Calathea Rufibarba - Prayer Plant - 17cm | Houseplant

Soft, tactile, and quietly sophisticated — Calathea Rufibarba is the Calathea for people who appreciate texture over drama. Run your fingers along the underside of its long, gently rippled leaves and you’ll find fine reddish hairs that give it a velvety feel unlike any other houseplant. It’s a plant that rewards close attention.

Calathea Rufibarba (Calathea rufibarba) — Velvet Calathea / Prayer Plant

Native to the tropical forest floors of Brazil, where it grows in filtered light, consistent warmth, and evenly moist soil. Its narrow, feather-like leaves grow in an elegant upright fountain shape, and like all prayer plants, it gently raises and lowers its leaves throughout the day in response to light. Subtle, calming, and endlessly characterful.

And great news for pet owners: this one is pet safe 🐾

Why Choose Calathea Rufibarba?

• Long, ripple-edged leaves with a uniquely velvety texture
• Fine reddish hairs on the leaf undersides — a real talking point
• Elegant upright, fountain-like growth habit
• Tolerates lower light conditions — great for UK homes
• Pet safe — perfect for homes with cats and dogs

Light Requirements

Bright to moderate indirect light is ideal. Calathea Rufibarba is one of the more adaptable Calatheas for lower light, making it well suited to UK homes year-round. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch and dull the leaves.

Watering

Keep the compost lightly moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid both overwatering and letting it dry out completely. Use rainwater, filtered water, or tap water left to stand overnight to prevent browning leaf edges.

Humidity and Temperature

Prefers moderate to high humidity and stable warm temperatures between 16–24°C. Protect from cold draughts. A kitchen or bathroom with good light works well, or use a humidity tray to boost moisture levels.

Perfect For

• Living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices
• Floor displays in decorative pots
• Grouped foliage arrangements
• Minimalist, natural, and Scandi-inspired interiors

Supplied in a 17cm pot. This plant is pet safe. For full care instructions visit our Houseplant Care Guides and select Calathea.