Calathea rufibarba ‘Elgergrass’
Overview
Uses: Houseplant, indoor accent plant, patio container plant, tropical landscape planting.
Benefits: Slender, wavy foliage with rich purple undersides creates dramatic contrast. Adds texture and movement to bright indoor spaces.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–11 (grown as an annual in colder climates)
Sun: Bright Indirect Light to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Tender Perennial
Growth Habit: Upright, Clumping
Foliage Color: Deep Green with Purple Undersides
Mature Height: 24–36 inches
Mature Width: 12–24 inches
Bloom Season: N/A
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Elegant, textured foliage with rich purple undersides makes ‘Elgergrass’ a refined statement plant for bright interiors.
This selection of Calathea rufibarba features elongated, gently rippled leaves with a soft, velvety feel. New growth emerges lighter green before maturing to deep green on top with dramatic burgundy-purple beneath.
Like other prayer-type plants, its foliage responds to light cycles, subtly raising and lowering throughout the day. Ideal for adding vertical softness and movement to indoor plant collections.
Care
Calathea rufibarba ‘Elgergrass’ Care
Provide bright indirect light for best growth. Avoid prolonged direct sun, which may scorch foliage.
Keep soil consistently moist but never saturated. Allow the top portion of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
This plant prefers moderate to high humidity. Dry indoor air may cause browning leaf edges.
Plant in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Our
potting soil
is suitable for container growing.
Fertilize during active growth with a
slow release fertilizer
according to label directions.
Maintain temperatures above 60°F. Avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 55°F.
Container Growing Notes: Commonly grown in containers indoors or on patios. Containers may require more frequent watering than in-ground plantings. Ensure proper drainage at all times.
Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is Calathea ‘Elgergrass’ for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are well rooted and actively growing at the time of shipment. Each plant is appropriately sized for its container. For specific sizing details, please
contact us.
How Large Does Calathea ‘Elgergrass’ Grow?
Mature plants typically reach 24–36 inches tall and 12–24 inches wide when grown indoors or in protected patio conditions.
Additional Information
Is Calathea ‘Elgergrass’ a good houseplant?
Yes. Its upright, textured foliage makes it ideal for bright rooms with indirect light. Explore additional options in our
Houseplants collection.
Can this plant be grown outdoors?
It may be grown outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 10–11. In cooler regions, it is best kept as a container plant that can be brought indoors. Browse more warm-climate selections in our
Tropical Plants collection.
Does Calathea require high humidity?
It performs best in moderate to high humidity environments. Extended dry air may cause leaf edge browning.
Why do the leaves move?
Like other prayer-type plants, the leaves respond to daily light cycles, gently adjusting their position between day and night.
