Zebra plant care guide

The zebra plant has glossy, dark green leaves with bold white veins, like zebra stripes. In late summer or fall, it grows a tall spike of bright yellow bracts that lasts for weeks. It comes from the Brazilian rainforest. It needs steady water and moist air, and it lets you know fast when it does not get them.

This guide is for Aphelandra squarrosa. The succulent also sold as zebra plant is a haworthia.

Light

Give it bright indirect light. An east window is ideal. A spot a few steps back from a south or west window works too.

It needs bright light to bloom. Direct sun scorches the leaves. In low light, it grows leggy and does not flower.

Water

Keep the soil moist. Water when the surface just starts to dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer.

This plant does not forgive drought. If the soil dries out, the leaves droop, then the lower leaves drop. Soggy soil rots the roots, so do not let it sit in water. In winter, after it blooms, let it dry a bit more. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

Use a well-draining houseplant mix with peat or coir to hold moisture.

Repot every spring, one size up. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

It needs moist air. Aim for 50% humidity or higher. In dry air, leaf edges brown and leaves drop. A humidifier helps most. Keep it away from heat vents and cold drafts.

Keep it between 18 and 27°C (65 and 80°F), and above 15°C (60°F).

Feeding

Feed every two weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

Flowers

The bright yellow spike is made of bracts, which are leaves that look like petals. Small yellow flowers peek out between them. The spike lasts about six weeks.

When the spike fades, cut it off. Then cut the stem back to just above a good pair of leaves. Let it rest a little cooler and drier for a few weeks. New stems grow from the cut. Bright light, steady water, and feeding through spring and summer help it bloom again.

Pruning

Zebra plants lose their lower leaves with age and get leggy. Cut stems back in spring to keep it compact. Cut just above a pair of leaves.

Propagation

In spring, cut a stem tip 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) long with two pairs of leaves. Dip the end in rooting hormone. Push it into moist mix. Cover the pot with a clear bag and keep it warm, around 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F). Roots form in four to eight weeks.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Drooping leaves	Thirst
Lower leaves drop	Dry soil, cold, or age
Brown leaf edges	Dry air, or dry soil
Yellow leaves and soggy soil	Too much water
No flower spike	Not enough light
Long, bare stems	Age, or not enough light
Sticky leaves, white bumps	Mealybugs or scale

Pests

Aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites are the most common pests. Check under the leaves and where they meet the stem. Rinse the leaves in the shower to knock pests off.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists the zebra plant, Aphelandra squarrosa, as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Varieties

• Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Dania’ is compact, with silvery veins and a neat shape. It is the one most stores sell.
• Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Louisae’ is the classic form, with white veins and yellow spikes.
• Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Apollo’ has wide white veins that cover much of the leaf.