| Houseplant
Cultural
information: Calathea rufibarba is much easier to keep
than most of the Calathea family. The under side of the foliage,
along with the stems are rich burgundy in color. The stems are
covered with fine purplish-brown hairs. The upper foliage of
Calathea rufibarba is
semi-glossy, and olive green in color.
Hard water may cause leaf spotting. Use bottled water if your
water quality is poor. If you're fortunate enough to have soft
water, let the water sit out over night before watering your
Calathea plant. If you have an aquarium, water your plant with the
recycled tank
water.
Place your Calathea rufibarba in bright filtered or indirect light.
East, west or north windows should do well. Avoid hot sunny
locations as the plants leaves will tend to curl and burn. During
periods of extreme cold remove the Calathea rufibarba from the window
to avoid chilling.
Keep the Calathea's soil moist but not soggy. It is very beneficial
to place your Calathea rufibarba on a pebble tray to increase
the humidity level near the plant, but do not allow the plant
to sit in water as this will cause root rot.
Calathea's prefer a warm, but not hot location, away from cold
drafts.
Excessive fertilizing can lead to leaf spots on Calthea
rufibarba. Your Calathea should be fertilized about four times per
year.
Propagation is extremely difficult in our dry climate and is not recommended.
Common houseplant pests include: Spider mites.
Calathea rufibarba is available in 4", 6" and
8" containers in your local garden centers plant department or
neighborhood floral shop.
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