The velvety patterned leaves with bright hues of green are marked with stripes that resemble the stripes on a zebra. High humidity is essential for success. Keep a close eye on your Zebra plant and water it when the top part of the soil has just begun to dry out. A multi-purpose potting blend is adequate for a Zebra plantâyou can also incorporate sand into the mixture to ensure that it drains well. This is it. The Zebra Plant succulent is a common houseplant that is extremely easy to take care of. This plant is hungry, needing a frequent supply of nutrients to keep producing its unusual foliage and striking blooms. Still, with the right care and attention, a Zebra plant can thrive for several months, if not into the following year. An African violet potting mix will also do great. Test the soil by dipping in your finger and proceed with watering as long as the soil was not moist to the touch. Water: During the growing season, water the Zebra Plants thoroughly and then water when the soil becomes dry to the touch. If you're up for the challenge of nurturing this tough tropical, begin by choosing a spot for your plat that boasts a slightly higher humidity level (60â70 percent) and a temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The use of fertilizer can greatly benefit the Zebra plant's growth, especially when it comes to its ability to flower. To maintain a fairly consistent temperature, it is also a good idea to keep the plant away from areas in your home where temperatures may fluctuate, such as next to an entryway or often used window. Low humidity levels within an artificially heated room during winter is not going make a Zebra plant very happy. If you have a natural humid room like the bathroom or kitchen where water is constantly used and has the needed light conditions, your Zebra Plant will grow well there. Once you have become accustomed to the Zebra Plant’s needs, then it is a fairly low-maintenance plant and will not take too much time and effort to care for, so long as you are getting things exactly as the plant likes. Keep the soil moist, as it is best not to let your Tradescantia Zebrina become too dry. If you want your own potting soil mix, a good one is a: 1 part coarse sand or perlite to 1 part garden soil and 2 parts peat moss. Push some of the soil up around it to support it and prevent it from falling over. Water: During the growing season, water the Zebra Plants thoroughly and then water when the soil becomes dry to the touch. There are some succulents that also occasionally go by the name of Zebra Plant, though this is more uncommon. The zebra plant is a very popular plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Simply remedy this by watering your plant more heavily but not more frequently. Or, if it’s very hot—weekly. If your Zebra Plant is struggling to flower, the usual culprits are lack of bright, indirect light and lack of appropriate fertilizer. The Zebra Plant needs a lot of bright but indirect light, especially if you are hoping for it to bloom. It has a tendency to get leggy as it matures, so if you want a full and lush-looking plant, then you’ll need to trim it back to encourage more bushy growth, typically to around 12 inches in height(Missouri Botanical Garden). A better option for increasing humidity for the Zebra Plant is to use a pebble tray. The location where they are grown should be at least 60°F or a bit higher, but it should never fall below 55°F. Apart from water requirements, both temperature and humidity are key factors that will affect the growth of the plant. If there is some resistance, then it is because new roots are holding onto the soil. Typically, when you hear someone referring to a Zebra Plant, they are talking about the Aphelandra squarrosa, which we are talking about here, but it’s worth noting that other plants may go by the same common name to avoid confusion if you are looking to buy a Zebra Plant. Look out for drooping yellow leaves, they are a symptom of too much water. Cease using fertilizer in the winter, as this is when the Zebra Plant becomes almost dormant. The flowers of this plant are small and yellow, appearing on bracts that can reach 4 inches in length, coming to a cone-like point at the end. Select a new pot just one inch bigger than the last, and fill the bottom with fresh potting mix. The Zebra Plant likes a well-draining soil which is slightly acidic (North Carolina State University – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences). Zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) is an eye-catching tropical plant, appropriately named for the vivid, contrasting stripes on the large, dark green leaves. When they appear, the yellow flowers typically only last a week before they die, whereas the bract will be intact for around six weeks at a time. From then on, the plant should be kept moist, not wet. If you notice a decrease in