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Zebra Plant


Botanical Name: Aphelandra squarrosa

Zebra Plant has exotic, emerald green leaves with dramatic white veins so striking, it is grown for its foliage.

The plume of bright yellow flowers emerging from golden bracts in fall are an added attraction. The flowers will only last a few days, but the bracts will stay for about 6 weeks. Cut off the bracts after they deteriorate.




Aphelandra squarrosa makes a beautiful addition to any room -- or a statement at the office. It makes a welcome housewarming gift, too.

Click on the picture at left to buy this Zebra Plant.



Pruning tip: Plants will get leggy over time. Plants that have flowered should be cut down in spring. Cut the main stem, leaving a pair of its lower leaves.

In the wild, it thrives in the high humidity and frequent downpours of the rain forest. It will thrive indoors, too, as long as its need for high humidity is met. Stand the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to increase the humidity around the plant.

Zebra plant prefers to be slightly pot-bound and blooms best this way. Keep it in a smallish pot. Repot in spring when needed to refresh the soil.

Wipe leaves often with a damp cloth to keep them glossy.


zebra plant, aphelandra squarrosa

Origin: Brazil

Height: 1-2 ft (30-60 cm)

Light: Bright light but no direct sun. Wrinkled or curled leaves indicate it is getting too much light.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist year-round.

Humidity: High humidity

Temperature: Warm 65-80°F, 18-27°C

Soil: Peat moss based potting mix or African violet mix.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Take tip cuttings in spring or summer.


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Green Thumb Tip:

Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Soil that is too wet or too dry will cause the leaves to wilt and fall off.

Buying Tip:

There are a few cultivars to choose from. 'Louisae' is a prolific bloomer and the tallest, reaching 2 ft... 'Dania' is the most common, shorter and more compact.

'Apollo' has more pronounced white veins...and 'Red Apollo' has a blush of red on the stems and undersides of its leaves.

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