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With its dramatic white-veined leaves and bold yellow flower bracts, Aphelandra squarrosa—commonly known as the Zebra Plant—is a true tropical showstopper. Native to the rainforests of Brazil, this houseplant earns its name from the striking zebra-like stripes on its glossy green foliage. While it can be a bit fussy, with the right conditions and care, Aphelandra can be a stunning addition to your indoor garden.
Whether you're drawn to its exotic foliage or its vivid seasonal blooms, here’s how to keep your Zebra Plant happy and thriving.
Zebra Plants love bright, indirect light. Place them near a window with filtered sunlight—east- or north-facing windows are ideal. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the vibrant patterns to fade and the plant to grow leggy.
A bright bathroom or kitchen with humidity and indirect light is a great spot for this plant.
Aphelandra prefers consistently moist soil, but not soggy. Water your Zebra plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Never allow the plant to sit in standing water, as it is prone to root rot.
During the growing season (spring and summer), you may need to water more frequently—roughly once or twice per week. In fall and winter, reduce watering but don’t allow the soil to dry out completely.
As a tropical plant, Zebra Plant thrives in high humidity. Aim for at least 60% humidity. You can increase humidity by misting regularly, placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a humidifier.
Keep it in temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid placing it near air conditioners, drafts or heaters, as sudden temperature changes or dry air can cause leaf drop or browning.
Use a light, well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. A good choice is a peat-based mix with added perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage and aeration.
Make sure your pot has drainage holes, and consider repotting every 1–2 years in the spring if the plant becomes root-bound.
Feed your Zebra Plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall). A bloom-boosting fertilizer with slightly higher phosphorus can help encourage flower bract development.
Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Aphelandra produces bright yellow, cone-like bracts in late summer or fall, which can last for several weeks. Once the bracts fade, you can prune the flowering stem to encourage bushier growth.
Regular pruning can also help manage leggy stems and promote fuller, more compact foliage. Always use clean, sharp scissors when trimming.
Aphelandra can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting just below a node and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in water or moist soil and keep humidity high. Rooting usually occurs within a few weeks under warm, humid conditions.
Aphelandra is generally considered non-toxic to pets, though it’s always wise to discourage all pets from chewing on any houseplant to prevent potential digestive upset.