Zebra plants, a type of striped zigzag plant and also known as Zeblans, are popular tropical indoor houseplants that require minimal care. If you’re interested in growing these easy to maintain plants at home or want to learn more about them, this article will teach you everything there is to know!.
The “zebra plant care indoors” is a type of succulent plant that can be grown at home. It requires very little care, and is easy to maintain.
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The scientific name for Plant of the Zebra is Aphelandra squarrosa is a kind of Aphelandra., and it gets its name from its zebra-like leaf. It’s a Brazilian subtropical plant with huge leaves with dramatic white stripes that mimic the skin of a Zebra.
Plant of the Zebras, which may grow up to two feet tall, are commonly planted inside due to their stunning appearance. These plants, when grown in optimal circumstances, may produce bracts of brilliant yellow flowers that can grow to be several inches long and last for up to six weeks.
Contents
The Plant of the Zebra Facts
Although Plant of the Zebras are attractive, getting them to bloom effectively may be a difficult task. When cultivated inside, it can reach a height of 2 feet, but when planted outdoors, it can reach a height of 6 feet.
However, there are a few tips and tactics to keep in mind if you want to cultivate this plant inside.
But, before we get into those pointers, let’s go over some fundamental information on this plant breed.
| Name of the Plant | Plant of the Zebra |
| Name of the Plant | Aphelandra squarrosa is a kind of Aphelandra. |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Size | In a container, up to 2 feet When cultivated outside, it may reach a height of 6 feet. |
| Native | Brazil |
| Type of Plant | Evergreen |
| It’s Bloom Time | Late in the summer and into the autumn |
| the maximum height | 6 feet tall (when grown outdoors) |
| Typical Pests | Whiteflies, mealybugs, and fungus gnats |
| Toxic To | Cats and dogs may be poisoned. |
Different Types of Plant of the Zebra
It is interesting to note that there are overall 21 types of Plant of the Zebras available, each with a unique style and appearance. But when it comes to growing them indoors, two of the most popular variants include Calathea zebrina and Aphelandra squarrosa is a kind of Aphelandra..
That being said, Calathea zebrina (one of the calathea Type of Plants) is an entirely different plant from Aphelandra squarrosa is a kind of Aphelandra.. The latter is only a type of Calatha plant that shares the name as Plant of the Zebras.
You can choose these two or any of the 21 variants of Plant of the Zebras to grow inside your home as a part of modern decor.
Growing Plant of the Zebra at Home
Plant of the Zebras are exotic and jeweled plants that are loved because of the way they appear. They make unique indoor, porch, and patio plants. Growing these plants in taller pots is most suitable as they grow upright.
Although Plant of the Zebras are among the most popular in-house plants, growing them may require extra coax. They need to be provided with the right amount of light, warmth, water, and nutrients to grow and bloom.
Soil
Aphelandra squarrosa is a kind of Aphelandra. grows best in multi-purpose or peat-based potting soil. The pH level of the soil should range from neutral to acidic (5.6-6.0). You can also opt to mix a portion of the soil to enhance its ability to drain water.
In addition, if you aim to grow a blooming Plant of the Zebra, you must feed it with Fertilizers every one to two weeks, in the spring and summer months (its growing season).
Sunlight
Sunlight is a crucial factor when it comes to growing indoor Plant of the Zebras. In outdoor (natural) settings, these plants grow under the canopy of trees where they’re exposed to bright partial sunlight. So, when you plan to grow them indoors, try to keep them away from direct sunlight.
Although these plants can stand direct morning sunlight for a couple of hours, try to avoid keeping them in that condition for long, especially during the afternoons. Also, for Plant of the Zebras, complete darkness is not tolerable, as a lack of sunlight can prevent them from blooming.
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Location
It will be simpler for you to find the best location for these plants if you realize how much sunshine they need.
It is best to keep your Plant of the Zebra in a place that receives sufficient bright indirect sunlight. So, you may keep your plant in a sheltered location or under a thick tree canopy.
You may also grow your plant in the greenhouse.
Water
Another crucial aspect of growing Aphelandra squarrosa is a kind of Aphelandra. indoors is watering it sufficiently to keep the soil moist, avoiding saturation.
