A striking species from southeastern Brazil with velvety dark green leaves patterned with bold lime-green stripes

The zebra-like lime bands across the velvety green leaves make Goeppertia zebrina visually striking without feeling cluttered, perfect when you want a larger Calathea that still feels soft and leafy.

The striped plant grows up to about 90 centimeters in both height and width. The long leaf stalks, up to 30 centimeters, bear elliptical leaves 45 centimeters or longer. The leaves are dark green on the upper side, dark red on the underside, with the veins and edges etched in lime green.

Care

Thrives in bright, filtered light but does not tolerate direct sunlight. Normal room temperature, around 20°C, is suitable for this plant year-round, with a minimum temperature of 16°C.

The soil should be kept moist throughout the summer as the plant does not tolerate drought. Water when only the top 10-15% has dried. Avoid direct sun and stagnant water. Use softer or filtered water if leaf tips start to turn brown.

Humidity around 60-80% helps keep the broad leaves clean and undamaged. Mist the leaves with lukewarm water as often as possible to provide them with pleasant humidity.

Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season from spring to autumn, but no supplement in winter. Repotting is done as needed in the spring. Propagation is usually done by dividing shoots that come from the roots.

Benefit: Considered non-toxic, making it more suitable for mixed households than many large tropical foliage plants. Buy Calathea zebrina 'striped leaf' online!