Calathea rufibarba is a basket marant that stands out with its pretty yellow flowers. Caring for this plant, which comes from the rainforest, is not easy. Only if you care for Calathea rufibarba properly will the ornamental plant thrive in the living room.
How do I care for Calathea Rufibarba properly?
For successful Calathea Rufibarba care, you should water the plant regularly, avoid waterlogging and maintain high humidity of at least 80%. Fertilize once a month, cut back in spring and keep the room temperature above 18 degrees.
How do you water Calathea rufibarba correctly?
You have to water Calathea rufibarba with sensitivity. The root ball must not become completely dry, nor can the basket marant tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, water regularly during the growth phase. Pour off excess water immediately.
Increase the humidity at the location sufficiently. It should never be below 80 percent.
For watering and spraying, use rainwater or lime-free tap water.
How often do you need to fertilize Calathea rufibarba?
Calathea rufibarba doesn't need very many nutrients. You should therefore use fertilizer sparingly. It is sufficient if you provide them with a little liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) once a month.
Is the basket marante cut?
You can cut back Calathea rufibarba in spring. Shorten the shoots by a third of their length. You should also cut off faded flowers and dried leaves.
You can also propagate Calathea rufibarba from cuttings that you cut in spring.
When do you need to repot Calathea rufibarba?
Once the Calathea rufibarba pot is completely rooted, it's time to repot. The best time for this is early spring.
What diseases and pests can occur?
Waterlogging can cause roots and shoots to rot.
You have to watch out for pests, especially in winter, when the humidity is already lower:
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Thrips
How is Calathea rufibarba overwintered?
Calathea rufibarba does not tolerate frost or even low room temperatures. They should not fall below 18 degrees even in winter.
The Calathea rufibarba will do well if you move it to a place in winter where there is less than twelve hours of light. This will encourage the plant to flower.
Tip
Calathea rufibarba is an evergreen houseplant with unicolored leaves, in contrast to, for example, Calathea crocata. With a growth height of up to 70 centimeters, it is not as tall as Calathea warscewiczii.