Moderate Tropical Safe for pets

Zebra Plant

Calathea zebrina

A popular Calathea known for its vibrant, velvety, striped foliage and deep purple undersides.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

65–80 %
Temperature

18–27 °C

How to care for your Zebra Plant

Everything you need to keep your Zebra Plant healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

The Zebra Plant is a captivating tropical houseplant, admired for its impressive leaf patterns. Its large, ovate leaves feature bold, dark green stripes radiating from the midrib, contrasted by a lighter green base and rich purple undersides. It shares the 'prayer plant' characteristic, with leaves lifting at night. Requires high humidity and consistent moisture to thrive, making it a dramatic centerpiece.

Watering your Zebra Plant

Every 7 days

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; water when the top inch starts to dry.

How to know it needs water

soil surface is dry
leaves may slightly droop

How much light a Zebra Plant needs

Bright indirect light

bright indirect

Direct sun tolerated: No direct sun
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, North-west

Humidity and misting

65–80 %

high Mist daily or use a pebble tray to provide the high humidity this plant craves.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer; refrain during winter dormancy.

Recommended feed: half-strength liquid fertilizer for houseplants · 3-1-2

Repotting your Zebra Plant

Every 24 months

Carefully transfer to a slightly larger pot using a well-draining, peat-based potting mix.

When: spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

roots circling the pot
water runs straight through
slow growth

Pruning your Zebra Plant

as needed to remove dead or yellowing leaves Snip off unhealthy leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 8 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

Its velvety leaves have striking dark green stripes on a lighter green background, resembling a zebra's pattern.
The undersides of the leaves are a deep purple, adding to its visual appeal.

Frequently asked questions about the Zebra Plant

How do you care for a Zebra Plant?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 65–80 %. Ideal temperature: 18–27 °C. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; water when the top inch starts to dry.

How often should you water a Zebra Plant?

Every 7 days Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; water when the top inch starts to dry. How to know it needs water : soil surface is dry ; leaves may slightly droop.

How much light does a Zebra Plant need?

Bright indirect light bright indirect No direct sun

Is the Zebra Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Zebra Plant is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Zebra Plant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Zebra Plant?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Carefully transfer to a slightly larger pot using a well-draining, peat-based potting mix.