This above-average humidity can be achieved by placing a small humidifier nearby the plant, setting the pot on a wide based drip tray partly filled with water, misting the plant frequently or by placing the plant with other house plants, which will increase local humidity levels. Most home environments will naturally have lower humidity levels than this, so it is generally a good idea to manually increase the humidity levels around the plant. Since Zebra plants originally come from the Atlantic Forests of South America, it is important to mimic those conditions as closely as possible. In order for this plant to thrive, it must be placed in a humid environment, with ideal humidity levels of greater than 60%. What Fertilizer Should I Use For Zebra Plants?Ī well balanced, water soluble fertilizer should be used every two to four weeks during the warmer months of the year and no fertilizer should be used during the cooler months. Another strategy to increase drainage is to add some stones to the bottom of the potting container, as this will help water drain away from the soil and out of the pot. In practice, a good strategy is to mix 50-60% peat, with equal parts potting soil and perlite or coarse sand. Zebra plants grow best in soil which has high organic matter content, but which drains well. Zebra plants thrive in a well draining, rich potting soil and with a good amount of peat moss. Anything to minimize stress to the zebra plant will improve your success in growing this plant. The water should also ideally be soft water, so it you live in a hard water area, you may wish to think about using rainwater to water your zebra plant, which will have a lower level of dissolved minerals. Once it receives water again, it will bounce right back up, given that it hasn’t gone too long without water.ĭue to its temperamental nature, I would recommend using lukewarm water to water aphelandra squarrosa. If you do see the leaves of your zebra plant drooping, ensure to water it straight away, or try to identify any other cause of stress to the plant. Left without water for any prolonged amount of time, and the leave will start to drop. If the soil dries out, the leaves of the plant will droop down very quickly. A little water on a frequent basis is definitely the best option for the zebra plant. Aphelandra squarrosa won’t tolerate excessively wet or dry soil, so you will need to ensure that your watering keeps the soil, moist but not excessively wet. The Zebra plant can be quite temperamental and requires more attention to watering than most plants. How To Water A Zebra Plant (Aphelandra Squarrosa) Bright light is preferable in the spring and summer months while moderate light is better in the fall and winter months. Never expose a Zebra plant to direct sunlight and always protect the plant from the hot afternoon sun because too much direct sun will result in scorching of the leaves. Good Zebra plant care requires bright light and they should be placed in a well-lit area that receives indirect or filtered light. The time it takes for the Zebra plant to reach its maximum size varies greatly depending on the conditions that it is exposed to. The individual leaves are oval in shape and can grow to be 9 inches in length and 2 inches in width, while the saffron-yellow flower bract can grow to 8 inches tall and 2-3 inches wide. Zebra plants can grow to be 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide in their natural environment, but when grown indoors, this species typically only reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet. What Size Are Zebra Plants (Aphelandra Squarrosa)? This article will tell you exactly what to do to keep your zebra plant thriving and looking great. Whilst a fairly temperamental house plant, with a tendency to drop its leaves when not treated correctly, I believe that proper zebra plant care instructions can avoid any major issues, and the effort is more than worth it. These flower bracts have given this plant the alternative name of Saffron Spike, and its many unique features make it a perfect ornamental plant to display in your home. Some of its recognizable features include dark emerald-green leaves, white markings along the veins, and a crown of dense saffron-yellow flower bracts. It is natively found in the rainforests of central and South America, where it thrives in the wet and humid conditions. The Zebra plant, otherwise known as Aphelandra squarrosa, is an evergreen shrub, which makes an attractive houseplant due to its evergreen foliage and striking variegated appearance.
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