How to Grow and Care for Calathea Zebrina (Zebra Plant)

Calathea zebrina are famous for their uniquely striped foliage, giving rise to the common name zebra plant. Similar to its popular cousin—the prayer plant—zebra plant leaves are bright green with dark green stripes. Foliage color isn’t the only thing these tropical houseplants have in common, as both plants are known to raise or fold their leaves at night. Calathea zebrina grows up to three feet tall, with leaves reaching to two feet long. 

Calathea Zebrina Care

Here are the main care requirements for zebra plants:

• Choose loamy, well-draining soil when potting this plant.
• Place the plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect light.
• Water regularly when the top one to two inches of soil begins to dry.
• Skip fertilizer unless growth is stunted.

Light

Calathea zebrina is native to South America and grows under the protection of large trees and other tropical plants, so it is accustomed to receiving filtered, dappled light. With this in mind, don’t place in zebra plant in direct light, as this can burn the leaves. Outdoors place it to receive partial sunlight, ideally dappled or filtered by surrounding plants. 

When growing the zebra plant indoors, choose a spot near a bright window, but not where it will be bathed in direct sunlight. A shelf or small table is better for a zebra plant than a sunny windowsill. 

Soil

Calathea zebrina requires loamy, moist, well-draining soil. Striking a balance between moist and well-draining is key since heavy, wet soil can lead to soggy roots and root rot. On the other hand, soil that drains too rapidly will not provide enough moisture. For best results, use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat. 

Water

Zebra plants require regular watering. How often to water depends on how quickly the soil begins to dry. This changes depending on the season as well as climate and humidity levels. 

Generally, these plants need water once a week during the growing season and less than once a week during the winter. The ideal way to check moisture level is to feel the soil. If the top inch or two begins to dry, it is time to water. 

Temperature and Humidity

Humidity level is key to maintaining the health of zebra plants. They require humidity at greater than 50 percent and ideally above 60 percent. When kept outdoors in a tropical climate (USDA growing zones 10 to 11), this is easy to achieve. For indoor calathea zebrina plants, you may need a humidifier to increase moisture in the air. Alternatively, you can place this plant on a tray of pebbles and water or mist the leaves several times a week.

Like other plants in the Calathea genus, zebra plants require warm temperatures to thrive. These plants do best between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They should never be kept in temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Fertilizer

Most people don’t need to fertilize zebra plants. In fact, too much fertilizer can easily burn this plant. If you have an especially slow-growing or weak-looking plant, fertilize during the growing season with a light, well-balanced formula diluted to a quarter strength.

Propagating Calathea Zebrina

You can propagate Calathea zebrina by division. If your plant has grown large enough to produce separate rosettes of leaves at the base of the plant, that is the perfect time to divide it. You need a pot with drainage holes, well-draining soil, and a sharp pair of snips or a knife. Then follow these directions: 

1. Fill the pot with moist, well-draining soil.
2. Gently slide your zebra plant out of its pot and gently off excess dirt. 
3. Separate the rosettes of leaves using the knife or snips to cut through root systems when needed. 
4. Place each division in its own pot so that the leaves rest at soil level, cover the roots completely with soil, and water the plants. Place them in an area that receives high humidity and bright, indirect light. 

Potting and Repotting Calathea Zebrina

Zebra plants are slow-growing, only needing to be repotted every two years or so. Once the plant becomes root bound and you see roots coming out of the drainage holes, it is time to repot. Be sure to choose a container two inches larger with plenty of drainage holes.

Gently tip the plant on its side and slide it out of its container. Place it in its new container and fill the extra space with fresh potting soil mixed with perlite and peat for drainage. Be sure to bury the roots to the same level as in their previous pot. 

Common Problems With Calathea Zebrina

When given the right conditions, zebra plants are hardy, healthy tropical houseplants. Problems can arise when maintenance errors occur. Here are some common issues.

Brown, Curling Leaf Tips

This is a telltale sign of inadequate humidity or water. If the leaves begin to curl and turn brown, you need to raise humidity by placing a humidifier nearby, placing the pot on a tray of water and pebbles, or regularly misting the leaves. 

If the plant needs is dry, water thoroughly until the soil is fully moistened. Allow excess water to drain away. You can use sterile scissors to trim away the brown edges for improved appearance. 

Drooping, Mushy Stems

If your zebra plant's foliage begins to droop excessively or the stems feel soft, even mushy, it's an indication of overwatering. If allowed to progress, this can quickly turn into root rot. You must take quick action to prevent the root rot from spreading and save the plant.