{"product_id":"velvet-calathea-calathea-rufibarba","title":"Velvet Calathea - Calathea rufibarba","description":"\u003cp\u003eVelvet Calathea (\u003cem\u003eCalathea rufibarba\u003c\/em\u003e) is a larger, softer calathea that grows about 1m tall and wide. The narrow, rippled leaves are deep green above and burgundy below, with a plush, velvety feel when you run a hand over them. It suits a shaded patio container, tropical-style underplanting in frost-free gardens and bright rooms indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVelvet to touch.\u003c\/strong\u003e The leaves have a soft, plush feel that sets it apart from the glossier calatheas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBurgundy undersides.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep green, rippled leaves are backed with burgundy, so the plant shows two colours as the foliage moves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal size.\u003c\/strong\u003e At about 1m by 1m it makes a proper leafy clump, not just a table plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall yellow flowers.\u003c\/strong\u003e Once it is mature and settled, little yellow flowers appear low down among the stems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe around pets.\u003c\/strong\u003e Calatheas are non-toxic to cats and dogs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShaded patio containers.\u003c\/strong\u003e A large pot filled with quality potting mix suits a covered, sheltered patio in a warm climate, where the leaves stay out of harsh sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTropical-style underplanting.\u003c\/strong\u003e In frost-free gardens, plant about 80cm apart under trees or along a shaded wall to build a lush ground layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndoors.\u003c\/strong\u003e Give it space and bright, indirect light. At 1m wide it needs a corner of its own, away from heaters and direct sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Velvet Calathea in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright shade out of direct sun suits it. It is for frost-free gardens, so in tropical and subtropical regions it can go outside in sheltered shade, and in cooler regions it is best kept indoors or on a sheltered patio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a good quality, moisture-holding potting mix. A free draining blend with coir and perlite keeps the roots moist without waterlogging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water steadily through the first 12 weeks and keep the same routine once it is established. Mist if the air is dry. Apply a slow release fertiliser once a year, with a liquid feed every three months for vibrant, healthy foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove old leaves for a quick tidy-up, cutting them off at the base of the stem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Velvet Calathea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in 300mm pots singly. Because it matures at about 1m, the larger pots give a fuller plant sooner, while tubes are the economical choice for planting a shaded bed. Keep the plant warm and out of cold draughts when it arrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/calathea\"\u003eBrowse the full calathea range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003ePlants that suit pots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/tropical-plants\"\u003eMore tropical plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/calathea-care-guide-australia\"\u003eThe complete calathea care guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big does Velvet Calathea grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1m tall and 1m wide, which is larger than most calatheas. It needs a spacious corner or a big container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A mature, settled plant sends up little yellow flowers low among the stems, though the leaves are the main attraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I plant it outside?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly in frost-free gardens, in sheltered shade. In cooler climates, grow it in a pot indoors or on a protected patio.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube","offer_id":67787185586495,"sku":"CAL-RUF-tube","price":20.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"140mm (Pack of 10)","offer_id":67787185619263,"sku":"CAL-RUF-140MM-P10","price":218.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200mm (Pack of 6)","offer_id":67787185652031,"sku":"CAL-RUF-200MM-P6","price":247.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300mm","offer_id":67787185684799,"sku":"CAL-RUF-300MM","price":204.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/velvet-calathea-calathea-rufibarba.jpg?v=1792150714","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/velvet-calathea-calathea-rufibarba","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}