Zebra Plant: Best Method Of Growing The Plant Indoors Or Outside

Zebra plant is a woody perennial shrub native to Brazil, where it is grown up to six foot. In the United States, however, it is cultivated as a houseplant, and can grow up to one foot.

It is named as such because of the white stripes that are visible on its dark green oval leaves that resemble those of the stripes on zebra animals.

Belonging to the family Acanthaceae, this plant consists of more than 2,500 species, and has ‘saffron spike’ for a moniker. Although a zebra plant bears flower, its attractive foliage and colorful spikes are what make them among the gardener’s favorites.

Its stem is purple-tinged, while its oval leaves are pointed on their tips. The leaves are marked with midrib veins in cream color, and are borne in pairs.

At the end of the plant are four-sided yellow spikes, from which flowers bloom. These spikes have overlapping bracts. The flowers, which are two-lipped, have a short life span. However, the bracts can last up to eight months.

Zebra plants can be planted as an outdoor hedge, in which the plants are cultivated between 4 and 6 feet apart in areas such as in South Florida, Southern California and the Hawaiian Islands. In other areas, these plants should be planted indoors.

If such is the case, they should be kept in a room with a night time temperature between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. At daytime, the temperature should be from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although it has good tolerance to frost, the plant will be at its weakest state when the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When this happens, the leaves will start to fall off.

In Brazil, these plants are seen proliferating in areas with indirect sunlight, hence, it will likewise thrive well when they are placed near a window where the plants get indirect sunlight. Providing an artificial light will also stimulate a zebra plant to bloom its yellow to orange flowers.

Other factors that are essential to growing these plants healthily include good airflow, high humidity and consistent moisture. These plants favor moderate watering—neither too much nor too little. To maintain their humidity requirement, they are best placed on a tray of wet pebbles or keep them in a bathroom.

The plants also favor well-drained potting soil. For optimal results, applying fertilizer once a month is advised.One thing that should be remembered about a zebra plant is its poisonous characteristic.

Some parts of it are poisonous even to touch. Thus, in its handling, one should wear gloves, otherwise, skin irritation and some allergic reactions will occur. Also, it is best to keep them away from children or pet’s reach.

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