Calathea zebrina Plant Care
Goeppertia zebrina Nees
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Goeppertia zebrina, the zebra plant, is a species of plant in the family Marantaceae, native to southeastern Brazil. It is sometimes known by the synonym Calathea zebrina.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Calathea zebrina?
Water Calathea zebrina every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Calathea zebrina Native To?
What Is the Calathea zebrina?
Calathea zebrina (Goeppertia zebrina) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Goeppertia genus. Calathea zebrina is native to southeastern Brazil. Calathea zebrina is also known as Zebra Plant, Zebra Calathea.
Calathea zebrina displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Calathea zebrina produces showy bracts in various colors with small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Calathea zebrina?
Goeppertia zebrina requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Calathea zebrina Need?
Calathea zebrina thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Calathea zebrina in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Calathea zebrina Prefer?
Goeppertia zebrina grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Calathea zebrina prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Calathea zebrina?
Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Calathea zebrina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Calathea zebrina?
Feed Calathea zebrina every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Calathea zebrina?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Calathea zebrina?
Calathea zebrina can be propagated through division of rhizomes, root division, or stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to peacock plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Calathea zebrina Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Calathea zebrina, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Calathea zebrina?
Calathea zebrina is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Calathea zebrina Need?
Calathea zebrina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Calathea zebrina is native to southeastern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Calathea zebrina as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Calathea zebrina is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Goeppertia genus — compare its care with other Goeppertia species on PlantoScan.
Goeppertia is part of the Marantaceae plant family — browse all Marantaceae genera and species.
Calathea zebrina thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Goeppertia Species
Other Goeppertia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Goeppertia zebrina Nees, family Marantaceae (first published in Linnaea 6: 337 (1831)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Calathea zebrina, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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