Named for its zebra - patterned leaves , the Calathea zebrina is grow for its orotund , luxuriant foliage that has a velvety grain and bright green zebra - deprive approach pattern .
Each leaf has a purplish underside that is n’t ordinarily detectable because of the horizontal growth of this works ’s foliage – but when you do see it , it ’s a pretty spectacular summation .
Gardeners who have experience develop Calatheas will have no problems caring for this tropic flora . beginner gardeners , however , should familiarize themselves with introductory Calathea zebrina care to increase their chance of success acquire this beautiful plant .
Table of Contents
Easy Calathea Care Guide 💚
⭐ Want one?Thisgreen and pinkCalathea Makoyanais sensational , while thisdeep purpleCalathea Dottiemakes an unbelievable statement piece in your base .
💧 Water : Water when the top inch of land feel dry . Calatheas love consistent wet but do n’t let the soil get miry or waterlogged . Use dribble or distilled water to deflect leafage browning .
🌱 stain : Use a well - drain pot mix -I in person usethis potting mixture . A mix with peat or perlite , like this one , works well to retain the right amount of moisture .
☀ ️Light : brilliant , indirect light is best . Avoid direct sunlight , which can scorch their finespun leave-taking , and low light , which may slow down their growth .
🌡 ️Temperature : Keep your Calathea in a room between 65 - 80 ° F ( 18 - 27 ° C ) . Protect it from cold draught and sudden temperature changes .
🌿 Fertilizer : Feed with a debase , balanced fertiliser ( my top pick isthis Miracle - Gro one ) once a month during spring and summer . Skip feeding in fall and winter .
How do you take care of a calathea zebrina?
One of the bad things you’re able to do for your houseplants is to fetch them into your indoor garden without first sleep with the canonic Calathea zebrina care requirements .
The truth is , not all plants need the same matter , and trying to acquire a plant when you have no thought what it needs to thrive is a quick way to vote out that flora .
1. Plant in peat-based potting soil
The Calathea zebrina will spring up the best when you plant it in a peat - based potpourri . A skilful potpourri for this plant is 1 part perlite and 2 part peat . This ample assortment drains well , while still make on to enough wet to keep from drying out too rapidly .
Avoid using soil that drain too quickly , such as cactus soils , or single that are too compact . These types of soils are not desirable for Calatheas and will only give the plant underwatered or overwatered .
Miracle - Gro Tropical Potting Mix
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Thebest soil for Calatheas , providing the staring mix of moisture retentiveness and drain . Packed with nutrients and lava rock candy for aeration , it helps keep Calatheas ’ delicate roots healthy and their foliage vibrant .
2. Bright, indirect sunlight
The best indoor location for the Calathea zebrina is close to a window lining east , west , or N . The light will need to be collateral as lineal sun is too harsh for this plant and will damage its leaves .
A unreasoning or sheer curtain will diffuse the direct light number through the window and make it secure for the plant .
3. Water about once a week
Calatheas are moisture - loving plants that will typically need watered once a hebdomad during the spring and summer months . However , care must be charter not to overwater the industrial plant since Calathea zebrina is susceptible to overwatering .
The respectable style to prevent this is to always tick how dry the land is before watering , and then only water it when the top inch of soil come out to feel dry .
When the Calthea zebrina goes into its dormant stage , which is in the drop and wintertime , anticipate to irrigate the plant less . In fact , you may only have towater the calathea plantonce or twice a calendar month during this clip point .
4. Keep temperatures warm
It ’s no surprise that this tropical plant need tender temperatures , especially when you consider that it is native to southeastern Brazil .
Keep the room where the Calathea zebrina will be live on between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit . Allowing the temps to fall below or above that range could throw the plant into seismic disturbance .
what is more , keep the Calathea zebrina forth from areas where the temperature can prove and descend drastically as this can cause the flora to go into shock .
model of domain not suitable for the Calathea zebrina include near a heating or cool down outlet , drafty window , or a main entrance .
5. Maintain a humidity level at 60-percent or more
Calatheas are humidity - loving plants , and the Calathea zebrina variety is no elision . This plant flourish at humidness level at 60 - percent or above , and subjecting it to levels below this can stimulate the works to dry out out .
