Light
Zebra plants thrive in indirect light or partial shade, as they’re used to growing under a canopy of trees in warm and humid climates. 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 consistently moist soil, which may take a bit of finesse, as overwatering can cause the leaves to wilt. It’s 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 drenching rainstorm in warmer climates, but only water under the leaves, never from above.
Temperature and Humidity
Because of their origins, zebra plants grow best in moderate temperatures—their grow location should reach at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and never dip below 55 degrees. Humidity is also important to the zebra plant, so its space should be kept at 60 to 70 percent humidity. If these conditions cannot be achieved naturally indoors, you can increase moisture levels by using a humidifier. You can also mist your zebra plant lightly with lukewarm water from a spray bottle. Overall, strive to maintain an even temperature for your plant. Avoid high fluctuations in either direction and keep it away from any vents that could make it too hot or too cold (such as a radiator or air conditioner).
Fertilizer
The use of fertilizer can greatly benefit the zebra plant’s growth, especially when it comes to its ability to flower. During its peak growth season (typically spring and early summer), the zebra plant should be fed every one to two weeks using a fertilizer that is well-suited to both foliage and flowers.
Types of Zebra Plant
There are several varieties of zebra plant including:
‘Dania’ has green leaves with white veins and sports reddish to maroon stems and yellow flowers.‘Fritz Prinsler’ has green leaves with slightly yellow veins. Its flowers and bracts are a yellow color. ‘Leopoldii’ has broader leaves and blooms gold flowers with red bracts. ‘Louisae’ has green leaves with yellow veins and yellow flowers with gold bracts. ‘Snow White’ has a darker green leaf with white veins but is a bit unique with the tiny white spots on the leaf that look like snow. The flowers are yellow or gold.
Propagating a Zebra Plant
Propagate a zebra plant in the spring by using stem cuttings from your original plant. Root growth can take around a month. Keep an eye out for new leaves on the surface of the plant because that indicates growth below the soil line, too. Propagated zebra plants should be repotted once the plant grows roots.
Potting and Repotting Zebra Plant
Beyond repotting propagated shoots, zebra plants do not need to be repotted often, benefitting from a new home only every two to three years. If you notice the soil has gotten lower, simply remove the top inch or two of soil and top with a fresh mix, which will give the plant an added dose of nutrients.
Common Pests
Though this is an unusual plant, the zebra plant still attracts common bugs, such as aphids, mealybugs, mites, scale, and thrips. Pests can be eliminated with insecticidal soap or by specific remedies recommended for each insect.
How to Get Zebra Plant to Bloom
This houseplant is very finicky about blooming and getting a zebra plant to bloom twice in a season and then the next summer season is tricky at best. Here are a few tips:
If it’s summer and your plant’s bloom is fading after its six weeks of glory, cut the bract back to encourage it to flower again in the fall.Care for the plant during the winter by placing the pot in a cooler location, but bring it right back to a warmer spot once spring arrives.In the spring, place the plant in a spot where there’s very intense, bright, but indirect sunlight. The intensity of the light will encourage blooming.
Common Problems With Zebra Plant
With such a beautiful, but sensitive plant, there’s bound to be some issues when it comes to the leaves. Keep an eye on the leaves so you can give your zebra plant the love and care it needs to be saved.
Plant Leaves Falling Off
If leaves drop off the plant, it is probably due to an overwatering or underwatering problem. The tips of leaves on the lower part of the tree will begin to wilt when this is the problem. If the watering issue is not fixed, the leaves will fall off. However, it can also be a problem because the air is too dry around the plant and it needs more humidity.
Curling Leaves
If the leaves are curling or crinkling, the plant is likely getting too much bright sun or it feels overheated. Though it likes light, it may be a bit too intense or hot. Move the plant to an area with light, but not as direct or strong so it can cool down a tad.
Browning Tips
Browning leaf tips usually happen for one of two reasons: too much light or fertilizer. Just either move the plant to an area with less direct light and cut back on fertilizing.
