Goeppertia rufibarba
furry feather calathea
A tender, clump-forming perennial producing wavy leaves to 25cm long on leaf-stalks to 20cm long. The leaves are glossy green above, and tinged purple beneath, with leaf stalks and midribs densely covered in reddish hairs
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | |||
| Autumn | Green Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Marantaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Goeppertia are evergreen rhizomatous perennials forming clumps of elliptic leaves, often attractively-patterned; racemes of small tubular flowers are seldom produced in cultivation. Previously included within the genus Calathea
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in houseplant compost with bright indirect or filtered light. Provide high humidity and draught-free conditions. Water moderately when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep just moist in winter. Topdress annually and repot every 2-3 years. See houseplant cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by division in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.