Short answer: yes, in most climates it is an indoor plant
Calathea zebrina, now usually listed as Goeppertia zebrina and often called the zebra plant, is a tropical plant native to southeastern Brazil. It is tender, which means it does not tolerate frost or cold. Sources such as the Royal Horticultural Society describe it as needing a minimum of around 16 C (61 F), so in temperate regions it is grown as a houseplant. Keep it away from chilly glass in winter (see plants near a cold window). It has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit, but that is for performance under suitable protected conditions, not for hardiness.
Where it comes from and what that means
In its native habitat it grows in warm, humid, shaded conditions, so it prefers bright but filtered light, steady warmth, humidity and moist soil. That is the core of its indoor needs. Like other calatheas, it belongs to the family Marantaceae and raises its leaves at night and lowers them by day. For general care shared by all calatheas, see our calathea care guide.
How big does it get indoors?
It is one of the larger calatheas. Under good conditions the leaves can be 45 cm (18 in) or longer and the plant can approach a meter in height and spread, according to Wikipedia and plant guides. Indoors it often stays smaller, but give it room, ideally on a floor stand or a wide shelf, and not squeezed into a tight corner. Indoor plants rarely flower.
Can it live outdoors?
Only in warm, frost-free climates, and then in shade. In regions with cold winters it should be kept indoors, or moved outside only in warm, sheltered weather and brought in well before temperatures drop. Direct sun outdoors will scorch the leaves.
Indoor care basics
- Light: bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can burn or fade leaves.
- Water: keep the soil evenly moist, watering when the top inch or so feels dry. It does not tolerate drying out in the growing season, and soggy soil is a problem too.
- Water type: filtered, rain or distilled water is often recommended, as calatheas can be sensitive to minerals, chlorine and fluoride.
- Humidity: higher than typical home levels is better. A humidifier or grouping with other plants helps more than misting.
- Temperature: normal warm room temperatures, around 18 to 27 C (65 to 80 F), and no cold drafts.
- Feeding: a diluted balanced fertilizer every few weeks in spring and summer; none in winter.
Best soil mix
Choose an airy, well-draining mix that still holds some moisture. A common approach is a standard indoor potting mix with extra perlite and some bark or coco fiber. Calatheas are often grown in slightly acidic mixes. The pot should have drainage holes. Avoid heavy garden soil.
Can a calathea live in water?
Not reliably. Some people root cuttings or divisions in water, but calatheas are not good candidates for long-term growth in water, and plants kept that way tend to decline. A calathea grows best in a soil-based mix that stays moist. Hydroponic setups with proper nutrition exist, but are an advanced option and not a good first approach.
How to propagate calathea zebrina
The usual method is division. In spring or early summer, when repotting:
- Water the plant a day before, then remove it from its pot.
- Gently loosen the root ball and look for natural clumps, each with roots and several stems.
- Separate a clump by hand or with a clean knife, taking care not to tear the roots.
- Pot each division in fresh, moist mix in a pot with drainage holes.
- Keep the new plants warm, humid and out of direct sun while they settle. Expect a bit of drooping at first.
Stem cuttings without roots are not a reliable method for calatheas.
What are zebra plants?
“Zebra plant” is a name shared by several unrelated plants, which causes confusion:
- Goeppertia zebrina (calathea zebrina): the large-leaved, striped prayer-plant relative covered here.
- Aphelandra squarrosa: a flowering plant with dark leaves and white veins, which has different care needs.
- Haworthiopsis fasciata (formerly Haworthia): a small succulent with white stripes (see are succulents indoor or outdoor plants).
Check the botanical name when buying, because care differs a great deal between these plants.
Pet safety
The ASPCA lists Calathea zebrina as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and shops often label it pet friendly. That does not mean it should be eaten. Chewing any plant can cause mild stomach upset, and soil, fertilizer and pesticide residues may be harmful. Keep it out of reach of small children and chewing pets, and call your vet or poison control if a pet or child has eaten some and seems unwell.
Related reading
If you are comparing varieties, see indoor calathea types. To see how this plant relates to other prayer plants, read Is a peacock plant a prayer plant?