Aphelandra Zebra Plant

The Zebra Plant is a leafy houseplant that is sure to turn heads. Officially known as Aphelandra squarrosa, this tropical plant hails from Brazil. Dark-green, spade-shaped foliage features contrasting creamy white midribs and veining for a stunning appearance. Zebra Plants have an upright growth habit and lend a lush, rich, and tropical feel. This houseplant requires consistent care and attention, and the work is worth it when you can admire the striking foliage.rBest Locations For Growing Zebra PlantrAs a tropical houseplant, Zebra Plants appreciate increased humidity, similar to what they would experience in nature. Kitchens and bathrooms usually have high humidity, making them a good location. Avoid placing this beauty near heating or air conditioning vents, which can dry out the greenery. Use a humidifier or pebble tray to make any area agreeable to the Zebra Plant. rZebra Plant Sunlight RequirementsrBright light is ideal for Zebra Plants, but make sure the light is indirect or filtered. Set the plant back from a south-facing window or hang sheer curtains to diffuse the sunlight. rZebra Plant CarerThe Zebra Plant is typically grown for its showy foliage, but this beauty also blooms. Yellow flowers may emerge in the late summer or early fall. It is not a frequent bloomer, but you can help it push out flowers by giving it plenty of light and possibly supplementing the sunlight with a grow light. Remove the flower stem after the blooms start to fade. rWatering Zebra PlantrWater is perhaps the most tricky part of caring for Zebra Plants. Too much or too little water is a problem for all plants, but Zebra Plants are particularly sensitive to inconsistent watering. Keep the soil consistently moist and water when the top inch of the soil is slightly damp but not wet. Water until liquid drains through the soil and pot. Some home gardeners find success by giving the plant small amounts of water more frequently instead of long drinks less often.rFeeding Zebra PlantrZebra Plants respond well to fertilization, and feeding the plant increases the likelihood it will flower while supporting abundant foliage. Apply fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and early summer. Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote leaves and blooms.rrZebra Plant InformationrrrrLight Exposure: Bright Indirect LightrrrCare Requirements: EasyrrrWatering Requirements: Average – Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.rrrPet Friendly: YesrrrKid Friendly: YesrrrAir Purifier: ModeraterrrHabit: UprightrrrGrowth Rate: SlowrrrMature Height: 12 inchesrrrMature Spread: 6-8 inchesrrrFlowering: YesrrrFlower Color(s): YellowrrrFlower Shade/Description: YellowrrrFragrant: NorrrFoliage Type: rrrFoliage Color(s): GreenrrrFoliage Description: Emerald GreenrrrTemperature: 60° – 70°F (16° – 21°C)rrrHumidity: rrrCommon Name: Zebra PlantrrrOther Name(s): Zebra PlantrrrScientific Name: Aphelandra squarrosarrrPlant Type: House Plant