The Zebra plant (Aphelandra) is a houseplant that has it all, beautiful foliage, and colourful bracts and flowers.

 

The foliage is striking with its large, green, glossy leaves that have bright silvery, white veins that run through the leaf, resembling a zebra.

 

(photo  at right, courtesy www.thegardenhelper.com)

 

The small tubular blooms are found growing on the sides of bright yellow, waxy bracts, that rise above the foliage, and can last for many weeks. It is the colourful, yellow cone like bracts that makes the plant so attractive, but even when not in bloom it still has the stunning foliage.

 

This colourful tropical plant is native to Brazil and is use to warm, humid temperatures and lots of bright, indirect light. For it to be grown successfully in your home, you want to try to give it the same growing conditions. It prefers temperatures of 18-21 Celsius and should be kept away from drafts and vents. High humidity is important and so a kitchen or bathroom would be a good room for the zebra plant.

 

The plant can also be placed on a large pebble filled tray that has water added to just below the top surface of the pebbles. This creates a mini climate and raises the humidity around the plant.

 

Light is also important. It likes bright indirect light, such as a bright, east or west window during the summer months when the sun is hot. In the winter it can be placed in a south window. If there is too much sun the leaves on the plant will become wrinkled and curled.

 

You need to be careful when giving a Zebra plant water. They should be kept moist but not waterlogged and do not let them dry out. Too much or too little water will cause the leaves to drop. Always use lukewarm water as this is better for the plant.

 

 Fertilize the plant monthly when it is actively growing with an all purpose fertilizer.

 

Zebra plants are most often available in the garden centre when they are in full bloom. After it has finished blooming the finished bracts are pruned out, to make room for new blooms. For it to bloom again it needs the right conditions. Lots of bright indirect light is very important, as is high humidity, warm temperature, and the proper moisture. The plant should be slightly root bound, to re bloom.

 

If the plant becomes spindly it can be easily pruned back. Cut the stem just above a leaf node as this is where the new growth will come from. Stem cuttings can be made, using 8-10 cm stems. To make a stem cutting cut the bottom of the stem just below the leaf node because this is where the roots will form. The stem cutting can be placed in rooting hormone and then in a moistened starting mix. To keep the humidity high, place clear plastic over the top.

 

Zebra plants do require a little more care then some of the other houseplants, but they are an exotic looking plant that is certainly worth the effort!