With interesting texture and large, ruffled foliage, Alocasia zebrina will bring true jungle vibes to your home!
Native to Southeastern Asia, Alocasia zebrina is prized for its distinctive stems marked with bright green and yellow stripes, giving the plant its common name—Zebra Plant. Whether you are a seasoned green thumb or a novice gardener, this care guide will make you a pro at Growing Alocasia zebrina Indoors!
- Botanical Name: Alocasia zebrina
- Popular as—Zebra Plant, Zebrina Alocasia, Zebrina Tiger, Zebrina Leopard
- Reaches an impressive height of 3 feet
- Thrives in a temperature range of 65-77 F or 18-25 C
- Toxic to humans and pets
Alocasia zebrina Plant Profile
With its distinctive foliage, the Alocasia zebrina is undoubtedly a stunner. The arrow-shaped leaves are deep green in color with striking white veins that provide an eye-catching contrast to the slender stems. Apart from a handsome height of 3 feet, the aroid stands apart with its distinctive yellow and dark brown speckles on the stems, which pretty much explains its common name.
The large glossy leaves complemented by their dramatic stems will reflect the boldness of your personality with a touch of tropical flair!
Ideal Pot Size
The best way to choose a pot for your Alocasia zebrina is to get one that’s slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. The plant prefers to be a little crowded, so a big pot will lead to waterlogging and root rot, while a pot that’s too small, on the other hand, can lead to stunted growth.
A 6-8 inches pot is good enough for a young Zebra Plant. As the plant grows, you can move it to a slightly larger pot. Ensure to drill enough holes in the pot to aid drainage.
Alocasia zebrina Propagation
Propagation of Alocasia zebrina via rhizome division is the most simple and effective method of multiplying this beauty. Choose a mature and healthy plant to divide following these easy steps:
- Remove the plant from its pot and expose the rhizome, brushing off the soil.
- Cut the rhizome into 2-3 sections, each with a proper root system and a growing tip, using a sharp, sterile knife.
- Plant the rhizome pieces in pots filled with a well-draining medium, making sure the growing tip is above the soil surface and the roots are covered.
- Water the new plants thoroughly and place them in a bright, warm spot away from direct sunlight.
Keep the soil moist but not overwatered. It will take a few weeks for new growth to emerge. Once they do, provide the plant with the right growing conditions and watch them thrive.
Pro Tip: Propagate the Alocasia zebrina in the Spring or Summer to reap the best of its growing season.
Requirements for Growing Alocasia zebrina
Light
Alocasia zebrina loves to bask in the sunlight, but you must ensure it doesn’t stand under the intense afternoon sun. If it does—scorched edges and droopy appearance will destroy the plant’s charm.
Keep the plant near the Northern or Western windows where it can enjoy plenty of mild morning sunlight and a warm atmosphere throughout the day. Do remember that a lack of light will weaken the plant, leading to spindly and leggy growth.
Soil
To get the ideal mix for your Alocasia zebrina should be well-draining and rich in organic matter— ideally, a combination of perlite, sphagnum moss, sand, and coco peat. It will provide the right amount of nutrients with good aeration for the roots to grow.
If typical garden soil is all you have, amend it with a fistful of perlite to aid drainage.
Water
When it comes to watering Alocasia zebrina, it is important to hit the right balance—neither too dry, nor soggy. In order to avoid over-watering, wait until the top inch of soil has dried out before watering again. Also, the plant is sensitive to water with high levels of chlorine, so it is best to use distilled water or let tap water sit for 24 hours before using it into the medium.
Temperature & Humidity
The aroid does not appreciate temperature fluctuations, The ideal range is between 65-77 F or 18-25 C and is not tolerant of temperatures below 50 F or 10 C. If the temperature falls below the minimum point, expose the plant to heat lamps or grow indoor greenhouses to mimic a warm environment. Keep the plant away from cold, drafty windows in the winter.
Alocasia zebrina thrives in high humidity, ideally 50-70%. Mist the leaves regularly, place a humidifier near the plant, or use a pebble tray to compensate for the dry days.
Alocasia zebrina Care
Fertilizers
When it comes to fertilizing Alocasia zebrina, it is important to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Dilute the feed to one fourth its strength to avoid root burn. Do not fertilize in the winter as the plant goes dormant in the colder days.
Pest & Diseases
Alocasia zebrina is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including spider mites, scales, and powdery mildew among others. Spray the plant with an organic neem oil solution or fungicide on the infested spots to bar these pests. You may also wipe the glossy foliage with dishwasher soap solution to clear the dust and debris accumulation.
Keep from overwatering and ensure enough air circulation around the plant to keep potential issues at bay.
