This striking houseplant will add a bold splash of color to your home.
When in bloom, these South American natives produce beautiful yellow flower spikes that last for weeks.
Keep them in a location away from drafts and fans and in a bright location with indirect light.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Light
Bright, indirect light is required for these plants to thrive and bloom.
South-facing windows work well if plants are kept out of the direct sun.
Once you find the right location for your zebra plant, venture to move it as little as possible.
Dean Schoeppner.
Soil and Water
Zebra plants prefer organically rich,well-draining soilthat retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Remove your potted zebra plant from the decorative potwhen its time to water.
Temperature and Humidity
Zebra plant needs warm temperatures for proper growth.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Fortunately, their preferred temperatures (mid-60F to mid-70F) are about the temperature range of most American homes.
High humidity is not necessary butcan be beneficial for the best growth.
Allow leaves to naturally fall off the plant rather than cut them off.
Credit:David J. Stang
Potting and Repotting
As houseplants, zebra plants can berepotted at any time of year.
For example, a plant in a 4-inch pot should be transplanted into a 6-inch pot.
If your plants become infected, treat them with anorganic pesticide such as neem oilor insecticidal soap.
Because of their need for constant moisture, zebra plants are often overwatered and develop root rot.
If root rot happens, takestem cuttings and propagate themto create new plants.
Discard the infected root ball and thoroughly clean the pot before reusing it.
Good companion plants are pothos (Pothosspp.
),peace lily(Spathiphyllumspp.
Pothos is a tough but pretty vining plant that grows in most conditions with little water or dry soil.
Like the zebra plant, the peace lily is native to South America and prefers warm, humid climates.
Native to eastern Asia, these adorable ferns prefer bright, indirect light and warm, humid climates.
Zebra plant is somewhat slow-growing, but it will eventually top out at about 2 feet tall over time.
Zebra plants are slow-growing and do not bloom annually.
Give your plants plenty of time to mature and eventually bloom.
Noalthough bothAphelandra squarrosaand Haworthia succulents are commonly referred to as zebra plants.