You don’t want to overwater, but you also don’t want to let the soil dry up. The zebra leaves will curl in if there is too much dry soil. So keep an eye on the soil and make sure it stays wet during the growth season.
During the winter months, though, you may let the soil dry up a little between watering sessions.
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Tips for Caring Plant of the Zebra
Aphelandra squarrosa is a kind of Aphelandra. is a sensitive plant majorly cultivated for its brilliantly colored flowers and gorgeous green leaves.
However, like any sub-tropical evergreen plant, growing Plant of the Zebras indoors may be challenging, especially if you stay in a colder region. So, let us discuss everything step by step on how to tend and manage your Plant of the Zebra if planted indoors.
Temperature
We have already mentioned that this plant requires bright but partial sunlight daily. So, the ideal Temperature to keep your Plant of the Zebra in is around 60- 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That being said, you should check that the Temperature must not drop beyond 55 degrees Fahrenheit, or else the plant’s foliage may get damaged.
Humidity
The humidity level is next.
Plant of the Zebras love humidity so much that they are often considered humidity attracter! Thus, the environment in which they are kept must have a humidity level between 60- 70%. Therefore, avoid keeping this plant near any vent or heater.
However, if you reside in a dry area with little humidity, you may use a humidifier to keep your plant happy. Other places to keep your plant are the kitchen and bathroom, both of which get a lot of water.
If its leaves are thirsty, you may manually sprinkle them with water, but be careful not to cause waterlogging in the soil.
Fertilizer
Plant of the Zebras can enhance their growth if they get proper food, which includes Fertilizers. We say so because this plant’s blooming capacity highly depends on how much nutrition it is getting.
During the growth seasons, such as spring and early summer, you may fertilize your plant once every one to two weeks. For your plant, it’s ideal to use a water-soluble quick-release fertilizer and avoid applying it throughout the winter months.
One word of caution: fertilize your plant only after it has been dampened in the soil, never on dry soil.
Pruning
Trimming Aphelandra squarrose is both simple and necessary. The only trimming required for this plant is the removal of dead or dying blossoms. If you keep the dead flowers for too long, the bottom foliage will wilt and fall off, leaving only the stems and leaves at the tip.
When the flowers fade, just clip the stems and leaves down to a couple of leaves at the plant’s base. This will make it more bushy in the spring.
Propagation
Propagating a Plant of the Zebra during the springtime is ideal and thorough cutting. You can do it by cutting stems from your plant and spreading them in your garden or other containers.
- Cut the 2- to 3-inch-long portions off the sides of the shoots using a sharp and sterile knife.
- To stimulate effective multiplication, sprinkle the holes with a rooting hormone after removing the stem.
- In a container or pot filled with damp soil, place the rooting hormone-coated ends. Mix peat moss and perlite together to make the soil.
- Keep the pot or container on a heating pad to help the roots develop faster.
- Remember to keep the container somewhere with a temperature of roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make sure the emerging shoots have enough of humidity to build strong roots. A terrarium with a lid may be excellent.
Re-potting
You can keep your Plant of the Zebra happy by Re-potting it annually during the springtime. Once propagated, when your plant grows in size and has an established root system, you can re-pot it.
You may use a plastic or ceramic pot with one to two drainage holes for repotting. It’s also important to make sure the new pot is at least one to two inches bigger than the one it was growing in before.
Common Plant of the Zebra Pests
Although Plant of the Zebras look ornamental, they are prone to pest infestations. Some common bugs that may cause issues for these plants include mites, scale, thrips, aphids, mealybugs, and whitefly.
As a result, keeping an eye on your plant might help you avoid insect infestation. Insecticidal soaps (for aphids and thrips), rubbing alcohol soaked cotton swabs (for mealybugs), horticultural oil (for whitefly), and other products might be used if your plant is already infested.
Common Illnesses
Because these plants are typically grown in humid regions, they are prone to illness, particularly fungal infections.
Some Common Illnesses you may encounter with your indoor Plant of the Zebra include:
- Stem rot caused by Phytophthora
- Botrytis blight is a fungal infection caused by botrytis.
- Leaf markings on Corynespora and Myrothecium
- Pythium root rot is a disease that affects the roots of Pythium
Of all these diseases, Stem rot caused by Phytophthora has no cure. So, the only thing you can do is prevent it from occurring by making sure that the soil in the pot is well-drained and there is no waterlogging around the base of the plant.
