Calathea Zebrina Plant

Zebra Plant

Family

Marantaceae

Origin

Brazil

Description

Calathea Zebrina  is a perennial foliage plant that displays fairly large ovate leaves at the tips of it’s long stalks, growing up to 1 metre tall. The velvety patterned leaves with bright hues of green are marked with stripes that resemble the stripes on a zebra.

Flowers are small and inconspicuous to all but the astute observer. The striking foliage gives this plant distinction. It is a houseplant that really purifies the air, so it is a true eye-catcher in every interior that also makes a contribution to a better and healthier indoor climate.

Calathea is also called the living plant because it closes its leaves at night and opens them again in the morning. The plant owes this ability to a small joint between the leaf and stem. Light moves the joints and, as a result, Calathea s leaves open and close – which is sometimes accompanied by a rustling sound.

Environment

A beautiful tropical houseplant, calathea thrives in spots with high humidity. Calathea is referred to as a shade plant, since in nature it grows in the densely vegetated tropical rainforests of South America. A North facing windowsill would be the first choice here, but any other situation will be acceptable providing you can provide shielding from the direct sunlight these places would receive at some point during the day.

Spraying the plant occasionally will be beneficial. Do not allow the pot soil to dry out completely – but take care: water standing in the pot means wet roots, which Calathea does not like. So give the plant regular but small amounts of water!

Giving fertiliser once every 14 days will ensure that you can enjoy your houseplant for a long time. Giving fertiliser once every 14 days will ensure that you can enjoy your houseplant for a long time:

The plant will continually develop new leaves. The leaves of a plant that is not happy will curl and shrivel, and will stop growing.

Landscape Use

Calatheas will do well in a container garden, terrarium or as a houseplant as it prefers low light and is easy to care for. They are very suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.