Aphelandra squarrosa – Zebra Plant

The Aphelandra squarrosa, or Zebra Plant, is a tropical star that provides a touch of lush jungle and striking visual contrast. Native to Brazil, it is famous for its dramatic foliage: large, deep emerald-green leaves striped with vibrant creamy-white veins. As if that weren't enough, it produces a spectacular, bright yellow flower spike, adding a touch of sunshine to its graphic appearance.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Its large, oval, evergreen leaves are a glossy dark green, beautifully highlighted by prominent white veins that create a zebra-like pattern.
• Flowering: In late summer or autumn, the plant produces an upright flower bract, composed of bright golden-yellow "tiles," from which small yellow flowers emerge. This flower spike is very long-lasting and remains attractive for several weeks.
• Light: It requires bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will burn its leaves, but a lack of light will cause them to fade and prevent flowering.
• Habit: Its habit is upright and bushy, forming a dense, vertical clump.
• Growth: Growth is moderate. It remains a manageable size as a houseplant.
• Humidity: This is its most important need. It requires high ambient humidity (over 60%). A humidifier, a pebble tray, or regular misting are essential to prevent the leaf edges from browning.
• Potting Mix: A mix that is rich in organic matter but remains light and well-draining.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently and lightly moist during the growing season, without ever letting it become soggy. Reduce watering in winter. It does not like to dry out.
• Temperature: It loves warmth. Keep it in a room between 18°C and 25°C, and absolutely protect it from cold drafts, which it detests.

Use

• Types of Use: It is a magnificent specimen plant for a decorative pot in the living room, a bright kitchen, or a well-lit bathroom (where it will enjoy the humidity).
• Decorative Benefits: Its graphic foliage offers stunning contrast. The bright yellow flower adds a spectacular focal point. It's a plant that draws everyone's attention.

Care

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring-summer). It is a heavy feeder.
• Pruning: After flowering, prune the faded flower stalk. You can also pinch new shoots to encourage a more compact shape.
• Repotting: Repot in the spring every one to two years, when the plant becomes root-bound in its pot.