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The Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) is a stunning houseplant known for its bold, striped leaves and bright yellow flower bracts. Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, this plant thrives in environments that mimic its natural habitat. Though it requires a bit more care than some houseplants, the Zebra Plant rewards its owner with striking beauty and occasional blooms. Here’s a complete guide to keeping your Zebra Plant healthy and vibrant.
The Zebra Plant prefers bright, indirect light. Place it near a window with filtered sunlight, such as an east- or west-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves, and insufficient light, which may cause the plant to lose its vibrant stripes.
Zebra Plants require consistent moisture but are sensitive to overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring that the pot has proper drainage to prevent root rot. Use room-temperature water and avoid letting the soil become soggy. During the plant's active growing season (spring and summer), keep the soil slightly more moist, but reduce watering in fall and winter.
As a tropical plant, the Zebra Plant thrives in high humidity levels of 60% or more. Use a humidifier, mist the leaves regularly, or place the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase humidity. Bathrooms or kitchens with natural humidity are ideal locations for this plant.
Plant your Zebra Plant in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A mix designed for tropical plants or a combination of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite works well. The soil should retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged.
The Zebra Plant prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and does not tolerate cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. Keep it away from air conditioning vents, heaters, or drafty windows.
Feed your Zebra Plant a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a fertilizer formulated for houseplants and dilute it to half strength. Reduce feeding in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune your Zebra Plant to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves with clean scissors or pruning shears. After the plant finishes flowering, you can trim back the spent flower bracts to encourage healthy foliage growth.
Repot your Zebra Plant every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its container. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter and refresh the soil with a nutrient-rich mix. Repotting is best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Yes, the Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) can be propagated, typically through stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
To propagate, take a healthy stem cutting about 4-6 inches long, ensuring it includes at least two leaf nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
Plant the cutting in a pot with moist, well-draining soil, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and place it in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Covering the cutting with a clear plastic bag can help maintain high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and roots should develop within a few weeks. Once the cutting establishes roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot and cared for as a mature plant.
With proper care, Zebra Plants can produce vibrant yellow flower bracts that last several weeks. To encourage blooming, provide bright, indirect light and maintain consistent humidity. Keep in mind that flowering typically occurs in late summer or early fall.
The Zebra Plant is considered non-toxic to pets, making it a safer choice for households with cats and dogs. However, it’s still a good idea to discourage pets from chewing on the leaves to prevent any potential damage to the plant.