How to Grow and Care for Zebra Plants Indoors

Zebra plants, scientifically known as Aphelandra squarrosa, are striking and unique houseplants that can add a touch of exotic beauty to your indoor space. Their distinctive foliage, featuring bold white stripes on deep green leaves, makes them a popular choice among indoor plant enthusiasts. Growing and caring for zebra plants indoors can be a rewarding experience, and in this guide, New York Garden will explore the essential steps and tips to help you nurture these eye-catching plants successfully.

Overview

Stripes like no other, the zebra plant dazzles with its patterned leaves and striking presence. However, its appeal does not negate the needs of this succulent, tropical plant [1]. To keep a zebra plant thriving indoors, understanding its light and water requirements is only the beginning.

This guide leaves no topic unexplored, from the best growing medium and pots to increasing your collection through propagation and how to address any issues that arise. While low-maintenance, zebra plants do require consistent care and the right environment to produce colorful, dense growth. Stay tuned till the end to learn more about how to grow and care for Zebra Plants indoors.

Common Name	Zebra plant
Botanical Name	Aphelandra squarrosa
Family	Acanthaceae
Plant Type	Annual
Mature Size	1–6 ft. tall, 1–5 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Partial
Soil Type	Moist
Soil pH	Neutral, acidic
Bloom Time	Summer, fall
Flower Color	Yellow
Hardiness Zones	11-12 (USDA)
Native Area	Brazil

Types of Zebra Plant

If you love plants with striking foliage, you might want to consider adding a zebra plant to your collection. Zebra plants are succulents that belong to the genus Haworthia. They are named for their distinctive white stripes or dots on their dark green leaves. Zebra plants are easy to grow and care for, as they only need bright indirect light and occasional watering. They also make great houseplants, as they can tolerate low humidity and temperature fluctuations.

There are many types of zebra plant, each with its own unique pattern and shape. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Haworthia fasciata: This is the most common type of zebra plant, also known as the zebra haworthia or the common zebra plant. It has long, slender leaves that are pointed at the tips and have white horizontal stripes on both sides.
Haworthia attenuata: This type of zebra plant is also known as the zebra cactus or the star window plant. It has shorter, thicker leaves that are pointed at the tips and have white tubercles (bumps) on the upper surface and white stripes on the lower surface.
Haworthia coarctata: This type of zebra plant is also known as the candle plant or the green lantern. It has cylindrical leaves that are tightly packed in a columnar shape and have white dots on both sides.
Haworthia limifolia: This type of zebra plant is also known as the fairy washboard or the file leafed haworthia. It has broad, flat leaves that have raised ridges on both sides, resembling a washboard or a file.
Haworthia truncata: This type of zebra plant is also known as the horse's teeth or the window haworthia. It has rectangular leaves that are truncated at the ends and have transparent windows on the upper surface.

How to Care for Zebra Plants

Zebra plants are beautiful houseplants with striped leaves and bright yellow flowers. They are easy to care for if you follow some simple tips. Here are some of the best ways to keep your zebra plant happy and healthy.

Light

Aphelandra squarrosa, commonly known as Zebra plant, likes bright but indirect light or partial shade. This plant species grows well in warm and humid regions where it grows under the shade of trees. It is good to steer clear of exposing your plant to direct sunlight as it can lead to leaf scorching. However, you should note that complete shade may hinder the blooming process of your plant.

Soil

The best soil pH for a zebra plant is neutral to slightly acidic [2]. Using a versatile potting mix suffices to ensure the growth of the plant. You can add sand to enhance drainage. To boost the blooming of your flowering plants, fertilize them every one to two weeks during their active growing season (spring and summer).

Water

Zebra plants need moist soil to thrive. However, watering them excessively can lead to wilting of the leaves. So, you better water it thoroughly every few weeks or when the soil dries out. Watering from below the leaves to get the best result.

Temperature and Humidity

Humidity and weather both affect a plant's ability to flourish. For plants to flourish, the producing area should be kept within a specific temperature and humidity range.

The ideal setting for their growth environment is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature should never dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, as doing so could stunt their development.

For optimal zebra plant development, humidity levels between 60 and 70 percent should be maintained. A humidifier can be used to increase humidity levels if ideal interior circumstances cannot be achieved.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer greatly improves the zebra plant's development, especially in terms of its blooming potential. Fertilize the zebra plant once every two weeks during the active development period with a nutrient that is good for both the leaves and the blooms.

