Calathea rufibarba

Wavy lance shaped leaves on long upright stems. Purple-backed leaves add interest.
height 2–3ft
width 1–2ft
tolerates Pots
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 Water when the soil surface is dry. This plant wants water when the top of the soil is dry, but you can still feel moisture just below the surface. This plant will often fall into a once-a-week watering cycle, but remember that your watering should be based on the moisture left in the soil, which will depend partly on the moisture in the room and the weather outside. The soil ‘surface’‘ goes a bit deeper for larger pots; for example, a plant in a 14-inch diameter pot should dry out a couple of inches deep before you water it, while a plant in a 4-inch pot will only want to dry out in the top ½ inch or so of soil.
If you see yellowing or brown tips, this may be a sign of underwatering but is usually related to the humidity of the room. Moving the plant near a bathroom or kitchen sink is often helpful.

Leaves will curl in on themselves when underwatered or in too much direct sun (not to be confused with emerging leaves, which will also be curled).

The natural daily posture of the leaves is to droop down a bit during the day and then move to a more upright pose at night. This doesn’t mean they’re wilting or needing more water!
hardy
to		 55F
exposure Diffuse Direct – Bright Indirect
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin Brazil
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 1

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Calathea are dramatic foliage plants that fill out from the base over time. Many have dark undersides to the leaves. This can be a dramatic contrast from day to night and against light walls or fixtures when placed at an elevated position.
It’s natural for older leaves to dry up and remain at the base of plants. If they don’t come off with a light tug, they are easily pruned off to keep your plant looking tidy. You can prune your lower leaves once they begin to brown, without worrying about hurting the plant.

Special Interest

During the day leaves spread out, showing off graphic patterns on their tops. These plants evolved their characteristic patterns to convince bugs and other predators that they’ve already been eaten and only the leaf skeleton remains. Amazingly, at night the leaves fold upwards and inwards. The undersides are dark, helping to cloak the plant from any predators. This upward nightly posture gives this plant its common name: the prayer plant.

Most houseplants are poisonous to cats and dogs, but calathea are not!