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Zebra Plant Wikimedia Commons
Acanthaceae

Zebra Plant

Aphelandra squarrosa

Standing out.

Family
Acanthaceae
Genus
Aphelandra
Native to
Brazil, Atlantic Forest
Bloom season
Summer, Fall
Type
perennial
Height
1-2 ft
Sunlight
bright indirect light
Soil
Moist, well-drained, peat-based soil
Water
high
Hardiness
11-12
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The Zebra Plant gets its common name from the dramatic white veins striping its dark green leaves.
  • Its bright yellow flower spike is actually a cluster of overlapping bracts that can last 6 weeks or more.
  • The plant is notoriously temperamental as a houseplant, dropping all its leaves if watered incorrectly.
  • In its native Brazilian Atlantic Forest, it grows as an understory plant in filtered tropical light.
  • The genus name Aphelandra comes from Greek words meaning 'simple male,' referring to the single-celled anthers.

Color meanings

0

boldness

1

exotic beauty

Uses

  • indoor houseplant
  • tropical garden displays
  • greenhouse collections