Saffron Spike Zebra Aphelandra squarrosa

The zebra plant can reach heights of up to 6 feet and widths of 5 feet in its native habitat of northeast and southeast Brazil. The plant prefers moist conditions along with tropical heat. In other locations, it is grown as a broadleaf evergreen houseplant.

The genus name, Aphelandra, is derived from two Greek words. Apheles means simple, and andros means male and refers to the one-celled anthers.

The zebra plant does best when it receives plenty of warm, bright, indirect light and high humidity. It prefers well-drained acidic potting soil. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely. The plant prefers high humidity and temperatures that do not dip below 65º F. Place pots on a bed of wet pebbles or grow them in bathrooms to try to meet the humidity needs. Misting will also benefit the health of your plant.

It is grown for its showy leaves and flowers. The veined foliage leads to the common name Zebra plant, resembling the stripes on a zebra. Not blooming often, it can be encouraged to do so by providing prolonged periods of indirect light.

Cut plants back after flowering to manage growth. Cut back the stems and leaves, leaving two rows of leaves. This will prevent the plant from losing its leaves and becoming too leggy. The stems that are removed can be used for propagating additional plants. Re-pot annually by going up one pot size to allow the roots sufficient room to grow.  

This plant is considered to be a short-lived, but the ease of propagation from the stem cuttings obtained during pruning will ensure that you will have this plant on display in your home.

During the winter months, the zebra plant will experience a period of semi-dormancy. Watering should be reduced but not stopped. New growth will begin to be evident in late winter.  At that time, a weak fertilizer solution can be applied every few weeks. During its growing season, the soil should be moist. Excessive amounts of water, or extremely dry conditions, will cause the bottom leaves to brown and drop. Water frequently, not thoroughly.

Quick ID Hints:

• compact shrub in its native tropical habitat but typically grown as a houseplant in the United States
• the leaves are ovate to elliptic, glossy, dark green with white veining
• the leaf margins are entire to slightly undulate
• individual tubular flowers with yellow bracts that appear in a thick vertical spike

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems, but look out for aphids, scales, white flies, spider mites, and mealybugs. 

Leaves dropping or scorching can indicate that the soil is too dry, the temperatures are too cool, or the plant is receiving too much sunlight. Drooping leaves or stems can also mean too much water. This plant does not like wet feet. Brown leaf tips can be caused by low humidity.