Aphelandra squarrosa 'Dania' - Zebra Plant

This plant's deep green and white striped leaves led to its common name of Zebra Plant, but its striking yellow flower stems also attract attention. What you are most likely to see is the bracts, a specialised kind of leaf that supports the flowers of this plant. The bright yellow column of the bract erupts with long, yellow flowers, which last only a few days, while the bract itself will last several months. Once it has finished flowering, you can still enjoy the striking foliage for a while yet, and if you propagate the plant, the new one should flower again in future! Choose this stunning plant for its striking flower stem, and keep it around for the bright, patterned foliage.

Scientific Name
Aphelandra squarrosa 'Dania' (simple male, with recurved leaf tips, cultivar: Dania)

Common Name
Zebra Plant

Origin
Native to tropical Brazil

Light
Make sure these plants get plenty of light. This should be mostly indirect, but they will love a couple of hours of direct sun in autumn and winter when the days are shorter. If you notice its white stripes aren't coming through on new growth, it is probably not getting enough light.

Water
These plants love consistent moisture, so make sure only the top third of the soil dries out between waters.

Humidity
This plant loves humidity, like its native Brazilian rainforests. If you notice crisping edges to the leaves it is probably in too dry a spot, and it will appreciate the use of a humidity tray to up the local humidity level.

Soil
Grow in moist, well-draining soil; one with added coir and perlite, such as soil designed for Calatheas and Marantas, will work well here. Repot every 2-3 years as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. If your plant is struggling to flower, a fertiliser high in potassium will help.

Temperature
Ideal temperature is between 14-27°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
After flowering, this plant will probably decline in health. To help it hang in there, increase the natural light it gets, keep it warm and up the feeds to every three weeks. This is natural for this plant, though, and it is likely to only last a couple of years after flowering. You can propagate this plant from a stem cutting though; a cutting around 8cm long should root in water and duplicate your original plant.