Calathea Zebrina: Expert Care And Growing Guide

calathea zebra

(Image credit: Francisco Herrera)

By Amy Grant, Jackie Rhoades

last updated 8 April 2024

Quick Facts

Botanical name: Geoppertia zebrina, previously known as Calathea zebrina

Height: 3 ft/About 1 m

Spread: 2 ft/ 61 cm

Sun exposure: Part to full shade

Soil requirements: Well-draining, peaty

Hardiness zones: USDA 11-12

When to plant: Year-round

Calathea Zebrina: Expert Care And Growing Guide

Named in honor of the German botanist Johann Heinrich Robert Goeppert, Calathea zebra plant is an evergreen perennial in the arrowroot family. Native to Brazil, Calathea zebrina is a common houseplant grown for its lush velvet green leaves outlined with lime green striping and a surprising underside of purple. A beautiful specimen, keep reading to learn how to plant and care for Calathea zebrina.

Calathea Zebrina Care

In nature, zebra plants are found in the shaded forests of Brazil. As houseplants, similar light, water, temperature, humidity, soil and fertilizer conditions must be met.

Light

Zebra plants need bright but indirect sunlight.

Water

This Calathea likes well-draining soil but consistent moisture. Reduce irrigation during the winter months. Allow the top inch or 2 (2.5-5 cm) of soil to dry out before watering then water with slightly warm water until it runs out of the drainage holes of the container.

Temperature & Humidity

Zebra plant thrives in temperatures between 65-75 F (18-24 C) with significant humidity levels of 60-80%. These high humidity levels can be difficult to achieve in the home. Misting the foliage daily and/or placing the plant atop a saucer filled with pebbles can raise humidity levels. Also, placing a humidifier near the plant is helpful.

Soil

Zebra plants like a well-draining good good-quality potting mix that is on the peaty side. You can also make your own soil with 2 parts peat moss to 1 part loam to 2 parts sand or perlite.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, from spring to fall, fertilize zebra plants every two weeks according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fertilizing zebra plants may help them flower, a rarity when grown indoors.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Calathea does not like sudden temperature changes or drafts. Keep the plant away from central heat vents, AC, and open doors or windows.

Direct sun will burn foliage. Low humidity will result in curled and brown leaves.

Overly wet soils contribute to root rots.

Zebra plant is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites.

How to Plant a Calathea Zebrina

Slow-growing zebra plants can be grown inside as a houseplant, in the greenhouse or outside in USDA zones 11-12. Use a well-draining, fertile potting soil or make your own as above. Select a container that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and has adequate drainage holes.

Pruning

Generally, it isn’t necessary to prune zebra plants. You may need to remove any dead or dying leaves or if you are lucky enough to get the plant to bloom, the spent flowers.

Propagation

Calathea can be propagated with stem cuttings from a parent plant. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to take a 2-3 inch (5-8 cm) cutting from the side shoots of the plant. Dust the cut end with rooting hormone. Put the cut end into a container filled with fertile, moist potting soil.

Place the cuttings on a heating mat to maintain a temp of around 70 F. Keep the soil consistently moist. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to emulate a greenhouse and raise the humidity or in a terrarium. It can take up to a month for roots to grow. New leaves are an indication of root growth.

Repotting

Zebra plants are slow growers and will take a few years to reach their mature height, so they don’t need repotting very often. If you need to repot the plant, select a slightly larger container and follow the instructions regarding potting calathea above.

Overwintering

Unless you live in USDA zones 11-12, Calathea should be brought indoors when temperatures begin to dip below 65 F (18 C) to overwinter as a houseplant.