How to grow and care for Zebra-plant

Zebra- Plant, also known as Aphelandra squarrosa, its green foliage has distinct white or pale yellow patterns. It produces layers of yellow flowers from July through September, making it an attractive sight. Here is a brief introduction to growing Zebra-Plant and Zebra-Plant care.

Zebra Plant - Most Common House Plant

Zebra- Plant garden uses:

Zebra plants have beautiful dark green leaves with pale yellow veins and golden yellow spikes. The flowering period can last for several weeks, making them highly ornamental. zebra-plant is suitable for growing in home hotels, but the base leaves of Zebra-plant are easy to fall off. It is better to plant some low foliage plants such as Zebra-plant and Zebra-plant in the surrounding area for a better ornamental effect.

Zebra-Plant Propagation:

Zebra- Plants are generally propagated by cuttings. Cutting time in May - June and flowering after the best. Zebra-Plant can be cut 5-10 cm long with apex branches or middle branches as cuttings after flowering. After removing the lower leaves, they can be inserted into a seedbed made of river sand or vermiculite for about one month to take root. Spring cutting can be combined with Zebra-plant pruning, pot change.

Growing Zebra- Plant  

Best propagation time: cutting time in May to June or after flowering is the best.

Best growing soil: rich in humus, and have good air permeability. It can be prepared with foliar or peat soil and 1/3 vermiculite or perlite.

Growth humidity requirements: always keep wet during the growing season.

Optimum growth temperature: The optimal temperature for growth is 20-25 ℃. Flower buds can only form when the temperature is above 20℃. In winter, the room temperature should not be lower than 10℃.

Optimal growth illumination: usually indoor cultivation can be placed in the light more adequate toward the south window. In summer, pay attention to appropriate shade, avoid strong direct sunlight.

Zebra-Plant care 

Fertilizer care

Early summer to the early autumn season, flower bud differentiation to pregnant bud period, and it can be applied every half a month 1-time compound liquid fertilizer, to promote its robust growth, green flowers.

Watering care 

Due to the large leaf area, every 10 days or so applied to a decomposed thin liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer. Winter in a bright room, appropriate to reduce watering, and maintain the room temperature above 10℃. If there is heating in the room, room temperature should be similar to water to spray plants, so as not to affect the growth of plants due to dry air. When we care for Zebra-Plant , after flowering the plant has 4 weeks to 6 weeks of the dormant period, it should be watered, stop fertilization, such as watering too much easy to cause rotting roots and fallen leaves. At the end of the dormant period, the basin should be replaced once. The soil should be rich in humus and have good air permeability.

Pruning care 

Since Zebra-Plant flowers can rarely grow side branches from their own, when we care for Zebra-Plant, we can carry out pruning in cultivation to control the height of the plant, keep the plant shape beautiful, and promote the side bud, so as to achieve the purpose of more flowering. Flowers should be cut off in time after fading, so as not to consume too many nutrients, affecting plant growth.

Pot soil replacement: After changing the pot, place the plants in a warm, semi-shady place, keep the soil and air moist, and wait for the germination of new branches.

Propagation points: Zebra- Plants are generally propagated by cuttings. Cutting time with 5~6 months or after flowering is best. After flowering, the inflorescence can be cut off (to promote the germination of lateral branches). At the same time, the branches with the apex can be cut off about 5-10 cm long, and the lower leaves and the upper leaves can be removed 1/2. We can also cut the central branch 3~4 sections for cuttings. Plug cuttings into a seedbed made of river sand or vermiculite. It can take root after about a month. Allow the leaves to grow out and serve in the basin. In spring cutting can be combined with pruning when changing pots.

Disease and insect control:

Zebra- Plants are vulnerable to scale insects, red spider harm, and we can spray 40 {BF} oxidized dimethoate emulsion 1000 times liquid to kill.