Goeppertia rufibarba![RHS AGM](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS-AGM--Small-Vert__web.svg)
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
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/visi08197.jpg)
Buy this plant
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 the UK
- 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.