Why are the leaf edges turning brown?

This is usually a sign of low humidity or using tap water with high mineral content.

How much light does it need?

It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant leaf patterns.

Plant guide

Calathea 'Cobra'.

Calathea zebrina

Pronounced go-ep-ER-tee-uh ze-BRY-nuh

Also known as Calathea zebrina, zebraplant

Zebra-plant — Photo by Chris Parminter (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The Cobra Calathea is a striking tropical plant known for its velvety, zebra-striped foliage. It thrives in warm, humid environments that mimic its native rainforest floor. This plant is a fantastic choice for adding texture to a shaded indoor collection.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tropical perennial
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 60 to 90 cm
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely in cultivation, usually late summer.

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. High humidity is essential, so consider using a pebble tray or humidifier to keep the edges from browning. Watch for curling leaves, as this is a common sign the plant needs more water or higher humidity.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound in its current container.
Soil: Well-draining peat-based mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: This plant is non toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The large leaves are sturdy but can be a choking hazard if torn into small pieces by curious children.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Velvety dark green leaves
Light green zebra stripes
Deep purple leaf undersides
Large oval shaped foliage

Height: 0.6 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, light green, evergreen
Flowers: white, purple, 2 to 4cm

Problems to watch for

Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
Leaf SpotCommon
Spider MitesCommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Root RotUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents. Maintain consistent warmth and increase humidity if indoor air becomes dry.
In containers: It thrives in containers and prefers a pot with drainage holes that is just slightly larger than its root ball.

Division

Gently remove the plant from its pot during the spring.
Carefully separate the root clump into two or more sections.
Ensure each section has healthy roots and several leaves.
Repot the divisions into fresh, well draining potting mix.
Water thoroughly and keep in a warm, humid spot until established.

Group this plant with other tropicals to create a microclimate that helps maintain necessary humidity levels.

Grows well with

Peace Lily · They share similar requirements for high humidity and indirect light.
Ferns · Ferns provide a lush, complementary texture in a shared humid environment.

Similar species

Prayer Plant · It is a closely related plant with similar movement and care needs.
Rattlesnake Plant · It shares the same genus and general growth habits.

Science

Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Goeppertia
Order: Zingiberales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical rainforests of Brazil.
Conservation: This species is not currently threatened in its native habitat.

It grows on the forest floor where it relies on filtered light and high ambient moisture.

Uses: indoor ornamental, tropical foliage display

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Light: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaf edges turning brown?: This is usually a sign of low humidity or using tap water with high mineral content.
How much light does it need?: It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant leaf patterns.

Where the name comes from

The name honors German botanist Heinrich Goeppert, while zebrina refers to the zebra like stripes on the leaves.

Good to know

It is commonly known as the Zebra plant due to its striking striped foliage.
The leaves have a velvety texture that feels soft to the touch.
It belongs to the Marantaceae family, often called prayer plants.

Also in

Low-light houseplants

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.