Propagating a Zebra Plant

Propagating a zebra plant is simple and fun. You can do it by leaf cuttings or by division. Here's how:

Leaf cuttings: Cut off a healthy leaf from the mother plant, making sure to include some stem. Let the cut end dry for a few days until it forms a callus. Then, place the leaf on top of moist potting soil and press it lightly. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and place the pot in a bright spot. In a few weeks, you should see tiny roots and baby plants emerging from the leaf.
Division: This method works best when the mother plant is crowded and has multiple stems. Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off the excess soil. Use a sharp knife to separate the stems, making sure each one has some roots attached. Repot each stem in its own pot with fresh potting soil. Water well and place them in a sunny spot.

Potting and Repotting Zebra Plant

Hey plant lovers, today I'm going to show you how to pot and repot your zebra plant. Zebra plants are beautiful succulents with striped leaves that look like zebras. They are easy to care for and can brighten up any space.

Potting a zebra plant is simple. You just need a pot with drainage holes, some well-draining cactus or succulent soil, and your zebra plant. Fill the pot with soil, leaving some space at the top. Make a hole in the center and gently place your zebra plant in it. Press the soil around the roots and water lightly.

Repotting a zebra plant is also easy, but you should only do it when the plant outgrows its current pot or shows signs of root rot. To repot, gently remove the plant from its old pot and shake off any excess soil. Trim any damaged or rotten roots with a clean knife. Choose a new pot that is slightly larger than the old one and has drainage holes. Fill it with fresh soil and repeat the same steps as potting.

That's it! You have successfully potted or repotted your zebra plant. Enjoy its beauty and don't forget to water it when the soil feels dry.

Common Problems With Zebra Plant

Hey, plant lovers! Do you have a zebra plant at home? If so, you might have noticed some common problems with this beautiful but fussy plant. Zebra plants are known for their striking foliage, with dark green leaves and white veins. They also produce bright yellow flowers that last for weeks. But they can be tricky to care for, and they might show signs of stress or unhappiness if their needs are not met. Here are some of the most common problems with zebra plant and how to fix them.

Dropping leaves: This is usually a sign of underwatering or low humidity [3]. Zebra plants like moist soil and high humidity, so make sure you water them regularly and mist them often. You can also place them on a tray of pebbles with water to increase the humidity around them.
Brown tips or edges: This is usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Zebra plants don't like soggy soil or wet feet, so make sure you use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. You should also avoid watering them too much or too often, and let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
Fading or yellowing leaves: This is usually a sign of low light or nutrient deficiency. Zebra plants need bright but indirect light to thrive, so place them near a window but away from direct sun. You should also fertilize them every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
No flowers: This is usually a sign of insufficient light or temperature fluctuations. Zebra plants need at least four hours of bright but indirect light per day to bloom, so make sure they get enough exposure. You should also keep them in a stable environment, with temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and no drafts or sudden changes.

FAQs

Zebra Plant is a popular houseplant with striking foliage. It has dark green leaves with white veins that resemble zebra stripes. Zebra Plant belongs to the genus Calathea, which includes many tropical plants with colorful and patterned leaves. Here are some common questions and answers about Zebra Plant.

How do I care for my Zebra Plant?

Zebra Plant likes bright indirect light, high humidity, and moist but well-drained soil. It does not tolerate direct sun, dry air, or soggy soil. You can mist your plant regularly, use a humidifier, or place it on a tray of pebbles with water to increase humidity. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, and use room-temperature water. Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Why are the leaves of my Zebra Plant curling or drooping?

Curling or drooping leaves are usually a sign of underwatering, low humidity, or cold drafts. Check the soil moisture and humidity levels, and move your plant away from any sources of cold air. You can also prune off any damaged or yellowing leaves to improve the appearance of your plant.

How do I propagate my Zebra Plant?

Zebra Plant can be propagated by division or by stem cuttings. To divide your plant, gently remove it from the pot and separate the roots into two or more sections. Make sure each section has some healthy leaves and roots. Repot each section in fresh potting mix and water well. To propagate by stem cuttings, cut off a healthy stem with at least two leaves and place it in water or moist soil. Keep it in a warm and bright place until roots develop, then transplant it to a larger pot.

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