Description

Calathea Zebrina Care Guide

☀️ Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and fade their patterns.
• Can tolerate medium light but growth may slow down.

💧 Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels slightly dry.
• Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if possible, as Calatheas can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water.

🌱 Soil

• Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix.
• A mix of cocopeat, perlite, and compost works well.
• Ensure the pot has drainage holes.

🌡️ Temperature

• Ideal temperature: 18°C–30°C.
• Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C.

💨 Humidity

• Loves high humidity (above 60%).
• Mist occasionally, use a pebble tray, or place near a humidifier.
• Dry air may cause brown leaf edges.

🌿 Fertilizing

• Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
• Reduce feeding during winter.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Remove yellow, damaged, or dried leaves regularly.
• Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free.

🪴 Repotting

• Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot.
• Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.

⚠️ Common Problems

• Brown leaf edges: Low humidity or poor water quality.
• Yellow leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
• Curling leaves: Underwatering, low humidity, or temperature stress.
• Faded patterns: Too much direct sunlight.

🌱 Propagation

• Best propagated by division during repotting.
• Separate healthy clumps with roots attached and plant them in fresh potting mix.