soil, simply remove the top inch or two of mix and top with a fresh batch, which will give the plant an added dose of nutrients. Simply move your Zebra Plant to a more appropriate spot with protection from direct light, and the plant will hopefully return to health. This prevents the lower leaves from wilting (LA Times). Either way, water well and then only water again when the soil has largely dried out. Water zebra plants once every 2-3 weeks from spring to summer. Zebra Plant Care Light & Temperature. The second is a flat-leaf plant from the aphelandra species. This attractive houseplant is grown for its unusual foliage, along with its striking flowers. As soon as flowers are spent, remove the bract they were attached to. This happens typically when the plant has been subjected to direct light and is the leaves quite literally shriveling up. The Zebra Plant is a tricky one to water. Misting the plant with room temperature water several times weekly is also an option, but it is debatable how effective this is. The Zebra is a herbivorous animal meaning that it only eats plant-matter in order to gain the nutrition that it needs to survive. It requires a lot of moisture, warmth, and food to thrive, and indoor conditions are not always naturally conducive to the plant. Although zebra plant isn't finicky, it won't tolerate neglect and requires adequate sunlight, water and fertilizer in order to thrive. But at the same time, you must make sure that the plant doesn’t sit in deep water. Zebra Plant Flowering. The most common way to increase humidity for houseplants is to spray it with a light water mist. This might be particularly appealing if you have a selection of humidity-loving plants, as they will all benefit at once. Watering pearl plant is simple: it doesn’t need much, and overwatering is the surest way to kill it. When it comes to lighting conditions, ... Water. To make your own soil mix that your Zebra Plant will love, use one part garden soil, one part builders sand, and two parts coconut coir or peat. Confusingly, this is not the only plant bearing the common name of Zebra Plant. In between the heavy waterings, you should keep an eye on the plant’s soil and top it up with water to ensure it never dries out. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and should be avoided, but complete shade can mean that your plant won't bloom. Zebra plants like slightly higher humidity than many other plants of 60% - 70%. Winter is a tricky time for these plants, although they are a tough species. Do this for at least three months and then, bring the plant to a warmer and brighter spot when spring arrives. we are established as a reliable name in watertreatment industry just because of our focus on quality products with new innovations. One easy way to propagate zebra plant is to root a healthy leaf in a jar of water. Next, prepare a small pot filled with moist potting soil. In practice, a good strategy is to mix 50-60% peat, with equal parts potting soil and perlite or coarse sand. Zebra plants need soil that is consistently wet; however, they should not be overwatered, as exposure to large quantities of water over a prolonged period of time can lead to root rot. Use a balanced fertilizer so that both foliage and flowers will benefit equally. If a flowering plant is your goal, feed using fertilizer every one to two weeks during its growing season (spring and summer). Another way to check on the cuttings progress is to lightly pull it out of the soil. Zebra Plant; Quick Zebra Plant Stats. Brown and dry tips on your Zebra Plants foliage is an indication of underwatering. If growing indoors, simply water when the soil is completely dry. The leaves are large and waxy in a base color of dark green with contrasting creamy white veins, making it easy to see where this plant got its common name of Zebra Plant. Thoroughly water the plant until the water runs through the drainage holes and then, continue care as usual. When you do repot the Zebra Plant, simply ease it out of its current pot and remove as much of the old soil from around the roots as possible. Zebra plants need an equal mixture of bright light and shade. Address Texas Tech University, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Box 42122, Lubbock, TX 79409 Phone 806.742.2838; Email Melanie.Jackson@ttu.edu It will react badly to being overwatered or underwatered and needs its soil to be holding just the right amount of moisture to keep it happy. Sit the plant pot on top of the pebbles, and as the water evaporates, the air around the plant will become moister. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. In the wintertime, you can reduce watering even less frequent because the plant grows slower in winters. When in bloom (which usually happens in late summer or early autumn) a Zebra plant bears tall golden bracts that can reach several inches and number between two to four per plant, lasting up to six weeks. They may thrive in 40-80 percent humidity, but they don’t like wet feet. Also, don’t forget to share this page with other plant lovers! Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home. Roots should appear within around a month, at which point, you can transplant the young plant to a bigger pot. In the winter months, you can relax your watering schedule a little, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Root growth can take around a month; keep an eye out for new leaves on the surface of the plant, as that is a good indication of growth happening below the soil line too. Take care not to harm the roots, gently rubbing them between your fingers to ease them apart if they became very compacted. North Carolina State University – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kentucky Coffeetrees Buying & Growing Guide, 3-in-1 Blueberry Bushes Buying & Growing Guide, How to Choose the Best Grow Lights for Your Indoor Plants, 9 Different Indoor Tropical Plants - Growing Guides & Photos, Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree - Optimal Growing and Care Tips, 14 Low-Maintenance Water Plants - Growing Tips + Photos. Your new plant friend is a happy to be repotted every couple of years. You can prune off the dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking neat. Leave us a note in the comments, and we’ll see if we can help! When potting your newly acquired Calathea zebra plant, care should be taken to water thoroughly, allowing the excess to drain from the bottom. Native to the jungles of Brazil, the Zebra plant is a beautifulâbut temperamentalâplant. A fast-release fertilizer suits Zebra Plants especially well. Looking for a plant with Wow Factor? During summer months, the soil will need to be consistently moist but never soggy. Aphelandras should be grown in bright, indirect light but never in full or unfiltered sun. A surviving plant will get by with watering just once a month, however to get the plant thriving it will need to be done at least once a fortnight, possibly once a week in very warm temperatures. It essentially means that your plant does not have adequate amounts of water to reach the very ends of the plant. You can keep a check on your soil by using tester strips specifically designed to test soil pH. You can cut back the main stem until only it’s lower set of leaves remain, ready for new growth in spring and summer. We “Zebra Water Solutions” are established in the year 2012, Manufacturer and Trader qualitative assortment of RO Plants, Water Cooler, Fully Automatic Softener, Sewage Treatment Plants, RO Membrane and many more.Our product range is manufactured in our high-end manufacturing unit using high-grade raw material that is sourced from some of the trusted vendors of the industry. If it becomes any higher than this, the plant may struggle. The biggest mistake people make in trying to keep the soil moist is by watering it little and often, but, in fact, this will only keep the top layer of the soil moist, with the water never reaching the center of the soil. It grows slowly, doesn't need much space, and is quite tolerant of a range of light and water conditions. As mentioned, Zebra plants prefer a consistently moist soil, which may take a bit of finesse, as over-watering can cause the leaves to wilt. An alternative solution is to use an electric humidifier. When the plant is in the growing season, it will call for loads of water. How often to water depends largely on the soil and the humidity in your house. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and be sure to water the soil underneath the leaves. To encourage flower growth, you can put your plant in a slightly cooler spot over winter (though not allowing it to drop below 55° F). Remember to keep the water topped up, and your Zebra Plant will continually be in a humid environment without the rest of your home being affected. Zebra plants can survive in partial shade, however, complete shade is not ideal. If not given enough sunlight, the zebra plant will not be able to produce flowers. Fertilize occasionally with a half strength solution of liquid fertilizer. Press the end of a pencil into the potting soil to create a small hole, and insert your stem cutting. During its peak growth season (typically spring and early summer), the Zebra plant should be fed every one to two weeks using a fertilizer that is well-suited to both foliage and flowers. Water Haworthia fasciata “Zebra plant” as often as the soil dries out. Zebra plants thrive in a well draining, rich potting soil and with a good amount of peat moss. The acidity of your soil is best kept between 5.5 and 6.5. Gently apply some pressure on the soil around the base of the plant, providing it with some support to keep it in position. Watering. If you have a natural humid room like the bathroom or kitchen where