- Calathea Rufibarba ‘Elgergrass’, also known as the Velvet Calathea or Fuzzy Feathers plant, is one of those houseplants that instantly softens a room. Its long, gently wavy leaves are deep green on top with rich purple undersides, and they have a soft, velvety texture that makes the plant feel a bit more special than your average foliage plant.
- Like other Calatheas, it has a really interesting habit of moving its leaves throughout the day. In the evening, the leaves slowly lift upwards as if the plant is settling down for the night before opening out again in the morning. It’s a small detail, but one that gives the plant a lot of character.
- It’s a great choice for shelves, bedrooms or living spaces where you want to add a calm, tropical feel. Easy to style and full of texture, it’s perfect if you want a houseplant that feels a little different without being too difficult to care for.
Please note: the decorative pot shown in the images is for illustration purposes only and is not included with the plant.
- Please note: the decorative pot shown in the images is for illustration purposes only and is not included with the plant.
Plant genus Calathea
Common Name Furry Feather Calathea
Plant type Tropical Houseplant, Foliage Houseplant
Foliage type Evergreen, Perennial
Hardiness Tropical
Soil acidity Neutral
Flower colour Yellow
Leaf colour Green, Purple, Red
Growth Rate Moderate
Edible Use No
Light Required Bright In-direct sunlight
Watering Keep the compost lightly and evenly moist, watering when the surface just begins to dry. Avoid both prolonged dryness and waterlogged roots, and let excess water drain freely after each watering. Water a little less in winter, while maintaining reasonable humidity around the foliage.
Best Growing Conditions Grow in bright, indirect light and protection from harsh direct sun, ideally at around 18-26°C, away from cold draughts and sudden temperature changes. Use a good-quality, well-drained houseplant compost and make sure excess water can drain freely from the pot. Most houseplants perform best with moderate humidity and should be kept away from strong radiator heat.
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