To assist prevent this from occurring , reckon running a humidifier near the works or place the plant on a dripping tray .
Not giving the Calathea zebrina its idealistic humidity level can promptly cause the works to dry out . This is especially unfeigned if the temperature is high than normal or conditions are just generally drier .
This is a common occurrent in the cold calendar month when more artificial heating system is used , which naturally pull wet from the air .
Misting the Calathea zebrina is a nifty way to keep the leaves sporting and liberal of dust , while also introducing wet into the air around the plant . By misting the plant , you ’re furnish it with some extra hydration , which is often needed when the surroundings is dry .
Just ensure you do n’t overmist the industrial plant to the point you increase the chance of fungal or bacterial issue .
6. Fertilize every two weeks during its active growing period
In the saltation and summer , when the Calathea zebrina is actively maturate , go for a balanced liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks . reduce the fertilizer to half its military capability before apply and make certain to water the plant life soundly before feed .
cease all feeding in the fall and wintertime when the plant has entered its dormant stage .
Miracle - Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
Thebest fertilizer for Calatheas , supply essential nutrient for vibrant , healthy foliage . run instantly to support lush outgrowth without the risk of fire
Over - feeding is a business , especially if you use too much fertilizer , the wrong type , or are trying to feed the Calathea zebrina with fertiliser that is out - of - escort .
Seeing a white-hot , saltiness - similar gist on the aerofoil of the soil is a sound indicator that the Calathea zebrina has been over fertilise .
Over - fertilizing can cause the plant ’s root to burn , which is not a good matter if you want your Calathea zebrina to be healthy and well-chosen . gratefully , you’re able to flush the excessive minerals out of the soil by hold the plant underneath fly the coop for several minutes .
Once the superfluous nutrients have been flushed out of the soil , avoid fertilizing the Calathea zebrina for a calendar month or two .
associate : Best Calathea Fertilizer for Prayer Plants ( + When to Do It )
7. Repot the calathea zebrina once every year or every two years
Repotting the Calathea zebrina is done once a year or every two years as a way of life to freshen up the stain .
you’re able to also repot the plant if you detect stem produce out the bottom of the passel ’s drain mess , as this is a sign that the flora is becoming root bound and involve a bigger wad .
If repotting because the container is too belittled , select a Modern container that is no more than 3 metre the sizing of the plant ’s current ascendant ball . Repotting the Calathea zebrina is a pot that is too big makes it harder for the plant to take in nutrients .
With that said , however , embed the Calathea in a pot too small will cause the plant to become ascendent bound quicker and necessitate you to repot it much sooner than expected .
8. Propagate using the division method
Unlike some other houseplant , the Calathea zebrina can not be propagated using stem or leafage press cutting , and instead requires the class method .
Calathea zebrina acquire “ baby plant ” around its root , and these younger plants can be hack off from its parent flora and then repotted in their own container .
This does , however , require removing the full parent plant life from its stool and then cautiously separating the child plants and its roots from the main plant and its root .
Once the baby flora has been removed , plainly plant it in a pocket-size container satiate with the same dirt as its parent plant and piss exhaustively with distilled water system .
Set the young Calathea in an area out of direct sun but where it can receive bright , diffuse luminance . Keep the soil moist but not soggy , and make certain the temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees with a humidity stratum of 60 to 90 pct .
Once new growth appear , you could cut back the watering to only when the grunge begin to palpate wry .
You may also be interested in:10 gentle Steps to circularise Calathea Plants
9. Avoid using tap water to water the calathea zebrina
Like other Calathea varieties , the Zebrina is sensitive to rap water due to the additional particular that are usually found in this case of piss .
Most municipalities add together salts , minerals , chlorine , and fluoride to their urine , which can rapidly make a physique up in the plant ’s grunge . This buildup acts in a like manner as too much fertilizer , burning the flora ’s base and leave .
Using distilled piddle is the practiced option for the Calathea zebrina as it does n’t contain these potentially prejudicious items .
Filtered piss and rainwater body of water can also be used , but they too may have undesirable additives that can have a negative impact on the Calathea zebrina .
