Zebra House Plant - Striking Low-Light Gem

Introduce a unique statement piece to your indoor garden with the captivating Zebra House Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa). Known for its incredibly distinct foliage, this plant features deep green leaves with prominent, contrasting white or yellow veins, creating a vibrant striped pattern reminiscent of a zebra. An ideal choice for many indoor settings, the Zebra House Plant grows very slowly and thrives in low light and cramped spaces, making it perfect for desks, shelves, or smaller apartments where other plants might struggle. Beyond its stunning appearance, it's also an excellent air purifier, contributing to a fresher, healthier living environment. With its striking looks and adaptable nature, the Zebra House Plant offers both beauty and benefit with relative ease.

Important Note

The Zebra House Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) is generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a lovely and safe addition to homes with curious animals and children.

Key Features

• Striking Striped Foliage: Features deep green leaves with prominent white or yellow veins, creating a unique and eye-catching "zebra" pattern.
• Ideal for Low Light: Thrives in low light conditions, making it a perfect choice for spaces with limited natural illumination.
• Compact & Slow-Growing: Its slow growth rate and preference for cramped spaces make it an excellent fit for small apartments, desks, or shelves.
• Excellent Air Purifier: Contributes significantly to improving indoor air quality, helping to remove toxins from the air.
• Pet-Friendly Choice: Generally considered non-toxic, providing peace of mind for households with pets.
• Potential for Blooms: Can produce vibrant yellow or orange flower bracts, adding an extra dimension of seasonal interest.

Care Tips

• Light: While it thrives in low light, for optimal growth and potential flowering, bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Ensure good drainage. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity. Mist the leaves regularly, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier to keep the air moist around it.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, rich potting mix that retains some moisture. A mix suitable for tropical houseplants is generally good.
• Feeding: Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer growing seasons with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter.
• Temperature: Thrives in average to warm room temperatures, ideally between 18-24°C (65-75°F). Protect from cold drafts.
• Pruning: Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Remove any spent flower bracts to tidy up the plant.