Zebra plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called calathea zebrina, zebra calathea · Goeppertia zebrina · Marantaceae family
7 d in winter
How often to water the zebra plant?
Allow about 4 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 7 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
The thirstiest calathea for humidity: a bright bathroom or a humidifier. Never let the root ball dry out completely.
Misting every 2 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The zebra plant is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 2–3 ft (60 cm–1 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Browning leaves
Cause: Air far too dry. What to do: Raise the humidity: mist daily or use a humidifier.
Faded leaves
Cause: Direct sun. What to do: Move it away from the window.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the zebra plant?
About every 4 days in spring and summer, and every 7 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the zebra plant?
The zebra plant is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Should you mist the zebra plant?
Yes, misting every 2 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the zebra plant?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the zebra plant safe?
The zebra plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Rather for experienced growers: it's demanding about watering, light or humidity. Some experience helps.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.