Aphelandra squarrosa "zebra plant"

Aphelandra squarrosa plants have glossy green leaves with bold white leaf veins. The dramatic leaves are ovate to elliptic growing up to 23cm (9 inch) long and 5cm (2 inch) wide within the center of the leaf and they have pointed tips.

The plume of bright yellow flowers from yellow or orange yellow flower laden bracts up to 4cm (1.5 inch) long are an added attraction.

The small yellow flowers with attractive scent last for only a few days, but the cone-shaped spike of bracts remains attractive for 4 to 8 weeks. Potted plants usually grow to no more than 30-45cm (12-18 inch) tall on a stout stems and are best kept in pots no larger than 15cm (6 inch) in diameter.

Scientific name: Aphelandra squarrosa Nees
Common names: Zebra Plant, Saffron Spike
Synonyms: Aphelandra chrysops, Aphelandra coccinea, Aphelandra leopoldii, Aphelandra oostachya

Subfamily: Acanthoideae Family: Acanthaceae Tribe: Acantheae
Genus: Aphelandra Species: A. squarrosa

Origin:

Aphelandra squarrosa is native to Atlantic Forest vegetation of Brazil.

Hardiness:
Hardiness zone: 10a-11

Temperature in rest period – min 13°C max 18°C (55-64°F)
Temperature in active growth period – min 18°C max 27°C (64-81°F)

How to Grow and Care

Because they are tropical, Aphelandra zebra plants prefer warm climates and will do well in average household temperatures around 70°F. (20°C.) and around 60°F. (15°C.) at night if they are kept out of drafts.

They do need high humidity and setting their pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water or regular misting should be an integral part of how to care for a zebra plant. They may thrive in 40-80 percent humidity, but they don’t like wet feet. Use potting medium that drains well and keep it moist, not wet. One of the common problems in Aphelandra zebra plant care is drooping or falling leaves – usually from too much water.

Zebra plant propagation is pretty simple, and can be done via air layering or stem cuttings.

Cuttings should be placed in a mix of perlite and moist peat. Cover them in plastic to retain moisture. These cuttings should be 4-6″ in length. Place them in an area that’s 70-80°F and in indirect sunlight.

To air layer, select a healthy stem and remove leaves in the center of the stem. Be sure you have a couple inches of bare stem available. Then, make an incision about halfway into the stem.

Place a toothpick in the incision to keep it open, and coat the area with rooting hormone. Wrap moistened sphagnum moss around the injured spot. Secure it in place with plastic wrap. Tie the ends of the plastic wrap to the stem to prevent moisture from escaping.

In a month to a month and a half, you should be able to see roots appearing in the moss. You can then cut the stem and repot, but be sure to keep humidity high until the plant is established...

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