Many African violet mixes are also a good choice.Ĭheck out my article about choosing and making potting soil to learn more. On the other hand, you don’t want to use a fast-draining mix containing too much sand or you will have problems keeping the soil moist.Ī mix of one part potting soil, two parts peat and two parts perlite is a good mix for Calathea zebrina. When replicating this soil at home for your potted Zebra Plant, it’s best to use a fertile, peaty mixture with good drainage.Īlthough Calathea zebrina requires a moist soil medium, this doesn’t mean to use a heavy soil mixture that has a tendency to retain too much water for too long a period or rot can occur. In its native habitat, Calathea zebrina grows along the rainforest floor where the consistently moist soil is fertile with fallen leaves and other plant debris. Wherever you decide to use it, it is sure to grab attention and add a feel of the tropics. However, don’t despair if you can’t locate one locally as there are multiple online plant growers selling Calathea zebrina.Ĭalathea zebrina works great as a houseplant, as well as being suitable plants to display in a large terrarium or a greenhouse. Therefore, don’t be disappointed if your Zebra Plant never blooms because when it comes to this plant’s striking looks, it’s not about the flowers but the handsomely striped leaves.Ĭalathea zebrina is one of the more popular varieties of Calathea, so it’s probably easier to locate at your local plant nurseries and garden centers. However, when Calathea zebrina does bloom, it forms small, inconspicuous white to purple flowers on upright stalks. When grown indoors as a houseplant, Calathea zebrina rarely blooms. Therefore, if you’ve set your potted Zebra Plant outdoors to give it a break from indoor growth or promote blooming, be sure to bring it back indoors before winter comes knocking on the door. Like all varieties of Calathea, Calathea zebrina only thrives in a consistently warm and humid year-round environment. Like many species of Calathea and like its close relative Prayer Plants, Calathea zebrina’s leaves fold at night, adding even more interest to the attractive striped foliage. You will find Calathea zebrina also listed under its new scientific name Goeppertia zebrina.Ĭalathea zebrina earns it common name Zebra Plant due to the striking light green and velvety leaves with purple undersides and having dark green stripes running across them resembling a Zebra.Įach leaf can grow over 12 inches tall and mature clumps of this tropical perennial can grow over 2 feet wide and tall. The species belongs in the genus Calathea, along with several dozen other species and hundreds of cultivars.Ĭalatheas are members of the Marantaceae family, the same family as the close relative Prayer Plants, in the genus Maranta. Native to warm and humid tropical rainforest regions of southeastern Brazil, Calathea zebrina is classified as an herbaceous perennial that will give you years of healthy growth when given proper care. Fairly pest-resistant, but can be affected by spider mites, aphids, mealybugs and scale at times.īuy Calathea zebrina online at Etsy (I buy most of my houseplants from Etsy). Only repot when quite root bound, as doesn’t tolerate frequent re-potting.Īt risk of root rot if overwatered. Remove dead or damaged foliage as required. High humidity is very important to keep foliage looking well. Avoid over-fertilizing and flush the soil several times per year. One part potting soil, two parts peat and two parts perlite is a good option.įertilize monthly with 1/4 strength water soluble fertilizer during the growing season. You may see better results by using filtered water or rainwater. Keep the soil lightly moist, watering once the top of the soil is just starting to dry out. Calathea Zebrina Care Guide Scientific Name Fertilize monthly through the growing season, situate in bright, filtered light where temperatures range between 65☏ to 75☏ and create humidity of >60% ideally.Ĭontinue reading because we give you the lowdown on calathea zebrina care as well as solutions to all the common to keep it thriving for years to come. This article will help you maintain good Calathea zebrina care and keep your plant healthy and happy.Ĭalathea Zebrina Care Summary: To keep your Calathea zebrina healthy grow in fertile, well-drained soil and keep the soil lightly moist. Although it can be a bit fussier than some houseplants, the eye-catching foliage is worth the effort. Whether you are new to growing Calatheas or have a long-term relationship with these tropical beauties, you won’t be disappointed with the addition of Calathea zebrina, with its striking striped foliage.
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