Zebra plant Plant Care

Zebra plant (Aphelandra phaina) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Aphelandra genus. Zebra plant is native to Ecuador. Zebra plant is also known as zebra aphelandra, striped aphelandra.

Zebra plant displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Zebra plant produces showy spikes of yellow bracts with small white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Zebra plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Zebra plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Zebra plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Aphelandra phaina tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Zebra plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Zebra plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Zebra plant every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Zebra plant is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Zebra plant can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Zebra plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Zebra plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Zebra plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to zebra plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Zebra plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Zebra plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Zebra plant is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Zebra plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.