Zebra Plant 4”

Aphelandra squarrosa, commonly called zebra plant, is a tropical plant known for its bold, glossy leaves marked with bright white veins that create a strong striped contrast. The foliage is thick and structured, giving it a polished, high-impact look even without blooms. When mature and grown in the right conditions, it produces bright yellow flower bracts that rise above the foliage, adding a striking pop of color.

Light should be bright but controlled. Place it in an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window where it gets steady, filtered light without direct sun hitting the leaves. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K at 500–900 foot-candles. Too little light will reduce the chance of flowering and lead to weaker, slower growth, while too much direct sun can scorch the leaves and dull the contrast.

Watering and environment must stay consistent. Keep the soil evenly moist, never soggy and never fully dried out, using a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark. This plant gives very specific signals—if leaves droop quickly while the soil is still moist, it’s reacting to low humidity or environmental shifts, not needing water. If lower leaves drop after moving locations, it’s stress from change. If new growth comes in smaller and tighter at the top, it’s not getting enough light to support normal development.