Zebra plant flower12/4/2023 ![]() ![]() The underside of the leaves is purple and not always visible because leaves grow horizontally (although some will curve or grow more upright). This variety has velvety patterned ovate leaves which are light green in color with darker green stripes, like Zebra stripes. Just like all others from the Maranta group and Calathea genus, it’s grown for its striking leaves. It’s sometimes named prayer plant when sold at garden stores and its common name (Zebra) is also given to the Aphelandra squarrosa.īeing a tropical plant native to Brazil the Calathea does require a warm and moist environment which encourages the foliage to thrive and look its best. This Zebra plant is from the same family (Marantaceae) as the popular indoor Prayer plant and has many similarities, although the Calathea Zebrina grows taller and can be slightly more difficult to grow. This species is fairly undemanding and suitable for growing indoors if enough light and humidity are provided, and the correct temperature conditions are given. The intriguing foliage and the production of the beautiful bracts are your reward for the care you give your plant.Calathea Zebrina also called the Zebra plant is a perennial foliage plant that displays fairly large ovate leaves at the tips of its long stalks, growing up to 1 meter tall. Once these begin to die, they should be removed and the plant cut back to allow room for future new growth and the yearly cycle begins again.Īphelandra squarrosa makes a wonderful zebra houseplant. Summer is the time for bloom, and it is the bracts that provide the yellow, orange, or red-tinged ‘flower.’ The true flowers die within days, but the colorful bracts can remain for months. Once side shoots develop and new flower heads can be seen, move your plant to the brightest possible area and water generously. By late winter, you’ll see new growth and should water with a weak fertilizer solution every two weeks. ![]() Don’t let the soil completely dry out, but water a little less frequently. Growth will be minimal, and fortunately for those of us who live in colder climates, the plant actually likes temperatures a little lower than normal. In early winter, your plant will go into semi-dormancy. If you’re thinking of purchasing a plant, find one whose bracts are just beginning to form. If you want to learn how to get Aphelandra zebra plant to bloom, you must understand the natural rhythm of the plant. One of the common problems in Aphelandra zebra plant care is drooping or falling leaves – usually from too much water. Use a potting medium that drains well and keep it moist, not wet. They may thrive in 40-80 percent humidity, but they don’t like wet feet. They do need high humidity and setting their pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water or regular misting should be an integral part of how to care for a zebra plant. (15☌.) at night if they are kept out of drafts. In this way, your original plant can last for decades! How to Care for a Zebra Plantīecause they are tropical, Aphelandra zebra plants prefer warm climates and will do well in average household temperatures around 70☏. Remove the bottom leaves and stick the stem cuttings directly into potting medium or into a glass of water until new roots form. New plants are easily grown from 4- to 6-inch (10-15 cm.) stem cuttings. Part of how to care for a zebra plant is propagation. Even with excellent zebra plant care, your Aphelandra squarrosa will only give you a few years of pleasure, but don’t despair. They’re usually pretty small at the time of purchase and many indoor gardeners consider them a short-lived friend. ![]() Their brightly colored flowers and bracts make for a prized display. This zebra houseplant is known for its large, shiny leaves and dark green foliage deeply veined in white or yellow, reminiscent of zebra stripes, hence the common name. These “zebra plants” are members of a large Brazilian family and in their rain forest habitats, grow into large, upright shrubs that bloom profusely in the moist, tropical heat. Our subject here is Aphelandra squarrosa. There are two types of zebra houseplants and when you look at their scientific (Latin) classification, you can see that Calathea zebrina and Aphelandra squarrosa have nothing in common other than their common names. I write them for gardeners who have an interest in such things and, yes, I admit I’ve spouted them off a few times to people who think gardeners are all overgrown children who like to play in the dirt, but the truth is, I prefer the more fanciful common names – until I run into something like zebra plants. Those long, difficult to pronounce binomials always trip up my tongue. Perhaps you want to know how to care for a zebra plant, or maybe how to get zebra plant to bloom, but before you can find the answers to questions about zebra pant care, you need to find out which zebra plant you have sitting in your window. ![]()
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