The Calathea Zebrina is a captivating member of the Marantaceae family, renowned for its striking foliage and unique natural behavior. Native to the tropical regions of South America, this plant has become a favorite among indoor gardening enthusiasts in India for its distinctive appearance and air-purifying qualities. The Calathea Zebrina features elongated leaves with bold, zebra-like stripes in shades of green and cream, making it a statement piece in any indoor space.
In Indian homes, the Calathea Zebrina is valued not just for its beauty but also for its practical benefits. It's often called a 'Prayer Plant' because of its fascinating nyctinasty - the leaves fold up at night as if in prayer and unfurl in the morning, following the light. This natural movement adds a dynamic element to your indoor garden. The plant is particularly popular in urban apartments and offices where it helps purify the air by absorbing common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, while also releasing moisture to help maintain humidity levels.
Easy to care (84)Healthy plant (62)Beautiful pot (41)Quick delivery (38)
A
Aishwarya C.Verified buyer
★★★★★2 weeks ago · Indiranagar
Arrived overnight, looking exactly like the photos
Ordered Tuesday at 8 PM, delivered Wednesday by 9:30 AM. Plant was healthy, tall (about 16 inches), came in the charcoal pot exactly as shown. The packaging was thoughtful — wood shavings, tied stems, no soil spill. Two weeks in and it's already pushed out a new leaf.
R
Rohan M.Verified buyer
★★★★★1 month ago · Whitefield
Survived me. That's a big deal.
I have killed every plant I have ever owned. Got this for the bedroom. Watered it once in 6 weeks. Still alive, still growing. The team also responded on WhatsApp within an hour when I asked if it was getting too much sun. Not paid to say this.
N
Neha B.Verified buyer
★★★★☆3 weeks ago · HSR Layout
Beautiful plant, slightly smaller than expected
Plant itself is gorgeous and very healthy. Only minor gripe — I expected the medium size to be taller, but it's closer to 14 inches than 18. Still very happy with it. The Khurja ceramic pot is honestly the best part.
Buy Calathea Zebrina in 10 Inch Nursery Pot Online | gardengro
Read moreShow less
About the Calathea Zebrina
The Calathea Zebrina is a tropical plant belonging to the Marantaceae family, celebrated for its dramatic foliage and unique leaf movements. Native to Brazil, this plant features elongated leaves with striking zebra-like patterns in varying shades of green and cream. The leaves have a velvety texture that catches the light beautifully, creating a dynamic visual effect. What makes this plant particularly fascinating is its nyctinasty - the natural movement where leaves fold upward at night and spread out during the day, following the light. This behavior has earned it the common name 'Prayer Plant.' In India, the Calathea Zebrina has become increasingly popular as an indoor ornamental plant that adds tropical elegance to homes while offering air-purifying benefits.
Light & Placement
Calathea Zebrina thrives in bright, indirect light but should be protected from direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves. The ideal placement is near an east or north-facing window where it receives gentle morning light or in rooms with filtered light throughout the day. In Indian homes, this makes it perfect for spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms that receive natural light but aren't exposed to harsh afternoon sun. The plant can tolerate lower light conditions, but its foliage may lose some vibrancy. Avoid placing it in dark corners as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced leaf production. Consistent light conditions help maintain the plant's striking leaf patterns and overall health.
Watering & Humidity
Proper watering is crucial for Calathea Zebrina as it's sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain completely. The plant has deep watering needs but doesn't like to sit in water, so ensure the pot has drainage holes. In India's climate, you may need to water more frequently during hot, dry months and less during cooler periods. Calathea Zebrina appreciates high humidity levels, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. In drier environments, you can increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray with water or using a room humidifier. Regular misting can also help, but avoid getting water on the leaves for extended periods as this may lead to fungal issues.
Pet Safety & Toxicity
Good news for pet owners - Calathea Zebrina is non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. While it's safe to have around pets, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing on the leaves as this can damage the plant. The velvety texture of the leaves may be tempting to curious pets, so placing the plant in an area that's less accessible to them can help protect both your pets and your plant. For households with pets, the Calathea Zebrina offers the perfect combination of beauty and safety, allowing you to enjoy tropical foliage without worrying about your furry friends.
Why Buy from gardengro
When you choose gardengro for your Calathea Zebrina, you're selecting a plant that's been carefully nurtured and prepared for its new home. We deliver fresh, healthy plants across 200+ pincodes in India, ensuring your Calathea arrives in perfect condition. Our 14-day guarantee gives you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your new plant with confidence. At gardengro, we believe in making indoor gardening accessible and enjoyable, providing not just plants but the knowledge and support to help them thrive. Our team of experts ensures each Calathea Zebrina is well-packaged for safe transit, so you can focus on enjoying its beauty and benefits in your space.
Care steps
Provide bright indirect light. Place your Calathea near an east or north-facing window where it gets gentle morning light but is protected from harsh direct sun.
Water when top soil is dry. Check the soil moisture weekly and water thoroughly when the top inch feels dry, allowing excess water to drain completely.
Maintain high humidity. Increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray with water or using a room humidifier, especially in dry indoor environments.
Avoid temperature fluctuations. Keep your Calathea away from drafts, air conditioners, and heaters as sudden temperature changes can stress the plant.
Fertilize monthly. Feed your Calathea with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring and summer).
Wipe leaves occasionally. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and help the plant absorb light more efficiently.
Repot when needed. Repot your Calathea every 1-2 years in spring using a well-draining potting mix that's rich in organic matter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calathea Zebrina difficult to care for?+
Calathea Zebrina requires consistent care, particularly regarding watering and humidity, but isn't overly difficult once you understand its needs. It's perfect for plant parents who enjoy attentive gardening.
What kind of light does Calathea Zebrina need?+
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. An east or north-facing window is ideal, or any spot with filtered light throughout the day.
How often should I water my Calathea Zebrina?+
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain completely. In India's climate, this might be every 3-5 days depending on your home's temperature and humidity levels.
Is Calathea Zebrina safe for pets?+
Yes, Calathea Zebrina is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly homes. However, it's still best to keep pets from chewing on the leaves to prevent damage to the plant.
Does gardengro deliver Calathea plants to my area?+
We deliver fresh Calathea plants across 200+ pincodes in India. Enter your pincode on our website to check if delivery is available to your location.
What size plant will I receive?+
You'll receive a healthy, well-established Calathea Zebrina plant ready to enhance your indoor space. The exact size may vary slightly as we grow our plants to maturity before shipping.
What if my plant arrives damaged?+
gardengro offers a 14-day guarantee on all plants. If your Calathea arrives damaged, contact our customer service team with photos, and we'll arrange a replacement or refund.