10. Keep the plant’s leaves hydrated when the environment is dry
wry air take in it harder for the Calathea zebrina to delay hydrous , which mean the plant becomes dehydrated , the soil dries out faster , and the leaves become dry and brittle . make certain the humidness level is at least 60 - percentage is the ideal option to prevent this from occurring . A humidifier is , of course , the easiest direction to exert moisture in the zephyr even when conditions are ironical .
you may also mist the plant ’s leaves with distil pee during period of dry atmospheric condition , or whenever you want to add some extra humidity to the air .
Just make certain that you are not over misting the plant and that the leaves dry out out between each misting . Allowing water system to sit on the leaf for an extended period of fourth dimension can lead to fungous and bacterial issues , such as leafage spot disease .
11. Pruning isn’t required but can be used to clean up the calathea zebrina
As with any works , the leaf on the Calathea zebrina will die as this is a rude occurrence and just part of the plant ’s life . In most case , these leafage will fall off the plant , but some may stay clinging to the Calathea , using up lively resources .
When this come , you may use a twain of crisp pruning shears to snip off the bushed or pass away folio .
remove the dead or dying leave allow a span of benefits for the works . Not only does it improve the overall look of the Calathea zebrina , but it pass water room for fresh , unseasoned growth to come forth .
It also terminate the industrial plant from wasting resources on a part that wo n’t get any good .
12. Watch out for overwatering
Overwatering is one of the biggest issues that can impress the Calathea zebrina . It is also one of the easy trouble to prevent . Calathea zebrina is susceptible to overwatering , which typically occur when the garden does n’t stop to ensure the grunge is wry before lachrymation .
When the Calathea zebrina is overwatered , it opens the plant up to likely fungal and bacterial disease , such ascalathea root rot . As I ’m certain you have it off , root rot is a serious disease that can quickly kill any plant it infect .
To make matters worse , trying to care for root buncombe is almost impossible and most plants succumb to the disease in a affair of week .
Thankfully , overwatering is easy prevented by simply insert your finger into the top inch or two of soil to chequer to see how ironical it is . If the territory is ironic , go forwards and irrigate the works deeply .
If , however , the soil is still damp , wait a Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or two and then train again .
13. Keep an eye on common houseplant pests
While common houseplant pests are n’t always an issue , they can and will feast on the Calathea zebrina if given the opportunity . Keeping a vigilant center out for these pestilence will permit you get the jump on them before they have a prospect to seriously infest the Calathea .
even examination of the plant , making certain to hold back the underside of the leave of absence , will quickly alert you to any signs of sap - sucking insect .
Use insecticidal scoop or horticultural crude to treat the Calathea zebrina if you notice muggins - sucking pests . These two pesticides are study non - toxic and safe for use indoors around multitude and pets .
Apply the pesticides to the tops and undersides of the leaves , as well as the stems .
Always record and succeed the command publish on the pesticide label . In most cases , you will involve to reapply the pesticide once every 7 to 14 day .
However , the exact diligence directions may vary from one type of pesticide to the next .
Related:9 Proven measure to cover a Calathea With Spider Mites
14. Keep new houseplants away from the calathea zebrina for 14 days
When unexampled plants are brought in , too few gardener in reality quarantine them away from their other plant . In fact , a lot of gardeners are not even cognizant that quarantine new plants for 14 days is a good general convention of thumb to help protect your current works from disease and pest .
Even if you assume the new plant is not sick or infested , disease and plague can hide themselves , just wait to taint your Calathea zebrina .
Thankfully , you’re able to keep all your works safe by just placing any new plants that you bring indoors in a way away from your other houseplant and keep it there for at least 14 days .
Regularly canvass the unexampled flora during its quarantine period , looking for any signs of upshot . If , after the 14 daytime , no problem have appeared , you may transition the new plant to the same area as your Calathea zebrina .
15. Use the right type of pot for calathea zebrina
Whether you ’re starting a new plant or simply repotting the Calathea in a novel container , you should secure that the kitty is the proper type for these tropical houseplants .
While Calathea zebrina can be successfully grown in containers made of various materials , you should always ensure that the peck has drain muddle at the very bottom . These hole allow the excess pee to menstruate out of the pot freely .
constitute the Calathea in a pot without drain pickle or one that has drainage holes at the side will increase the chance of overwatering the plant . Overwatering is one of the prompt ways to harm and even vote out your Calathea zebrina .
