Calathea Concinna 'Freddie'
Meet Freddie — the cheerful, light-loving Calathea with bright green zebra stripes that bring an instant burst of tropical energy to any room. Calathea concinna 'Freddie' stands apart from its moody Calathea cousins with a more easygoing temperament and a lighter, brighter palette. Its lance-shaped leaves are decorated with crisp, alternating light and dark green stripes that radiate outward from the midrib like a perfectly painted feather — all on a backdrop of soft, silvery-green. And like all prayer plants, Freddie folds its leaves upward at nightfall in a daily display that never loses its magic.
Love patterned, pet-safe tropicals? Explore our pet-friendly plant collection or browse all our indoor houseplants.
💚 Why Plant Lovers Adore Calathea Freddie
- Bright Zebra-Stripe Pattern — Light and dark green stripes radiate symmetrically from the midrib for a bold, graphic look.
- More Forgiving Than Other Calatheas — 'Freddie' is considered one of the easier Calatheas to care for, with slightly more tolerance for humidity fluctuations.
- Prayer Plant Movement — Leaves rise and fold at dusk, then open again each morning — a captivating daily rhythm.
- Pet-Friendly & Non-Toxic — Completely safe for cats and dogs, making it ideal for pet-friendly homes.
- Air-Purifying — Helps filter indoor air naturally.
🌱 Plant Profile
- Botanical Name: Calathea concinna 'Freddie'
- Common Names: Freddie Calathea, Prayer Plant, Zebra Calathea
- Family: Marantaceae
- Origin: Brazil and tropical South America
- Mature Size: 12–18" tall
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Foliage: Lance-shaped; light and dark green zebra stripes; pale silvery-green overall
☀️ Care at a Glance
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which fades the leaf pattern.
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist. Use filtered or distilled water — Calatheas are sensitive to chlorine and fluoride in tap water.
- Humidity: Prefers higher humidity. Mist regularly or use a humidifier for best results.
- Soil: Well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix with added perlite.
- Temperature: 65–80°F. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F.
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertilizer.
🌿 Pro Tip: Calathea Freddie's lighter coloration means it can tolerate slightly more light than darker Calatheas — a bright spot a few feet from a window is often its sweet spot. Just avoid harsh direct sun, which will bleach those beautiful stripes.
