Description:


Aphelandra squarrosa plants have glossy green leaves with bold white leaf veins. The dramatic leaves are ovate to elliptic growing up to 23cm (9 inch) long and 5cm (2 inch) wide within the center of the leaf and they have pointed tips.

The plume of bright yellow flowers from yellow or orange yellow flower laden bracts up to 4cm (1.5 inch) long are an added attraction.

The small yellow flowers with attractive scent last for only a few days, but the cone-shaped spike of bracts remains attractive for 4 to 8 weeks. Potted plants usually grow to no more than 30-45cm (12-18 inch) tall on a stout stems and are best kept in pots no larger than 15cm (6 inch) in diameter.


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Scientific Classification:

Common Name:Zebra Plant, Saffron Spike
Scientific Name:Aphelandra squarrosa Nees
Family:Acanthaceae
Subfamily:Acanthoideae
Tribe:Acantheae
Genus:Aphelandra
Synonyms:Aphelandra chrysops, Aphelandra coccinea, Aphelandra leopoldii, Aphelandra oostachya
Temperature:Temperature in rest period – min 13°C max 18°C (55-64°F)

Temperature in active growth period – min 18°C max 27°C (64-81°F)
Origin:Aphelandra squarrosa is native to Atlantic Forest vegetation of Brazil. 
Toxicity: Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses



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How to Grow and Care: 


Because they are tropical, Aphelandra zebra plants prefer warm climates and will do well in average household temperatures around 70 ° F. (20 ° C.) And around 60 ° F. (15 ° C.) At night if they are kept out of drafts.


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. They may thrive in 40-80 percent humidity, but they don't like wet feet. Use potting medium that drains well and keep it moist, not wet. One of the common problems in Aphelandra zebra plant care is drooping or falling leaves - usually from too much water.


Light: Zebra plants thrive in indirect light or partial shade, as they're used to growing under a canopy of trees in the tropical jungles. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and should be avoided, but complete shade can mean that your plant won't bloom.


Soil: A Zebra plant will grow best in soil that is neutral to acidic. A multi-purpose potting blend is adequate for a Zebra plant — you can also incorporate sand into the mixture to ensure that it drains well. If a flowering plant is your goal, feed using fertilizer every one to two weeks during its growing season (spring and summer).


Water: 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. Its recommended that you water your Zebra plant to saturation every few weeks (or as you observe the soil drying out), allowing the water to completely penetrate the soil until it runs out of your container's drainage holes. Your water temperature should be slightly lukewarm so it mimics the variables of a tropical rainstorm.


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Propagation:

If you're looking to propagate your Zebra plant, do so in the spring using cut stems from your original plant. 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. 


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. 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. 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.