Calathea zebrina (Goeppertia zebrina) Indoor Care, Propagation and Common Problems with Remedies
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Calathea zebrina (Goeppertia zebrina) prospers in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Calathea zebrina commonly called Zebra Calathea or Calathea Zebra Plant is one of the popular Calathea varieties with large ovate leaves which are dark-green above and reddish-purple below while the spines, veins and margins are a lime-green color.
The species name, 'zebrina', is in reference to the zebra-like stripes appearance of the leaves and places these plants among the best plants for the living room where they will create a great first impression.
Botanical name: Goeppertia zebrina
Synonym: Calathea zebrina
Family: Marantaceae
Common name: Zebra Calathea, Calathea Zebra Plant
Origin
Calathea zebrina also called Goeppertia zebrina is native to the tropical forests in southeastern Brazil where it grows on the forest floors and is among the best tropical foliage plants that you can grow in the home or office space.
Size
Calathea zebrina grows in clumps to a height of about 2-3 feet. The leaves are about 1-2 feet long.
Toxicity
Goeppertia zebrina like other Calathea Plants is non-toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. It is safe to grow indoors.
Related Plants
Goeppertia zebrina is closely related to the Marantas, Ctenanthe and Stromanthe which are collectively called Prayer Plants in reference to their curious characteristic of closing their leaves at night.
Where to Buy
Are you are looking to add the Goeppertia zebrina to your collection? They are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy) and on Amazon (Link to Amazon).
Goeppertia zebrina Indoor Care
Goeppertia zebrina (Calathea zebrina) flourishes in bright indirect light, average warmth of 15-260C, humidity of 50-60% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose potting soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Zebra Calathea only requires repotting when it becomes pot-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep it neat and also minimize pest and disease infestations. Keep reading for more on the growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
Goeppertia zebrina grows best in bright indirect light away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching of the leaves. Keep it away from too bright light as it will cause the leaf colour to fade.
Calathea Zebra Plant can also be grown under grow light where the natural lighting is not sufficient. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Turn the pot every so often to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent lopsided growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Goeppertia zebrina prefers average warmth of 15-260C. Temperatures below this range, the plant stops growing while temperatures above this range may cause the plant to die. Keep it away from drafts as they cause sudden changes in temperature which the plant cannot tolerate and may cause it to die.
Zebra Calathea requires humidity of 50% to 60% to thrive as a low humidity causes the plant to develop brown leaf tips and edges. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Calathea zebrina can also grow in the bathroom and other moist areas in the home where humidity is high if there is adequate lighting. You may also grow the plant in a closed terrarium as a high humidity can be maintained in a terrarium. Take a look at these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and discourage pest and disease infestations. Ensure that there is good ventilation to minimize fungal diseases.
Watering
Water Goeppertia zebrina liberally during the growing season and allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil consistently moist. Decrease watering in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant. The water should also be free of chlorine and flourides; like other Calathea, it is sensitive to chemicals dissolved in water which will cause brown leaf tips and edges.
Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can result to root-rot and death of the plant. To minimize fungal infestations, avoid wetting the foliage during watering or water from the bottom instead.
Fertilizer
Feed Calathea zebrina every 4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for lush growth. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Once in a while, flush out accumulated chemicals (salts) from the soil by running a stream of water through the soil. Allow the stream of water to run for some time and repeat the process several times.
Potting Mix
The best potting soil for Goeppertia zebrina should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose potting mixes and those designed for Aroids are perfect for these plants.
Repotting
Repot Goeppertia zebrina every 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season when it becomes root-bound. Take care not to injure its delicate roots. Use a pot one size larger than the current one and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Water the Zebra Calathea thoroughly at least 1 day before repotting to make it easier and also hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less repotting shock and takes a shorter time to take root.
A large plant that has outgrown its current pot, can be divided into several sections and the splits used to propagate new plants. Repotting may cause the leaves to droop but the plant will eventually recover once it has taken root; in about 3-4 weeks. Check out these pots with drainage hole on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Goeppertia zebrina is easy. Remove dead and yellow foliage to maintain the plant neat and also minimize pest and disease infestations. Cut the leaves with a sharp knife or clean pair of pruning scissors at the base, where the leaf meets the stalk.
