All About Calathea ‘Zebrina’

Are these emerald leaves with lime stripes? Or lime leaves with emerald stripes? Whichever answer you choose, one thing is undeniable: The Calathea Zebrina is bold and velvety! As a member of the Calathea family, the leaves go up and down, depending on the light cycle. Another bonus? The Calathea Zebrina pet-friendly and (if you have a humidifier handy) is pretty easy to care for.

Meet Your Match:

• Nickname: Zebra Plant, Velvet Calathea
• About the Family: The Calathea ‘Zebrina’ is a relative of other Calathea varieties, such as the Rattlesnake and Medallion. They are cousins of the traditional “Prayer Plant:” the Maranta.
• Understanding the Family Tree: Marantaceae (Family), Calathea (Genus), Calathea ‘Zebrina’ (Species).
• Hometown: Brazil.

How to Care for Your Calathea ‘Zebrina’: 

• Watering: Rewater when topsoil is crumbly.
• Humidity: High.
• Soil: Well-draining mix.
• Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer, diluted to ¼ monthly during the growing season.
• Environment: Keep your Calathea in medium-bright indirect light and temperatures above 65 degrees.
• Propagation: Division.
• Toxicity: Non-toxic. 

The Best Unboxing Practices:

• Watering: Exotic Forest ships freshly watered plants. Do not water your Calathea Zebrina until it exhibits the proper signs.
• Repotting: Do not immediately repot your plant, which would likely result in shock and leaf-loss. Allow it to acclimate to its new environment for at least one week. 
• Lighting: Place your Calathea in filtered, low light for a few days to acclimate. Relocate your Calathea Zebrina to your desired location that fits its care needs afterward. Do not ever place a freshly un-boxed plant in direct sun.

What You’re Getting:

• You will receive a carefully selected, quality evaluated 10” diameter plant. All Exotic Forest plants are rooted and thriving.

What Makes Us Special:

• Shipment Methods: Plants are precious, and we want yours to arrive safely! We ship our plants via UPS, with a maximum of 4-day shipping. 
• Our Packing: Have you received ‘squished’ plants from other companies? Our solution to this common issue is bamboo stakes and biodegradable packing peanuts (starch), which securely holds your plant in place during shipment. 
• Chemical-free: We are committed to keeping our plants and customers safe. We never treat our plants with chemical pesticides. 
• Quality Standards: Exotic Forest strives to meet stringent quality standards and evaluates each plant we resource from our nursery. Pest-free, healthy plants are a requirement!
• Customer Service: Your satisfaction is our priority. If you are experiencing issues with or have questions about how to care for your Calathea ‘Zebrina’, reach out to us at support@exoticforest.com or via our social media accounts. Are you tired of receiving pre-written responses? We believe that plant parents want to talk to people, not robots. A knowledgeable team member reads and replies to each individual concern: no cookie-cutter answers here!
• Returns: While we do not accept returns at this time, you can contact us at support@exoticforest.com with photos of your plant and receipt to discuss the specific plant care issues you’re experiencing with your Calathea Zebrina and possible resolutions.
• Your Personal Plant-Care Resource: Do you love your new addition? We couldn’t be happier! Join our mailing list to receive exclusive offers, updates, and care tips.

FAQ about Calathea Zebrina Care:

• Why are my Calathea Zebrina’s leaves turning yellow? The most common cause for yellow leaves is overwatering, so re-examine your watering routine and soil drainage. Other causes can include a lack of light and low humidity.
• Is the Calathea Zebrina an indoor plant? Absolutely! With enough light and humidity, your Calathea Zebrina will flourish indoors.
• Why is my Calathea Zebrina droopy? A sagging Calathea can mean one of two things: exposure to chilly temperatures or chronic underwatering. Keep your plant away from any AC drafts in the summer and cold window sills in the winter. If you allow your Calathea Zebrina to dry out too much, rehydrate the soil by bottom watering. Then, resume a healthy watering routine with your preferred method.