Zebra Plant
Aphelandra squarrosa
A Brazilian tropical with glossy dark green leaves striped in white or silver-yellow veins. Mature plants can produce a cone of yellow bracts when light, moisture, and humidity stay high. Fussy about drying out, but rewarding when conditions stay steady.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
High
Difficulty
Difficult
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
Aphelandra squarrosa is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses according to the ASPCA. However, ingestion of any plant material may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive animals.
Full care guide
Zebra Plant Care
Grow Aphelandra squarrosa with bright filtered light, consistently moist soil, and high humidity so the white veins stay sharp and the golden bracts can form.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Bright, filtered light keeps veins sharp and supports blooming. Afternoon sun scorches leaves. Dark corners stretch stems and block flowers.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist, never waterlogged. This plant wilts fast if the mix dries even a little. Use lukewarm water and a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
A rich peat-based mix with perlite or sand drains while holding moisture.
Humidity & Temperature
Keep humidity above 60% with a humidifier or pebble tray. Aim for 65-80°F and avoid cold drafts or sudden drops.
Common Issues
When yellow bracts brown, prune back to the first pair of leaves for fuller growth. Wipe leaves to reduce spider mites. Soft yellow leaves often mean overwatering despite the plant’s thirst for moisture.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (10-10-10)
Soil
A rich, organic, well-draining potting mix, ideally peat-based with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
1 to 2 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings taken in early spring, treated with rooting hormone, and kept in a high-humidity environment with bottom heat.
Common Varieties
Danielle
Glossy deep forest-green to near-black leaves with bold ivory-white veins in a skeletal pattern.
Brockfeld
Compact form with thick dark emerald ovate leaves and creamy-white veins.
Louisae
Broad deep green leaves with bold creamy-white veins in a symmetrical striped pattern.
Fritz Prinsler
Broad deep green ovate leaves with bold golden-yellow veins in a geometric striped pattern.