Calathea Zebrina

Calathea Zebrina also called the Zebra plant is a perennial foliage plant that displays fairly large ovate leaves at the tips of its long stalks, growing up to 1 meter tall.

This species is fairly undemanding and suitable for growing indoors if enough light and humidity are provided, and the correct temperature conditions are given.

Description

This Zebra plant is from the same family (Marantaceae) as the popular indoor Prayer plant and has many similarities, although the Calathea Zebrina grows taller and can be slightly more difficult to grow. It’s sometimes named prayer plant when sold at garden stores and its common name (Zebra) is also given to the Aphelandra squarrosa.

Being a tropical plant native to Brazil the Calathea does require a warm and moist environment which encourages the foliage to thrive and look its best.

How it looks

Just like all others from the Maranta group and Calathea genus, it’s grown for its striking leaves. This variety has velvety patterned ovate leaves which are light green in color with darker green stripes, like Zebra stripes. The underside of the leaves is purple and not always visible because leaves grow horizontally (although some will curve or grow more upright). It’s a clump-forming plant that produces long stalks (up to 1 meter tall) and the leaves (15 inches or more in length) sit at the top.

Flowering

The Calathea Zebrina plant produces purple or white inconspicuous flowers which are unlikely to appear indoors. These are not the main attractive feature of this plant, even when they do bloom (still nice to see of course).

Displaying

Caltheas love a warm but shaded spot in greenhouses or conservatories, but anywhere indoors without cold drafts and enough light is suitable. A bright bathroom large enough to house the plant can be a good location, because of the higher moisture levels.

Calathea Zebrina Facts

Calathea Zebrina Care

Potential Problems of Calathea Zebrina

• Leaves curling and spots: The most likely cause here is underwatering. Check the soil for dryness and provide water – following the above instructions.
• Leaf tips brown: Your plant is most likely needing more humidity because the current air quality is dry.
• Leaves dropping: Again, the air could be too dry and the humidity may need to be increased.
• Limp stems: Limp stems usually happen when the plant is getting too much water during the winter and the temperature is possibly too low. This can lead to the stems rotting.

Elyssa Goins

Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four.  She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants.  For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.