water is constantly used and has the needed light conditions, your Zebra Plant will grow well there. During spring and summer, you may only need to water the “Zebra plant” every two or three weeks. Don’t worry if you forget once in a while—it will occasionally tolerate a missed watering. If you're looking to propagate your Zebra plant, do so in the spring using cut stems from your original plant. The ideal temperature for this plant, when grown indoors, is between 65º F and 80º F. Fortunately, this is the typical temperature range found in most homes, so you won’t have to make any temperature adjustments for this plant to be comfortable. Keep a close eye on your Zebra plant and water it when the top part of the soil has just begun to dry out. The Zebra Plant is a houseplant that grows quite well when it is root bound, so don’t be in a hurry to repot it. Because of their tropical origins, Zebra plants grow best in moderate temperaturesâtheir grow location should reach at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and never dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The Zebra Plant is quite temperamental and will react badly if it finds itself in less than ideal conditions. If you are unsure, always use less fertilizer than you think, as this will be less damaging than accidentally using too much. Place the Calathea zebrina in a room where a humidifier is being used. Alternatively, you could replace the sand with perlite. Water zebra plants once every 2-3 weeks from spring to summer. As the water in the pebble tray evaporates, humidity is created around the plant. ", How to Grow and Care for Indian Paintbrush Plants, Growing a Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) Indoors, How to Get China Doll Plants to Thrive Indoors, Done With Fussy Houseplants? The plant is mainly grown indoors, and there are a number of different types of zebra plants that you can choose from. Once the plant has flowered and the bracts appear to be dying, prune your plant, taking care to remove the spent bract and any surrounding leaves or stems that appear wilted. we are having a team of 30 engineers in whole delhi and ncr who are always on thier toes to solve the customers issues . Many growers will overwater, then alongside cold temperatures or drafts, the plant can become very sick or even die. The sand is essential as it helps the soil to drain well. During the winter, let the surface of the soil dry before watering; think barely moist. Water your Zebra Plant generously, regularly but less frequent. Best offers for your garden - http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/1Wy5buU-----Can I Propagate My Zebra Plant in Water?. The Zebra plant takes little water, only when the top layer of soil is dry The Zebra plant is considered non-toxic, but may cause upset stomach if ingested. After a further three months of bright conditions, the Zebra Plant will hopefully begin to flower. They do not need direct sunlight as this leads to burnt foliage. A moisture-loving plant, Calathea zebrina needs wet soil to thrive. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Simply place a selection of pebbles on a tray or deep dish and add water. Water when the top of the … When the Zebra Plant blooms, it may look like a small tubular look with mostly white or pink flowers growing from all over their thin stems. Leaves that have curled or crinkled are a result of too much sun. Use the fertilizer according to the supplied directions, always being careful not to over fertilize, as this can cause fertilizer burn. The Zebra Plant is quite a fussy plant to grow, and can, unfortunately, die quite easily if it’s specific requirements are not met. Keep the plant in bright, filtered light (but not direct sunlight) and its soil consistently moist. Dark, blackish-green glossy leaves with white veins give the zebra plant Beyond that, Zebra plants do not need to be repotted often, benefitting from a new home only every two to three years. Wait until the soil dries out and the leaves start to curl. The Zebra plant (scientific name - Calathea zebrina) is a perennial foliage plant that displays fairly large ovate leaves at the tips of it's long stalks, growing up to 1 metre tall. Pruning is an essential part of owning a Zebra Plant. During the growing season, you will need to fertilize the Zebra Plant every week or every two weeks. From spring to summer, this normally happens about once every 2-3 weeks, depending on how hot it is where you live. Always use room temperature water that has been allowed to set open for 24 hours or more to allow chlorine and other chemicals to dissipate. Too much and your plant will grow leggy. They do need high humidity and setting their pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water or regular misting should be an integral part of how to care for a zebra plant. Your Zebra will grow best with consistent bright sunny light; The Zebra plant takes little water, only when the top layer of soil is dry; The Zebra plant is considered non-toxic, but may cause upset stomach if ingested. Instead, be sure to give the plant a heavy watering at least once a month, ensuring that all areas of the soil are reached. Zebra plant is considered non-toxic, however, it can irritate skin. