How to Propagate Calathea Zebrina

Calathea plants are a favorite of gardening enthusiasts because of their lush, green foliage. They’re also relatively easy to take care of but generally slow growers. So, most calathea owners start propagating their plants around the spring to have them ready by the summer. 

If you own a calathea zebrina, propagating it will ensure you get new plants without buying a new one from the store. 

Here’s everything you need to know about how to propagate calathea zebrina.

How Do I Propagate Calathea Zebrina?

The typical way of propagating calathea zebrina is through root division. It’s one of the best methods because it gives you plenty of plants, and it keeps the mother plant intact. Plus, it prevents the plant from getting crowded with the roots growing out of control.

To propagate your calathea zebrina, start by pulling the plant out of its container. You’ll have to be careful while doing this step because the roots are often too fragile, and you don’t want to tear them off in the process.

You’ll find that the plant’s stem is already naturally divided near the roots. Follow these divisions and take the divided ones out. 

Plant the tiny roots in new soil, and keep the container in the dark for a while. Keep it where it is for 2–4 weeks, depending on when the growth will start.

Then, take it out of the dark and keep it in indirect sunlight.

What Are the Different Ways to Propagate Calathea Zebrina?

You can propagate your calathea zebrina through root divisions, from its seeds, or in water. However, the root division method is the best out of the three because it guarantees results. 

Propagating from seeds doesn’t always result in germination, and propagation from water takes plenty of time to show results.

How Do I Propagate Calathea Zebrina From Water?

To propagate calathea zebrina in water, all you have to do is take the divided roots out and plant them in water instead of soil. Then, keep the plant in the dark until it shows any growth. 

However, you’ll still have to move the plant to the soil eventually because it doesn’t grow in water. So, it’s easier to skip this step and propagate it in the soil instead.

How Do I Propagate Calathea Zebrina From Seed?

Propagating calathea zebrinas from their seeds is often not recommended because it’s a complicated process. Besides, some of them may not germinate.

However, it’s still possible, so here’s how to propagate the plant from its seeds:

1. Once you get the seeds from the store, place them in moist soil. It’s better to use a germination tray, but you can also use plastic plates or similar containers.
2. Dig the seeds about a quarter of an inch into the soil, then cover the container you’re using to prevent humidity from escaping.
3. Keep the container in an area with direct sunlight, and check the soil now and then to make sure it’s still moist.
4. When the seeds grow 1–1.5 inches tall, you can start moving them into separate pots and start watering them regularly.
5. If the seeds don’t grow even after 3–4 weeks, there may be something wrong with them. Or, they may not be getting the right temperature or humidity for growth. 

How Do I Propagate Calathea Zebrina From Leaf?

You can’t propagate calathea zebrina from its leaves or stems because they don’t have the tissues required for growing a new plant. The only way to do so is through root divisions or seeds.

What Do You Need for Calathea Zebrina Propagation?

To propagate calathea zebrina, you need the following tools:

• A new container or a vase
• A pair of sharp scissors or pruners
• Water

If you’re propagating them from seeds, you may need a germination tray and a plastic cover.

Other than the tools, you need a dark, humid place to keep the plant until it grows into a new one. 

How Long Does It Take to Propagate Calathea Zebrina?

Propagating calathea zebrina may take some time because these plants are slow growers. It’ll take the divided roots or seeds around 2–4 weeks to grow into new plants.

After that, the plant will grow at its usual pace, reaching its normal size after one year or so. You should generally repot it every 2 to 3 years to ensure healthy growth.

What Is the Best Time to Propagate Calathea Zebrina?

The best time to start propagating your calathea zebrina is before spring starts. That’s because these plants have a growth cycle that starts in the middle of the spring and ends right before winter. 

So, propagating the plant before spring starts will allow it to have its full cycle, and it’ll ensure you’ll have a fully grown plant by the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are frequently asked questions about propagating calathea zebrina.

When should I propagate calathea zebrina?

You can propagate calathea zebrina when it’s grown too far and you want to transfer it to a larger pot. Doing so will expose the roots to the air, so you can make use of the situation and divide them when you have the chance.

What soil mix should I use for calathea zebrina?

Calathea zebrinas grow well in a soil mix of perlite and peat. For the best results, use a ratio of two parts of peat and one part of perlite.

How big should the plant be before I propagate it?

You’ll know the plant is big enough to propagate when you see visible divisions in the root. You can divide the roots at these bits and propagate them.

It’s better not to divide the roots until they naturally divide themselves because they may not be big enough yet.

Generally, calathea zebrinas are often ready for propagation before the spring starts, when their growth cycle has already ended.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to propagate calathea zebrina, you’ll hopefully have a new, fully-grown plant by the next summer. Remember to keep it in a dark place while it’s growing, and don’t attempt to divide the roots until the ball is naturally divided.