Calathea Zebrina

Name: Calathea Zebrina
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PC0397S
Price: 15.0 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

Calathea Zebrina

$15

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Size 3.5 Pot - Small 6" Pot - Medium

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About This Plant

Calathea Zebrina is native to the tropical rainforests of southeastern Brazil, where it grows on the shaded forest floor in warm, humid conditions. It produces large, oval leaves with a velvety, suede-like texture and bold alternating stripes of dark forest green and bright light green.

The velvety texture and bold zebra stripes are impossible to miss. The combination of the large matte velvet surface and the high-contrast alternating dark and light green stripes gives the Zebrina a presence that reads from across a room.

Safe for cats and dogs. The ASPCA confirms Calathea spp. is non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Zebrina is confirmed pet-safe. The Calathea Musaica Network is another pet-safe Calathea with a very different fine mosaic pattern and more compact form.

It grows larger than most Calatheas and needs floor space. The Zebrina is one of the larger Calatheas available indoors. With the right care it can reach 60 to 90 cm tall and spread 60 cm wide. It needs a spot with adequate vertical and horizontal clearance for the large leaves to arch outward.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows significantly from November onward as Canadian light levels drop. The large velvety leaves are the most visible indicator of stress: they curl inward tightly when cold or dry and droop when overwatered.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Calathea spp.). Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pests

Spider mites are the primary pest and are particularly hard to detect on the Zebrina because the velvety leaf surface hides early webbing and stippling better than on smooth-leaved Calatheas.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Calathea Vittata. Same stripes, more compact.

For the bold-stripe Calathea look in a smaller, desk-friendly form, the Calathea Vittata has crisp white stripes on dark green leaves and stays compact at 30 to 60 cm.

Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake. Tall and spotted.

For another tall Calathea that suits floor-level positions with long, dramatic leaves, the Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake has long wavy spotted leaves and vivid leaf movements and is also confirmed pet-safe.

Calathea Musaica Network. Compact and more resilient.

For a Calathea with a very different pattern that handles average Canadian indoor conditions better through winter, the Calathea Musaica Network has thicker leaves and is one of the more forgiving Calatheas for dry winter air.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Calathea Zebrina?

Keep the soil consistently moist. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry, every five to seven days in spring and summer and every seven to ten days in a Canadian winter. Always use filtered or overnight-rested tap water. The large leaves mean the plant uses more water in summer than compact Calatheas. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check moisture correctly.

Why are the large leaves curling inward?

Tightly curled leaves are the Zebrina's most clear stress signal. The main causes are underwatering, air that is too dry, or temperatures below 18°C. Check the soil first. If dry, water immediately with filtered water. If the soil is fine, the dry forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes is almost certainly the cause. Run a humidifier nearby and move the plant away from heating vents.

Is the Calathea Zebrina safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA confirms Calathea spp. is non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Zebrina is confirmed pet-safe.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Medium to bright indirect light is best. An east-facing window works well. The zebra stripe contrast is most vivid in good indirect light. Avoid direct sun which scorches and bleaches the velvety leaf surface. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes. Keep it above 18°C, away from cold glass and heating vents. The large leaves curl visibly when conditions are off, which makes problems easy to catch early. Use filtered water, run a humidifier nearby, and wipe the leaves regularly. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

How to take care of Calathea Zebrina

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Medium to bright indirect light keeps the zebra stripes vivid. An east-facing window is ideal in a Canadian home. The velvety surface is easily scorched by direct sun, which also bleaches the light green stripes. In lower light the contrast between the stripes decreases.

Light: Medium to bright indirect

A spot near an east-facing window works well year-round. From October to February when Canadian daylight shortens, keep it as close to the brightest indirect light as possible. The large leaves capture available light well, but stripe contrast fades in very low light.

Water: Keep top inch moist, filtered water only

Water when the top inch of soil is slightly dry. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Always use filtered or overnight-rested tap water. The large velvety leaves show fluoride damage as spotting and browning on the light green stripe areas.

Humidity: High

Needs humidity above 60 percent. The large velvety leaf surface releases moisture quickly in the dry forced-air heating of Ontario and Quebec homes. A humidifier running nearby from November to March is essential. Curling leaves are the early warning sign that humidity is too low.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA. Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pro Tip

Dust accumulates quickly on the matte velvety surface of the Zebrina and is harder to see than on smooth-leaved plants. Dust blocks light absorption and hides early pest infestations. Wipe each leaf gently with a soft damp cloth every couple of weeks.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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