deep green color on the top surface and a rich purple beneath

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — placement consideration is key to avoid the scorched leaves that result from direct sunlight

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — avoiding the extremes of soggy or dry soil

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — the Velvet Calathea pairs well with other shade-loving tropical plants

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — When including this plant into a design

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — which helps prevent pest infestations and disease

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — consider its need for space to accommodate its mature size and for air circulation

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — perennial for deep shade or shade

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — The Velvet Calathea also acts as a natural air purifier

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — is prized for its velvety-feel; prefers humidity, moist soil but not waterlogged

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — elongated dark green leaves with purplish undersides and wavy edges; the leaves exhibit a deep green color on the top

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — This elegant tropical perennial reaches up to 2-3 feet high and wide, thriving in indirect light; which helps prevent

Velvet Calathea (Calathea Rufibarba) — Prefers humidity, moist soil but not waterlogged; sensitive to cold, ideal for indoor landscapes or warm outdoor environs

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