With brighter foliage than many other Calathea species, Calathea zebrina brings the feel of the rainforest into a home. This popular species has moderate care needs, and this article will cover all the aspects of Calathea zebrina care.
What is a Calathea zebrina?
Calathea zebrina are tropical perennials endemic to Brazil’s southeastern jungles, where they grow on the forest floor. Their huge bright green leaves can reach up to 15 inches long and have striking dark green bands spreading out from the center of the foliage. Calathea zebrina has wavy edges to its leaves.
Quick Summary
Botanical Names: Calathea zebrina, Goeppertia zebrina
Native to: Southeastern Brazil
Care: Moderate
Size: Reaches around 2 to 3 feet high
Common Problems: Low humidity, overwatering, Mealybugs, Spider mites
Toxicity: Non-toxic to animals and humans
How to care for Calathea zebrina
Sunlight
Calathea zebrina naturally bask in the filtered sunlight underneath the jungle canopy. Indoors, this means somewhere bright but indirect sunlight. Full unfiltered sunlight can start to burn the beautiful foliage and result in the colors becoming dull and faded.
Watering
Moist soil is vital for Calathea zebrina, especially in the plant’s main growth period during spring and summer. Water if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use distilled and filtered water or rainwater as Calatheas are vulnerable to contaminated or hard tap water. Cut back watering to once or twice a month during winter when the Calathea zebrina is dormant.
Humidity & Temperature
Calathea zebrina excels in temperatures from 65 to 75ºF (18 to 24ºC) throughout the year. Sudden falls in temperature can severely affect these tropical gems. They also need consistent humidity of about 60%.
Generate a humid climate by misting the dazzling leaves every couple of days with distilled or rainwater or by giving the plant a lukewarm shower session. Placing the Calathea zebrina in a steamy bathroom also helps, as does seating the pot on top of a pebble tray filled with water.
Cleaning
Dust can easily collect on the expansive leaves of a Calathea zebrina. To remove it, use a moist cloth. Avoid the use of leaf shine products because they can actually harm the leaves.
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Fertilizing & Soil
Calathea zebrina needs a growing medium that’s rich in nutrients but also drains efficiently. Too much standing water can rot the roots. Many owners will use a 2:1 or 2:2 concoction of peat moss and perlite.
For those who want a more sustainable choice, substitute the peat moss for coconut coir and houseplant compost.
During the growing season from April through to October, a diluted dose of liquid fertilizer helps to encourage bountiful foliage. This should be given once each month.
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Repotting
Because they can reach a mature size of 2 or 3 feet fairly quickly, Calathea zebrina should be repotted every couple of years. Only move up one pot size at a time. Spring is the best time for repotting, allowing the plant time to acclimatize before the new growing season.
Propagation
Like other Calatheas, Calathea zebrina grows in clumps based around the rhizomes. Dividing these clumps is a straightforward propagation method for these plants. Again, this is best performed in the springtime.
To propagate Calathea zebrina, tease the Calathea zebrina out from its nursery pot and loosen the soil around the rootball. Separate one or two clumps that have a few healthy leaves and some of their own roots. Repot these sections into a similar growing medium used for the parent plant.
For a complete propagation guide, check out our how to propagate Calathea zebrina post.
Toxicity
Calathea zebrina is not classified as toxic for either people or pets such as cats and dogs.
Pruning
Calathea zebrina plants don’t require much pruning beyond removing any dying or diseased leaves. When clipping foliage, cut at the join between the bottom of the leaf and its stem. Sterilize tools between each cut if removing infected foliage to prevent diseases from spreading.
Any foliage that has withered brown edges can have these snipped off with some scissors, leaving the rest of the leaf intact.
Plant inspiration tip: give your home more life with the beautiful Hydrangea Serrata.
Pests and other common problems
Low humidity
Not providing correct conditions for humidity can lead to browning foliage. Create moist air conditions by misting or showering the leaves, using a humidifier or pebble tray, or placing the Calathea zebrina in a steamy bathroom.
Overwatering
It can be easy to overwater Calatheas, but this can lead to root rot. To ensure the correct frequency of watering, use a finger dip test or a water meter to see if the top inch of the growing medium is dry. If so, give the plant a drink.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are tiny bugs that suck out sap from a plant’s stems. A common sign of their presence is a white, waxy growth that appears on foliage. Cut off infected leaves or use organic pesticides to eradicate the mealybugs.
Spider mites
Spider mites are another type of sap-sucking insect that can plague Calathea zebrina. These mites produce nets of web-like material underneath the leaves. Yellowing or spotty foliage is another symptom of spider mites. Remove affected leaves and spray the rest with an organic pesticide.
Plant inspiration tip: looking for a wall-climbing plant, then check out the amazing Ficus Pumila.
Common FAQs
Are Calathea zebrina plants difficult?
Calathea zebrina plants aren’t especially fussy as long as they have the right humidity and temperature around them. They need around 60% humidity and temperatures of 65 to 75ºF (18 to 24ºC) all year round.
Should I mist my Calathea zebrina?
Calathea zebrina plants benefit from being misted every two or three days. This helps raise the moisture levels around the plant, but shouldn’t be solely depended on to maintain humidity. Misting is best used alongside other methods such as humidifiers or pebble trays.
How do you make Calathea zebrina so bushy?
Keep on top of any foliage that dies back to maintain a bushy plant. Prune any drooping or wilted foliage away to stimulate fresh growth from the stem. Adequate growing conditions and humidity also encourage bushy foliage.
Should I cut brown leaves off my Calathea zebrina?
Browning foliage is a major symptom of low humidity or inadequate water quality. Snip off leaves that have turned totally brown and trim browning edges away from healthy leaves. Never use tap water when watering. Instead, use rainwater or distilled water.
How long does it take a Calathea zebrina to reach full growth?
A Calathea zebrina will typically take a year or so to reach its full mature height of between 2 and 3 feet.
How do you grow Calathea zebrina indoors?
When kept as houseplants, Calathea zebrina needs optimal temperature (65 to 75ºF) and humidity (60%) conditions throughout the entire year. The growing medium must be well-draining but also rich in nutrients and kept relatively moist at all times. Calathea zebrina also needs a sheltered spot from direct sun, but not somewhere that is too shady.