Propagation
Calathea zebrina (Goeppertia zebrina) is best propagated by plant division at the beginning of the growing season (in spring) during repotting. Dividing the plant at this time hastens establishment as it is in the active growth phase.
Read more on how to propagate Calathea Plants in 2 easy ways.
Goeppertia zebrina Common Problems
Goeppertia zebrina (Zebra Calathea) common growing problems include drooping leaves, plant dying, loss of leaf color, brown leaf tips, curled and yellow leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Drooping leaves
Goeppertia zebrina drooping leaves are due to three possible causes. One possible cause is too dry air (low humidity). To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in a terrarium.
The second possible cause of drooping leaves in Calathea zebrina is incorrect watering; either overwatering (soggy soil) or underwatering. Water the plant liberally and maintain the soil consistently moist during the growing season.
Reduce watering during the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Make sure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Learn more on how to water indoor plants correctly.
The third possible cause of drooping leaves in Goeppertia zebrina is that the plant is root-bound which means that the roots have filled the pot and there is very little soil to hold water when you water the plant. Therefore, there is no water for the plant to take up to the leaves. The leaves loss their stiffness and they droop.
Check the bottom of the pot for roots growing through the drainage hole and repot the plant into a pot one size larger than the current one or divide it into several sections to propagate new plants.
Check out these 10 Causes of Calathea Drooping Leaves and How to Revive It
Plant dying
Goeppertia zebrina may die due to two possible reasons. One possible reason is pest infestations as it is prone to mealy bugs, aphids, scale insects and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests. Learn more on how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
The second possible reason why Zebra Calathea is dying is root-rot which is brought about by soggy soil. Slip the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots. Brown-black mushy roots indicate root-rot, trim them off and treat the healthy roots with a fungicidal solution.
Disinfect the pot or use a fresh pot to repot the plant in fresh free-draining soil. Do not water the plant and keep it dry for some time before resuming watering. To prevent root-rot in the future, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Avoid overwatering the plant during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time therefore, the plant does not require much water.
Read more on these 12 Reasons Why Calathea is Dying and How to Save It.
Diseases
Goeppertia zebrina is prone to leaf spot disease due to the humid conditions in which it grows. The disease is indicated by brown patches surrounded by a yellow halo. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it appropriately for the disease.
Leaves appear washed out
Goeppertia zebrina washed out leaves are due to exposure of the plant to hot direct sunlight as it grows best in bright indirect. Position the plant to a more shaded spot or instal a light curtain to protect it from direct sunlight to prevent its eventual death.
Curled, yellowing leaves
Goeppertia zebrina curled and yellowing leaves are caused by incorrect watering; either overwatering (soggy soil) or underwatering. Overwatering (soggy soil) causes the roots to die due to lack of oxygen in the soil. When the roots die they cannot take up water and therefore the leaves begin to curl, yellow and eventually die.
Underwatering implies that there is too little moisture in the soil and therefore, the plant has no water to take up to the leaves. Thus, the leaves begin to curl, yellow and eventually die if the situation is not corrected.
Water the Zebra Calathea thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Reduce watering in the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Ascertain that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Brown, dry leaf tips and edges
Brown, dry leaf tips and edges in Goeppertia zebrina are due to four possible causes. One possible cause is dry air (too little humidity). To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in the bathroom and other moist areas in the home where humidity is high.
The second cause of brown, dry leaf tips and edges in Calathea zebrina which is accompanied by stunted growth is infestation by spider mites due to the air being too dry (low humidity). Remove the dead growth and raise humidity for the plant to discourage the pest infestations.
The third cause of brown, dry leaf tips and edges in Goeppertia zebrina is watering it with hard water. Water the plant with chlorine-free water only like rain water. Like other Calathea, it is sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals dissolved in water and it responds with brown leaf tips and edges.
The fourth cause of brown, dry leaf tips and edges in Zebra Calathea is accumulation of salts or chemicals in the soil which may have arisen from the water or fertilizers used. Flush out accumulated chemicals (salts) from the soil regularly by running a stream of water through the soil. Allow the stream of water to run for some time and repeat the process several times.
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