Goeppertia rufibarba ‘Blue Grass’

Origin of Goeppertia rufibarba ‘Blue Grass’

Goeppertia rufibarba ‘Blue Grass’ is a cultivated selection of Goeppertia rufibarba. The species is native to Bahia in north-eastern Brazil and grows in the wet tropics.

Growing Goeppertia rufibarba ‘Blue Grass’

• Leaf care: Direct water into the mix so the velvety stems and undersides stay dry during routine watering, and use a soft dry brush for trapped dust.
• Water: Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth and let the excess drain fully. Let the surface begin to dry before watering again when growth slows.
• Humidity: Keep humidity in the 60–80% range while allowing light air movement around the foliage. Humid air helps prevent dry edges on the compact, wavy leaves.
• Light: Place in bright filtered light or partial shade and avoid direct midday sun.
• Temperature: A steady 16–21 °C suits the plant; sustained temperatures below 15 °C are too cool. Keep the plant away from cold glass, draughts and drying heat.
• Potting mix: Use a loose mix that holds moisture evenly and drains quickly.
• Feeding: Use a light-to-moderate feed while new leaves are growing, and reduce feeding when growth slows.
• Repotting: Move to a slightly larger pot only when the roots have filled the current one.
• Propagation: Split an established clump into rooted pieces, ensuring each piece has an active growing point.

Problems to watch for on Goeppertia rufibarba ‘Blue Grass’

• Brown tips appear around the wavy margins: Dry air or irregular watering often shows first at the leaf edge. Increase humidity and keep root moisture steadier; use lower-mineral water if tip burn persists.
• Whole leaves stay tightly rolled: A dry root ball or a room that is too cold or hot can cause this. Check the root ball and room temperature. Water thoroughly if the mix is genuinely drying out; if it is already moist, do not add more water. Move the plant away from cold glass, draughts or strong heat if the temperature is the problem.
• Tiny pale speckles develop underneath: Inspect closely for spider mites, especially in dry rooms. Isolate the plant and use a houseplant mite treatment, repeating it according to the label.
• Pale or scorched patches develop on exposed leaves: Direct sun can damage the leaf surface. Move the plant into bright filtered light. New leaves should grow normally.

Goeppertia rufibarba ‘Blue Grass’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

Which name is used now: Calathea rufibarba or Goeppertia rufibarba?

The genus name Goeppertia honours Heinrich Göppert. Rufibarba means reddish-bearded and refers to the fine reddish hairs below the leaves.

Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck established the genus Goeppertia in 1831 in Linnaea, volume 6, page 337.

Eduard Fenzl first described it as Calathea rufibarba in 1879 in Gartenflora, volume 28, page 294. Finn Borchsenius and Luz Stella Suárez later placed it in Goeppertia as Goeppertia rufibarba in 2012 in Systematic Botany, volume 37, page 634.

The familiar former name is Calathea rufibarba. Finn Borchsenius, Luz Stella Suárez and Linda M. Prince restored Goeppertia for this group in 2012 in Systematic Botany, volume 37.