Alocasia zebrina guide
Alocasia zebrina, also called zebra alocasia, zebrina
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- High. Dry air invites spider mites and crisp edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Chunky, airy mix with orchid bark and perlite
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain, drooling, and swelling.
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 60 cm to 1 m (2 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Divide the clump, or pot up the small corms in the roots
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes alocasia zebrina different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the alocasia care guide.
What it is
Alocasia zebrina is grown for its stems. They are tall and striped in yellow and black, like a zebra. On top sit plain, glossy green, arrow-shaped leaves. It comes from the Philippines.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Stems and leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Zebrina | Zebra-striped stems, plain green leaves | Striped stems |
| ‘Polly’ alocasia | Plain stems, white-veined leaves | White veins on the leaves |
| ‘Frydek’ alocasia | Plain stems, velvet leaves | Velvet leaves with white veins |
‘Tiny Dancer’ and ‘Sarian’ are hybrids with zebrina in their parentage. Their stems are striped too.
Care differences
The tall stems lean toward light and can flop. Turn the pot every week. Give it bright indirect light so the stems grow strong.
Like other alocasias, it may rest in winter and drop leaves. Water less and wait for spring.
Grow it from corms
Look for corms in the soil when you repot. Set them half buried in moist sphagnum in a warm spot.
Pet safety
Like all alocasias, it contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs.
Buying it
Zebrina is sold at plant shops and many garden centers. Look for firm, upright stems with crisp stripes. Soft stems at the soil mean rot.