Calathea zebra plant guide
Goeppertia zebrina, also called Calathea zebrina, zebra calathea, zebra plant
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 2 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Never let it dry out.
- Humidity
- High. Dry winter air crisps the leaf edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Light, airy houseplant mix that holds some moisture
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 60 cm to 1 m (2 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Divide the clump when you repot
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes calathea zebra plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the calathea care guide.
What it is
Calathea zebrina has large, velvety, bright green leaves with dark green stripes running out from the midrib, like a zebra. The undersides are purple. It is one of the bigger calatheas. Select-A-Plant notes it can grow to about 1 m (3 ft) and wants bright filtered light.
Three different plants are sold as “zebra plant.” This one is a calathea. The others are Aphelandra, with white veins and yellow flowers, and the succulent haworthia.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Calathea zebrina | Large, velvet, dark green stripes | Soft velvet feel and big leaves |
| Rattlesnake plant | Long, narrow, wavy, spotted | Spots, not stripes |
| Aphelandra zebra plant | Glossy, dark, with white veins | Shiny leaves with white veins |
Care differences
It grows bigger than most calatheas. Give it a wider pot and room to spread.
The velvet leaves hold dust and water spots. Do not wipe or mist them. Raise humidity with a humidifier instead.
Grow it by division
Divide the clump in spring. Each piece needs leaves and roots.
Buying it
Calathea zebrina is sold at plant shops and some garden centers. Look for flat, velvety leaves with no brown edges or curls.