Your Basket is Empty
HydroCare plants are planted in hydrogranules instead of using soil.
Hydrogranules are manufactured from clay pellets that are baked at high temperatures to make them expand, a process a bit like making popcorn.
The open structure of the hydrogranules allows water and nutrients to be stored and released, creating the optimum conditions for indoor plants to thrive as well as simplifying maintenance requirements.
Dinner time! Fertilising your plant during the growing season will keep it colourful, vibrant and will also encourage faster growth!
Pure, not pool. This plant is sensitive to chlorine in tap water, so allow it to stand overnight to diffuse before use.
What's got you down? Leaf droop happens naturally during the day with some calathea, they then sit more upright at night, however if leaf droop is combined with dry air, the plant may need more humidity.
As with most variegated plants, Calathea need plenty of diffused light. Direct sunlight will cause the leaves to fade and lose their markings. They can tolerate some degree of shade, but the more indirect light, the finer the foliage.
Keep an eye on the water meter. Water when the meter has been on minimum for 7 to 10 days to ensure moist but not wet conditions. Visit our HydroCare set up guide for more information.
Prefers warm to high temperatures, ideally between 18-23°C, but can cope with as low as 15°C. Avoid draughts and ensure the plant has reasonable ventilation.
High humidity levels are a must. Mist frequently to improve humidity conditions and pop it near the shower from time to time to give it an extra boost.
Add a Hydroculture liquid feed every 2 to 3 waterings during the spring and summer months.
This Velvet Calathea is a moderately fast growing plant, ultimately reaching heights of around 80cm.
Please note: each plant is unique so available heights are approximate and the plant you receive may vary by ±10%
This Calathea is considered non-toxic, therefore safe around children and pets.
This plant filters airborne toxins and is part of our clean air plant collection.
Calathea rufibarba originates from the Tropical Americas.
HydroCare plants have a lot of benefits over soil plants:
Moisture Levels: The open structure of the hydrogranules creates optimum moisture levels around the roots of the plant. Water stored in hydrogranules below the roots will be gently drawn up through capillary action for the roots to absorb. No more dried out roots or root rot.
On Demand Nutrition: Adding a HydroCare liquid feed to your watering regime allows the plant to draw in nutrients at its own pace. No more scorched leaves or stunted growth from over-fertilisation.
Watering: A water meter on the side of the grow pot indicates the amount of water left in the hydrogranule reservoir below the roots. When it reaches the minimum level wait for 1-2 weeks then simply top it back up to the optimum level. The plant will pull water from the hydrogranules according to its needs so there is no risk of over or under watering and watering is less frequent.
Root Health: The open structure of our pH neutral hydrogranules allows air to circulate around the roots keeping them healthy and because they do not compact over time there is no need to top up.
HydroCare plants are adapted to these conditions and develop a smaller more fleshy root system making the plant more hardy and in a smaller grow pot meaning you have a wider choice of decorative planter styles. The requirement to repot as the plant grows is also significantly reduced.
Pest Control: Hydrogranules are an inert medium that is less susceptible to pests, fungi and bacteria which means healthier plants with less risk of disease.
When you buy a HydroCare plant, you need a few other bits and pieces to assemble the plant in your chosen planter or plant pot. Think of getting a HydroCare plant as a solution that needs to be assembled rather than just a plant.
We have a simple step by step video guide to assembling the HydroCare plant in a plant pot but essentially you need 5 things for hydro heaven:
1. The HydroCare plant in its hydroculture grow pot.
2. A water meter to slot into the side of the hydroculture grow pot.
3. A waterproof plastic liner for your decorative pot. Each HydroCare plant has an associated hydro kit that includes a waterproof liner to fit the hydroculture grow pot of the plant and a size tip to help you choose a decorative pot that will accommodate the specified waterproof pot liner for the plant.
4. Extra hydrogranules to fill around the grow pot and make a nice finish on top.
5. Hydroculture plant food, specifically formulated for use with hydrogranules.
"Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better."
~ Albert Einstein ~
We believe in the power of plants to lift the spirit, calm the mind and clean the air.
