Calathea Rufibarba 'Furry Feather'

Stroke a leaf and you'll understand the name immediately — the Calathea Rufibarba 'Furry Feather' has a texture unlike any other houseplant you've ever touched. The long, lance-shaped leaves of Calathea rufibarba are covered in a fine, velvety fuzz on their undersides, creating a surprisingly tactile experience alongside their striking visual appeal. The tops are a rich, wavy deep green while the undersides reveal a warm burgundy-purple — a color combination that glows when backlit by a window. Like all prayer plants, Furry Feather folds its leaves upward at dusk in its nightly ritual, adding movement and magic to your space.

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🌿 What Makes Furry Feather So Special

• Velvety Tactile Texture — Soft, fuzzy undersides make this one of the most touchable plants in the Calathea family.
• Wavy, Rippled Leaf Edges — The ruffled margins add an extra layer of visual interest and movement.
• Stunning Bicolor Foliage — Deep green tops with rich burgundy-purple undersides that glow in natural light.
• Prayer Plant Movement — Leaves fold upward at nightfall and open each morning in a captivating daily cycle.
• Pet-Friendly & Non-Toxic — Completely safe for cats and dogs.
• Air-Purifying — Naturally helps filter indoor air pollutants.

🌱 Plant Profile

• Botanical Name: Calathea rufibarba
• Common Names: Furry Feather Calathea, Velvet Calathea, Prayer Plant
• Family: Marantaceae
• Origin: Northeast Brazil
• Mature Size: 18–24" tall
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Foliage: Long, wavy, lance-shaped; deep green above, burgundy below; velvety texture

☀️ Care at a Glance

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch and fade the foliage.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist. Use filtered or distilled water to avoid tip burn from chlorine and fluoride.
• Humidity: Loves high humidity — mist regularly, use a humidifier, or place on a pebble tray.
• Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite or coco coir.
• Temperature: 65–85°F. Keep away from cold drafts and AC vents.
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertilizer.

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