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. This step is not essential but will improve your chances of successful propagation. Optionally, you can dip the raw end of your cutting in rooting hormone. This plant loves humidity and needs humidity to be somewhere in the region of 70% to truly thrive. Light Requirements Being repotted every two or three years should be sufficient for the Zebra Plant. This plant can be easily propagated using stem cuttings. In winter, “Zebra Plants” can go for many weeks without water. The Zebra Plant is a tricky one to water. Any propagated Zebra plants should be repotted once the plant grows roots and reaches maturity. Learn more. Water zebra plants when the potting soil has dried as this recreates the cycle of a good soak of the soil followed by a period of drought. This species is fairly undemanding and suitable for growing indoors if enough light and humidity is provided, and the correct temperature conditions given. Insert the stem ends into a pot filled with moist soil and place it on top of a heating mat if your room does not naturally maintain a temperature of around 70 degrees. High humidity is typically not found in most homes, so you will need to find a way to increase this manually. The stems will also need lots of humidity to grow strong roots successfully, so it may be helpful to increase the moisture level by growing in a covered terrarium or placing cellophane over the top of your pot. Zebra Plants require lots of moisture, and should never be allowed to dry out. Just give the plant a good drink of water and it should perk up within a day or so. Have you had problems with your Zebra Plant? Accentuate its graphic striped leaves with an equally bold pot and keep an eye out for its signature yellow bract, which will bloom in late summer or early fall. For information on transporting a boat that has been stored on a zebra mussel-infested water body or has zebra mussels attached, please contact TPWD at (512) 389-4848 a few weeks before you plan to move the boat. I get so many compliments on this plant. Try to experiment with a different spot with your Zebra Plant to see if a better source of light will affect flower growth. There are many species in the Calathea plant family, but one of the most popular is the Calathea zebra plant (Calathea zebrina).Often confused with the prayer plant (Maranta leucoreura) or the similarly named Aphelandra zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa), the Calathea zebra plant grows much larger than either and can easily become the showpiece of any indoor garden. Like many tropical plants, the Zebra plant can be a challenge to grow indoors, especially in temperate areas. The leaves can scorch in direct sun, so try to emulate its native environment as much as possible with some bright, indirect light and some shade. Zebra plant is a common name used for 2 very different types of plant One is a succulent of the Haworthia clan, usually quite small when you buy it, with long fleshy leaves pointed at the end. Frequent light waterings will not solve the problem; instead, you need to water more thoroughly to ensure moisture reaches all the way through the soil. Place the roots of the plant into the new pot and fill around the sides with more fresh potting mix, ensuring that the plant is the same height within the pot as it was in its last container. You can do this with a Zebra Plant, but only when you’re sure that the water will evaporate quickly, because this plant does not like to have water sat on its leaves. The Zebra Plant will also need pruning periodically after flowers have died off. 1â2 ft. tall (indoors), 4â6 ft. tall (outdoors), 1â5 ft. wide. Cut two- to three-inch-long sections of stem from side shoots of the plant, then dust the cut ends in a rooting hormone to increase your chances of successful propagation. Although zebra plant isn't finicky, it won't tolerate neglect and requires adequate sunlight, water and fertilizer in order to thrive. Zebra Plant Have Mushy Brown Leaves The most common reason for mushy brown leaves is overwatering. You may need to raise the humidity levels in a room artificially by placing the plant in a humidity tray with pebbles or use a humidifier appliance. Bottom warmth will also help roots to grow, which can be provided with a temperature mat. We have addressed some of the most common problems below, though with this plant it is often a case of trial and error, slightly tweaking your care of the plant and seeing if it responds more favorably.