{"product_id":"green-velvet-calathea-calathea-rufibarba","title":"Calathea rufibarba 'Blue Grass' - Green Velvet Calathea","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe texture and vibrancy of these long, slim leaves really catches the eye and contrasts with many tropical houseplants. But the 'fluffy' texture of the leaves also serves a purpose; in its natural habitat, these hairs help the plant to hold onto moisture and slow transpiration rate - the speed at which water evaporates from its foliage. Each mid-green leaf, as well as being tactile and fluffy, has a wibbly-wobbly shape, which is also adapted to conserve water. Alongside the beauty this brings into your home, this plant, like its prayer plant cousins, will raise and lower its leaves overnight, a process known as nyctinasty. What's not to love about this beautiful and fascinating plant?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eCalathea rufibarba\u003c\/em\u003e 'Blue Grass' (Basket plant with a red beard, cultivar: blue grass)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eSynonyms: \u003cem\u003eGoeppertia rufibarba\u003c\/em\u003e (correct classification), \u003cem\u003ePhyllodes rufibarba\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis plant has recently changed Genus, so the scientific name is now technically \u003cem\u003eGoeppertia rufibarba,\u003c\/em\u003e though \u003cem\u003eCalathea\u003c\/em\u003e is still most commonly used\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eGreen Velvet Calathea, Fuzzy Feather Calathea, Prayer Plant, Fuzzy Feathers Plant\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to tropical rainforest in Northeastern Brazil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant thrives best in bright but indirect light. It is tolerant of shade but will grow more slowly with less light. Avoid direct sun as this can scorch the leaves and leave them brown and crispy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant likes its soil consistently moist, so water when the top laver starts to feel dry. If possible, use rainwater rather than tapwater, or at least allow tap water to sit out for 24 hours to allow chemicals in it to settle. Water with tepid or lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYour Calathea will prefer high humidity. Keeping it in a damper kitchen or bathroom, grouped with other plants or on a pebble tray will help keep its foliage fresh. Make sure to keep it away from operating radiators which can dry it out.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePlant in fast draining, but moisture retentive soil. A mix with added bark or perlite would, or one designed for Calatheas or Marantas, be ideal. Repot every two years in spring, and water a day in advance to combat transplant shock.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Pre-water the soil before applying 'ready to use' products to protect the roots.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIdeal temperature is about 20-26°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant can be fussy so choose your location carefully. If it's in an especially bright spot a humidity tray is a good idea to help maintain humidity levels.\u003cbr\u003eIf the leaf edges turn brown, it’s usually a sign that humidity is too low or the water quality needs improvement.\u003cbr\u003eTo keep the leaves looking their best, avoid letting water sit on the foliage and ensure the plant is not exposed to cold drafts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"7cm","offer_id":45582650835197,"sku":"3687975324271","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"12cm","offer_id":44222615159037,"sku":"2559412398961","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"14cm","offer_id":42725216125181,"sku":"6338628722961","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"17cm","offer_id":44051199295741,"sku":"4149628722961","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/products\/green-velvet-calathea-calathea-rufibarba-142571.jpg?v=1648658517","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/green-velvet-calathea-calathea-rufibarba","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}