One look at the striking white stripes on the zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) and you’ll know how it got its name. In addition to their striking striped leaves, these beautiful plants are also sure to attract attention with their lush tropical appearance. When flowering, these South American native plants produce beautiful yellow flower spikes that last for weeks. Zebra plants are often grown as houseplants, but in warmer regions, they grow outdoors, and their flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Where to Grow Zebra Plants
In warmer regions such as Florida and Southern California, zebra plants can be grown in outdoor gardens or containers. But in most parts of the United States, zebra plants should be kept as houseplants. As tropical plants, they grow especially well in sunrooms (out of direct sunlight), bathrooms, and kitchens, where humidity tends to be higher than in other parts of the house. Place them away from airflow and fans, and in a bright location with indirect light.
Care Tips for Zebra Plants
Although zebra plants can be a bit finicky about their growth, with a little attention to their needs, zebra plants can thrive in most homes.
Light
These plants require bright indirect light for growth and flowering. East- and north-facing windows are usually best if light is not blocked by plants, buildings, and other structures. South-facing windows work well if the plants are protected from direct sunlight.
Plants that get too little light will grow and elongate, while plants that get too much light will turn white or even burn. Once you’ve found a suitable spot for the zebra plant, try to move it as little as possible.
Soil and Water
Zebra plants prefer organic, rich, well-drained soil that retains water without flooding. Place the plant in a plastic pot with a hole in the bottom for proper drainage, and place it in a decorative pot with no drainage. When watering, remove the potted zebra plant from the decorative pot. Add water until the water drains from the bottom, then place it back in the decorative basin after stopping dripping.
Temperature and Humidity
Zebra plants need warm temperatures to grow properly. Luckily, the temperatures they prefer are about the temperature range of most American homes, from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. Unnecessary high humidity favors optimal growth. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to have higher humidity than other areas around the house, which helps to improve plant health.
Fertilizer
Most potted plants need fertilizer due to nutrient loss from the soil, and zebra plants are no exception. When the plants are actively growing and flowering, apply an all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer to the plants once a month.
Trim
Pruning zebra plants is usually not necessary, but it is possible to cut off the flowers to help the plant transfer nutrients and energy to new growth. Allow the leaves to fall off the plant naturally instead of cutting them off. Plants naturally reabsorb and transfer nutrients from old leaves before dropping them, and removing them before that consumes the plant’s nutrients and hinders further growth.
Potting and Repotting
As houseplants, zebra plants can be repotted at any time of the year. When the roots begin to push the pot and/or stick out of the bottom of the pot, the plant should be moved into a larger pot of the next size. For example, a plant in a 4-inch pot should be transplanted into a 6-inch pot.
Pests and Problems
Zebra plants are susceptible to a variety of pests such as whiteflies, scale insects and aphids. If the plants are infected, treat them with organic pesticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Scale insects may need to be removed manually with a fingernail or a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol, separating them from the leaves.
Since zebra plants require constant water, frequent overwatering can lead to root rot. If root rot occurs, cut the stems and propagate to create new plants. Discard the infected root bulb and clean the pot thoroughly before reuse.
How to Breed Zebra Plants
Zebra plants are relatively easy to propagate by cuttings with the following steps:
- Cut the stem into 3-6 inch sections, removing all but one leaf at each cut. Mark the bottom of each section with a marker pen to avoid confusion.
- Apply powdered rooting hormone to the bottom inch of each cutting.
- Fill a small basin with a mixture of 50% moist sphagnum moss and 50% perlite.
- Use your fingers to make holes in the soil deep enough to place about half of each stem segment into the pot.
- Place the planted cuttings in a bright location with high humidity. Spray and water regularly to maintain humidity. Using a heating pad under the cuttings can help speed up the process and reduce the risk of decay.
A Companion Plant of the Zebra Plant
Zebra plants grow well when grown with other tropical houseplants, but care should be taken to choose companion plants that prefer the same humidity and do not overwhelm them. A good companion plant is pothos (Pothos spp.), Spathiphyllum spp., and Korean Rock Fern (Polystichum tsus-simense)
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Are zebra plants poisonous?
No, zebra plants are not poisonous, but their sap may be irritating to some people.
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How fast do zebra plants grow?
The zebra plant grows somewhat slowly, but over time, it will eventually reach about two feet tall.
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How often does zebra plant bloom?
Zebra plants grow slowly and do not bloom every year. Give your plants enough time to mature and eventually bloom.