Avoid damp soil because fungal infections and illnesses are more common in wet and humid settings. Rather, keep the soil damp but not soggy.
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How to get Plant of the Zebra to Bloom?
The next challenge you are most likely to face while growing and caring for your indoor Plant of the Zebra is getting it to bloom. But it is not an impossible task. All you would need to do is follow a few tips, and voila! Your loving Aphelandra squarrosa is a kind of Aphelandra. will start producing bright yellow flowers.
You might begin by preserving the plant’s leaves over the winter months. During the winter, move your pot to a colder position and then return it to a warmer one when spring arrives. Make sure your plant is in a shady spot that gets enough of sunshine. Your plant will bloom as a result of the strength of the sunshine.
Cutting the dead blooms as quickly as possible is the next step. It will aid in the maintenance of your plant’s health and encourage it to bloom again in the autumn.
Another crucial thing to take care of is fertilizing your Plant of the Zebra every one to two weeks, in spring and early summer.
Your indoor Aphelandra squarrose should bloom well if you give it a good mix of light, nutrients, and humidity.
Being sensitive, Plant of the Zebras are bound to face issues while growing. However, most issues related to these plants are associated with their leaves. So, keeping a close check on them is crucial to avoid any severe problems.
- Leaf curling or Crinkling One of the most common problems with Plant of the Zebras is the curling of their leaves due to too much exposure to sunlight. If your plant is getting too much direct sunlight, chances are high you will notice its leaves getting curled or crinkled. Move it to a cooler and shader located to let it recover.
- Browning of the leaves Too much light or too much fertilizer are the two most common causes of leaf browning. Insufficient watering, on the other hand, might cause your plant to turn brown for a variety of reasons. So, relocate your plant to a shadier spot, reduce the quantity of fertilizer you use, and give it plenty of water to help it thrive.
- Leaves falling off Overwatering or underwatering can cause the leaves of your Plant of the Zebra to fall off. Therefore, make sure that your plant is receiving a balanced amount of water regularly. Also, check if the humidity level is sufficient, as dehydration may also lead to the plant wilting.
FAQs
Q. Can I place my Plant of the Zebra inside the bedroom?
Ans. Yes, you can keep your Plant of the Zebra inside your bedroom, as it is an air cleanser houseplant. However, you must ensure that it gets proper humidity level all the time.
Q. Is a Plant of the Zebra easy to be grown indoors?
Ans. Plant of the Zebras make excellent indoor plants. They can be grown inside, under shades, but require good care to survive and flourish. These plants are sensitive and need a good amount of bright sunlight, humidity, moist soil, and Fertilizer to grow.
Q. Why isn’t my Plant of the Zebra blooming?
Ans. One of the biggest reasons your plant isn’t flowering is because you aren’t feeding it properly or providing it with enough bright (indirect) sunshine.
Q. How long Plant of the Zebra lives?
Ans. With the right care and proper condition, Plant of the Zebras can live for up to a decade.
Q. Why my Plant of the Zebra is turning thinner?
Ans. Your Plant of the Zebra may be receiving less sunshine, which is making it go leggy.
Summary
To wrap it up, we can say that growing Plant of the Zebra indoors is not rocket science. However, that should not allow you to overlook the essential tips and tricks while growing them. These plants are ornamental, and if taken proper care of, can flourish richly.
The captivating huge green foliage and vivid yellow blossoms are well worth your time and effort to develop and care for.
Zebra plants are not only beautiful, but they also need specific care. The “zebra plant propagation in water” is a technique that can be used to grow them at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my zebra plant to grow?
A: Your zebra plant is not a species of plants that typically grow in the home. It needs to be planted outside and will require sunlight, water, and nutrients for it to thrive. Make sure you are using soil that has been sterilized before planting your zebra plant as well so it doesnt carry weed seeds from its mother ground.
Is zebra plant easy to grow?
A: Yes, zebra plant can be grown in just about any home or office with a lot of space.
Can you grow zebra plant indoors?
A: You can grow zebra plants indoors, but they are not easy to care for in the house. They need a lot of light, and high humidity levels.
Related Tags
- how to propagate zebra plant
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- how to prune a zebra plant
