Zebra Plant
Aphelandra squarrosa
The Zebra Plant shows up with dramatic zebra-striped leaves and occasionally crowns itself with a bright golden flower spike - then immediately becomes high-maintenance about keeping those looks. It needs consistent warmth, high humidity, and reliable moisture, and it will drop leaves without much warning if any of those slip. Genuinely beautiful, genuinely a bit demanding, but very rewarding when you get it right.
How to grow Zebra Plant
bright indirect light (3-6 feet
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
50-65%
Prefers 70-85 F (21-29 C).
Rich, slightly acidic, well-draining mix (pH 6.
Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings
Leaf drop from underwatering or cold drafts.
Fun Facts
The name Aphelandra comes from the Greek words for 'simple' (apheles) and 'male' (andros), referring to the plant's single-celled anthers - a distinctive botanical feature of the genus.
Pet safe
Non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. A good choice for households with curious pets.
Sources
- Aphelandra Zebra Plants Indoors - Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
- Aphelandra Zebra Plants Indoors - Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
- Aphelandra squarrosa - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Aphelandra squarrosa - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- How to Care for a Zebra Plant - The Sill (opens in new tab)Reference
- How to Care for a Zebra Plant - The Sill (opens in new tab)Reference
- Aphelandra squarrosa - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
- Aphelandra squarrosa - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension