Velvet Calathea
Calathea rufibarba
One of the softest-leaved houseplants you can grow — velvety leaves over burgundy undersides, and non-toxic to cats and dogs. Likes humidity and staying just moist.
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Summary
The Velvet Calathea (Goeppertia rufibarba) is the one you're allowed to touch: its long, ruffled leaves are covered in fine down, genuinely velvety in a way no other common houseplant manages, with rich burgundy undersides. A Brazilian rainforest native, it shares the prayer plant family's evening ritual of lifting its leaves, and its most practical virtue: it's non-toxic to cats and dogs. Like all calatheas it prefers a humid spot and soil kept gently moist rather than cycles of drought — a plant for an owner who enjoys the tending as much as the looking.
Characteristics
Difficulty
Delicate
Difficulty
Delicate
Best for plant enthusiasts who enjoy detailed care. Requires precise watering, humidity control, and ideal light conditions to thrive.
Habit
Upright
Habit
Upright
Plants that grow mostly vertically, with stems reaching upward. They tend to stay compact and are great for pots, desktops, and small spaces.
Humidity
High
Humidity
High
Needs a humid environment, like a bathroom or regular misting.
Light
Shade Tolerant
Light
Shade Tolerant
Can adapt to low-light conditions and does well in dimmer areas of the home. Perfect for rooms with minimal natural light.
Position
Bookshelf, desk or windowsill
Position
Bookshelf, desk or windowsill
Compact and stylish, these plants thrive in smaller spaces like bookshelves, desks, or windowsills, adding a touch of greenery without taking up much room.
Toxicity
Non-Toxic
Toxicity
Non-Toxic
Safe for pets and little ones. No worries if curious paws or tiny hands get too close!
Water
Little and Often
Water
Little and Often
Prefers small, frequent drinks rather than big gulps. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.
Toxicity
Safe for cats
Safe for children
Safe for dogs
