Zebra Plant
Aphelandra squarrosa · Native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
A bold tropical grown for its glossy dark leaves striped with bright white veins — and, in good light, dramatic spikes of golden-yellow flowers. Striking, pet-safe, and rewarding for those who can give it warmth and humidity.
Available in 5 & 6 inchCare
Light
Grows best in bright light, which encourages its spikes of yellow flowers — but the leaves will sunburn in direct sun, so keep it bright and indirect.
Water
Let the soil surface dry before watering; keep it evenly moist but not soggy. It drops its lower leaves if it gets too dry or is consistently overwatered.
Humidity & Feeding
Likes above-average humidity — group it with other plants or use a small humidifier. Fertilize in spring and summer with a general houseplant fertilizer.
Details
Named for its striking striped foliage, and capable of blooming with bright yellow flower bracts indoors.
- ✅ Stunning striped foliage
- ✅ Produces bright yellow blooms indoors
- ✅ Eye-catching tropical look
Size
Available in 5 inch and 6 inch pots.
Good to Know
🌿 The Zebra Plant is considered non-toxic and pet-friendly. Grown for decoration and not recommended for human or animal consumption.
Plant Bio
Aphelandra squarrosa · the Zebra Plant or Saffron Spike
The Zebra Plant is a tropical evergreen native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, grown for two very different attractions. First, the foliage: large, glossy, dark-green leaves with dramatic ivory-white veins that give it its zebra-stripe name. Second, the bloom: in good conditions it pushes up a tall, cone-shaped spike of bright golden-yellow bracts that can last for weeks.
It has a reputation for being a little dramatic — it likes things just so — but the payoff is one of the most striking foliage-and-flower combinations you can grow indoors.
The keys are warmth, bright indirect light (direct sun scorches the leaves), consistently moist soil, and high humidity. Too little water, too much water, or dry air will each make it sulk and drop its lower leaves, so steady conditions are everything.
Bold, beautiful, and pet-safe, it’s a rewarding plant for someone who enjoys a little fuss.
Good to know about the Zebra Plant
- Grown for both striped foliage and yellow flower spikes.
- Needs warmth, humidity, and steady moisture to thrive.
- Drops lower leaves if too dry, too wet, or in dry air.
- Non-toxic and pet-friendly.
Note: The Zebra Plant is considered non-toxic and pet-friendly. Grown for ornamental purposes and not intended for human or animal consumption.