Calathea Zebrina

Calathea Zebrina: Overview

Calathea Zebrina (Calathea zebrina) is a gorgeous rare plant with elongated, patterned foliage, marked by a beautiful design of dark green stripes on each lime green leaf. The undersides of the leaves are red-purple, and its flowers are purple-white and cone-shaped.

This beautiful Calathea variety is a Prayer Plant and belongs to the Marantaceae family. The Calathea Zebrina plant is native to Brazil’s tropical forests; it’s most adapted to USDA hardiness zones 10-11. Calathea Zebrina can reach the size of 3 ft. in height. 

Caring for Calathea Zebrina isn’t difficult, provided you maintain high humidity around this plant. It thrives in filtered sunlight that mimics its natural habitat under the canopy of tropical forests. In addition, Calathea Zebrina is not toxic to cats and dogs, like other Prayer plants. 

Calathea Zebrina symbolizes new beginnings, devotion, focus on schedule, and gratitude.

Prayer Plants are known for their spectacular leaf patterns, and other beautiful Calathea plants include the delightful Peacock Plant and the silvery Calathea Setosa Compact Star.

Calathea Zebrina: Benefits

• Purifies the air 
• Pet-safe plant
• Great gift plant that symbolizes new beginnings
• Reduces stress and aids relaxation
• Visually appealing foliage that adds an exotic touch to interiors

Calathea Zebrina: Care Guide

It’s easy to care for Calathea Zebrina once you know what environment it needs. Follow these simple Calathea care tips and watch your lovely indoor plant flourish:

Watering and Humidity

Water regularly to make sure that the soil remains moist but not soggy. One of the Calathea Zebrina plant care tips for healthy foliage is to use filtered or overnight water. Decrease watering in winter. Keep humidity high around this plant. Place the plant on a pebble tray, group it with other plants, or use a humidifier.

Light and Temperature

To meet Calathea Zebrina's light requirements, choose a location with plenty of moderately bright light and avoid direct sunlight. If you’re growing your plant outdoors as a porch plant, keep it in partial shade. As a tropical plant, an indoor Calathea Zebrina grows best in even, moderately warm temperatures, ranging from 60℉ to 75℉. Protect your Calathea plant from cold drafts. Outdoors, this plant requires night temperatures that remain above 45°F.

Soil and Repotting

Use a well-draining potting mix for your Calathea, and add perlite, coco coir, or pine bark to enhance moisture retention and aerate the soil at the same time. Repot your plant every two years into a slightly larger pot. Always use a pot with drainage holes to avoid overwatering your Calathea.

Feeding and Propagation

Fertilize your Calathea Zebrina monthly using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to keep its foliage in great shape. Dilute the fertilizer by half strength and reduce feeding during winter and fall. The best way to propagate this type of Prayer plant is to divide it in the spring. You can do so when repotting your plant. Cover the new plants with a transparent plastic bag to keep humidity high around them while they form new roots.

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

Heavy pruning is not part of Calathea Zebrina care. Remove any wilting or dry leaves and stems to help your plant support its healthy leaves. Clean the dust by gently showering your plant. Brown, crisp leaves indicate low humidity, while a Calathea Zebrina with yellow leaves is likely getting overwatered. Curling leaves are common Prayer plant problems and are often a sign of exposure to changing temperatures.

Calathea Zebrina: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

The patterned foliage of this Calathea plant is exotic and eye-catching, making it a perfect plant to add personality to your space.

Best Locations & Uses

• Great for bedrooms and offices because it promotes relaxation and cleanses the air
• A thoughtful gift with a meaningful message
• Pet-friendly and suitable for plant lovers with cats and dogs
• Ideal for places with high humidity, like bathrooms
• An amazing porch plant for warm climates

Companion Plants

Combine your Zebrina Calathea with other vibrant plants to create a unique green corner for relaxation:

• Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica): Gorgeous and easy to grow, the Money Tree Plant has lovely foliage and is considered one of the best luck-bringing plants in Feng Shui.
• Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Known for its resilience and easy maintenance, the Cast Iron Plant is also pet-friendly and tolerant of low light.
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): The lovely Spider Plant is an excellent air purifier, and its fountain-like foliage radiates an airy and relaxing elegance.

Alternative Plants

If you’re looking for alternative potted plants with a similar vibe, consider these:

• Maranta Red Prayer  Plant ( Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana): Beautiful and compact with oval leaves that boast striking red variegation, the Maranta Red Prayer Plant is adorable and suitable for more experienced indoor gardeners.
• Calathea Rattlesnake (Calathea lancifolia): Another unique Calathea variety, Calathea Rattlesnake boasts a bold, vivid pattern that resembles a rattlesnake’s markings.
• Philodendron Birkin (Philodendron 'Birkin'): With its elegant striped leaf pattern, the Philodendron Birkin is a gorgeous plant with an upright growing habit that thrives in humid environments.

Order the Stunning Calathea Zebrina From Lively Root 

Add tropical allure to your indoor garden with a fabulous Calathea Zebrina for sale from Lively Root!