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Zebra-Plant
Calathea zebrina
Medium · Some experienceAbout Zebra-Plant
Zebra Plant is a Brazilian rainforest perennial with broad velvety light-green leaves boldly striped with dark-green zebra-like bars and pale undersides. Reaching 18-36 inches, its dramatic striping makes it one of the most architectural Calatheas in cultivation. Like its relatives, it requires high humidity, consistent warmth, and filtered light—a rewarding tropical statement plant for the dedicated American houseplant grower.
- Evergreen
How to care for Zebra-Plant
Watering
- Springevery 5 days
- Summerevery 5 days
- Fallevery 7 days
- Winterevery 10 days
Soil · Moisture-retentive
- Top dressingSphagnum moss10%
- Main mixPeat + coco coir 1:180%
- DrainagePerlite / gravel10%
Keep it evenly moist — but the drainage layer still matters.
FERTILIZER
Balanced Feed 14-14-14
An even feed covers all three needs at once, keeping leaves, roots and blooms moving together with nothing pushed out of balance.
- Nitrogen · Leaves
- Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
- Potassium · Strength
- Springevery 30 days
- Summerevery 30 days
- Fallevery 60 days
At a Glance
- NativeSouth America
- Height2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m)
- Spread2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m)
- Flower colorPurple, White
- Foliage colorGreen, Variegated, Red
- SoilLoamy, Moisture-retentive, Rich
- LocationsIndoor
Bloom time
BLOOM CYCLE
Peak bloom
Jun–Aug
Small purple-white flowers (rare indoors)
Toxicity
Pets Safe
None reported
Not reported
EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.
EFFECT No toxic effect is reported.
NOTE No human toxicity is reported in this catalog; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.
Safe
EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.
EFFECT No toxic effect is reported.
NOTE Listed as non-toxic for dogs; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.
Safe
EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.
EFFECT No toxic effect is reported.
NOTE Listed as non-toxic for cats; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.
Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
DISTRIBUTION
- Native
- Introduced
- South America
History
Calathea zebrina, commonly called zebra plant, is a clumping tropical foliage perennial in the prayer-plant family (Marantaceae) native to the rainforests of southeastern Brazil. British botanist John Sims originally described it as Maranta zebrina in 1815 in Curtis's Botanical Magazine; British botanist John Lindley transferred it to Calathea in 1828. Under the 2012 Borchsenius et al.
revision of Marantaceae the species was transferred to Goeppertia zebrina, though the horticultural trade retains Calathea. The epithet zebrina refers to the iconic bold zebra-like striping: upper leaf surfaces are velvety medium-green boldly marked with alternating dark-green and pale-green horizontal bars running out from the midrib; leaf undersides are rich purple-burgundy. Plants grow to 60-90 cm tall with upright ovate-oblong leaves 20-40 cm long.
One of the oldest cultivated Calatheas—it has been grown as a Victorian-era greenhouse foliage plant since the early 19th century and remains popular today. Non-toxic to pets per ASPCA. One of the first Calatheas brought into European cultivation in the 19th century, it has remained a classic foliage plant ever since. Now reclassified as Goeppertia zebrina by some botanists.
Symbolism & meaning
What It Symbolizes
The Zebra-Plant is bold made tropical, its dramatic dark-and-light striping commanding attention in any room it enters. A classic of Victorian-era stove houses, it carries a heritage of botanical wonder from the high glass conservatories of nineteenth-century estates. To grow it today is to keep alive that older delight in foliage as spectacle — a leaf patterned so emphatically that it needs no flower.
- Boldness — dramatic zebra striping commands attention
- Heritage — classic Victorian-era tropical foliage plant
Where the Name Comes From
'Zebrina' refers to the zebra-like striping on the leaves.
Uses & Fun Facts
- Velvety striped foliage makes a soft focal plant for humid rooms
Related plants
More Calathea plants
Rattlesnake-PlantCalathea lancifolia
Peacock PlantCalathea makoyana
Goeppertia OrbifoliaCalathea orbifolia
Pin-Stripe CalatheaCalathea ornata
Plants with similar care
Aglaonema AroidAglaonema pictum
Aglaonema rotundumAglaonema rotundum
AlocasiaAlocasia polly
Black Velvet AlocasiaAlocasia reginula
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Zebra-Plant?
In summer, water about every 5 days; in winter, about every 10 days. Adjust for heat, pot size and drainage.
How much light does Zebra-Plant need?
Indirect: Filtered light. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.
Is Zebra-Plant toxic to cats or dogs?
Pets Safe (Dogs Safe · Cats Safe) Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Is Zebra-Plant easy to grow?
It is moderately demanding: a good choice once you have a little experience.
Can Zebra-Plant be grown indoors?
Yes, it adapts well to indoor growing given the right light.
When does Zebra-Plant bloom?
It typically blooms Jun–Aug in the Northern Hemisphere.
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