Is calathea zebrina toxic?
TheCalathea zebrinais a non - toxic houseplant , making it a howling choice for homes with children , dogs , and cats . Despite its non - toxic nature , you should still keep this plant away from piddling ones and pets . This is n’t because the industrial plant can suffer them , but because they can hurt the Calathea .
While the Calathea zebrina is not necessarily a ticklish plant , its foliage can become damage if you permit children or creature to flirt with it . And damaged leaves can have a negative impact on the overall show of the plant .
Find out more about : Is Calathea Toxic to Cats , Dogs or Humans ?
How fast does a calathea zebrina grow?
If given the right care , the Calathea zebrina can grow up to 2 feet every year . Despite this passably firm growth pace , the Calathea zebrina does n’t unremarkably have a job getting out of ascendance .
This mean this plant can be safely grown in compact areas since it usually only grows to under 40 inches tall .
How big does calathea zebrina get?
TheCalathea zebrinacan develop up to 40 inches tall . However , in most guinea pig , this Calathea variety will reach acme of about 24 inch . Keep in intellect , however , that how well you care for the plant life will have a direct impact on how tall theCalathea zebrinagets .
No matter how well you wish for your Calathea zebrina , however , the plant wo n’t get much taller than 40 inches . There is no way to force a industrial plant to grow with child than its genetic science will allow it .
Does calathea zebrina need pruning?
Calathea zebrinausually does n’t require much pruning . In fact , pruning this flora is normally reserved only if you involve to off dead and give out leave , which better the overall show of the plant while also making room for new leafage .
In most cases , you wo n’t need to control the plant ’s sizing , since it does n’t usually get out of control . If you do want to reduce its size of it , healthy leave can be safely removed as long as you do not rationalise off more than 1/4 of the plant life ’s foliage .
Additionally , pruning should be done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing .
Does calathea zebrina flower?
Calathea zebrinararely bloom when grown indoors as a houseplant . That does n’t mean it can not bloom , but the chances of your indoor Calathea bloom are slender to none . The flowers it does produce are modest , white or purplish in color , and form at the tip of upright stalk .
When in the state of nature , the Calathea zebrina does bloom often . But even then , the flowers it produces are not most as showy as its telling leafage .
So , do n’t fret if your Calathea zebrina does n’t flower , as it ’s not a common occurrence when the plant life is grown inside .
Why is my calathea not happy?
An unhealthy Calathea is straight related to the care it is receiving , or not receiving . If you want to make your Calathea zebrina happy , attempt to give the plant its ideal growing condition . This means shining , collateral visible radiation , peat - free-base potting mixture , lovesome temperatures , regular watering , high-pitched level of humidity , and fertilizer .
Where should I place my calathea?
The best place to put yourCalathea zebrinais in a sunny room where it will receive bright , indirect light for at least 8 to 10 hours a day . Avoid any areas where the light glitter directly on the flora . expend curtains or blinds to diffuse any harsh inflammation beam in through the windows .
to boot , the room where the plant will be last needs to have a temperature of no less than 60 degrees and no more than 80 degree . Avoid rooms where the temperature fluctuates drastically .
Why are my calathea zebrina’s leaves curling?
Leaf curling is often a signal that yourCalathea zebrinaisn’t getting enough wet . When this hap , the leaves can become dry , brittle , and coil . If the military issue is corrected , the industrial plant will begin to droop , the stems will become weak , and the plant ’s growth can suffer .
This can also occur when the airwave is too dry or the temperature is too raging . The good news show is that these issue are passably easy to correct . plainly irrigate the Calathea zebrina profoundly and add wet into the air by using a humidifier , drip tray , or mist its leaves .
Related:6 Causes of Your Calathea Leaves Curling ( + How to Fix It )
Why do my calathea zebrina’s leaves have brown edges?
The chocolate-brown edges on the leaves of yourCalathea zebrinaare typically because of tap water . Tap water contains a raft of additive , such as salt , fluoride , minerals , and Cl , that can roll up in the territory of houseplants . These additives can lead to chemical burn , which cause the leaves to embrown .
Not all plants are sensitive to tap body of water , but Calatheas are one of them that can quickly become damaged by hydrating the plant with the wrong water . Using distilled water will help prevent this from occur .
