Aphelandra

( af - el - AN - druh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes species of evergreen plants native to the tropical Americas. Several species are commonly cultivated as houseplants, and are prized for their deeply veined leaves, sometimes with contrasting colors. They are commonly known in the houseplant trade as Zebra Plants, and feature eye-catchingly bright flower spikes. Grow these tropicals in mixed beds and borders, or as indoor plants or specimens in greenhouses.

aphelandra Species and Varietals

The genus Aphelandra is a member of the plant family Acanthaceae and includes around 200 species. They can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, preferring temperatures between above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Aphelandra sinclairiana (Coral Aphelandra, Panama Queen, Orange Shrimp Plant, Sinclair's Aphelandra)
Native to Panama, this species is cultivated for use in the cut flower industry and is also sold occasionally as a houseplant. It reaches 10 feet tall at maturity and is native to Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua. Flowers and bracts come in pink, red, orange, and red-violet. Best in USDA hardiness zones 9-12. Protect from temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Aphelandra squarrosa (Zebra Plant, Saffron Spike, Saffron Spike Zebra)
This species is native to Colombia and Ecuador, and prefers shady, warm and humid climates. These plants naturally grow in tropical rainforests, and spathes are commonly bright red or pink. Best in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.

'Apollo'
Pronounced white veining.

'Dania'
Compact with deep green leaves striped with white.

'Fritz Prinsler'
With green leaves that have yellowish veining.

'Louisae'
Prolific bloomer with slightly yellowish veining.

'Red Apollo'
With red-blushed leaf undersides and stems.

'Snow White'
With darker green leaves that have white veins and tiny white spots.

Caring for Aphelandra

Aphelandras, or Zebra Plants, are typically purchased as starts from a reputable nursery. They are not commonly available as seed. Horticulturalists in tropical or subtropical zones (USDA hardiness zones 10-12) can grow these plants outdoors, but those in cooler areas will need to grow them as indoor or greenhouse plants. Choose a space in the landscape that receives partial to full shade, has a humid environment and is sheltered from drying winds. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. The best soil makeup for Aphelandra plants is a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and standard potting soil. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Aphelandras appreciate consistently moist, but not soggy, soil.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Remove spent flower spikes to neaten the appearance of plants. After a number of years in the ground, these plants may begin to decline; this is a good indicator that they will need to be divided the following spring. For instructions on how to successfully divide Aphelandra plants, see the Propagation section below. As perennial plants, Zebra Plants can survive in the landscape for many years before needing to be replaced.

Growing Aphelandra Indoors
Aphelandra plants can be grown indoors or in greenhouses outside of tropical and subtropical zones. They do well in pots for a few years, but typically only live for between 1 and 3 years outside of their native habitats. Many horticulturalists choose to either divide plants or propagate via cuttings to continue keeping these plants in collections. Choose a container that is slightly wider and deeper than the plant's original pot or root ball. Fill with well-draining soil; the best soil makeup for Aphelandra plants is a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and standard potting soil. Place a tray underneath with pebbles or mist plants regularly to keep the area around them humid. They like their space to be kept between 6- and 70 percent humidity. Keep temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, never allowing it to dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Water regularly to keep soil moist and ensure that excess water can drain away. These plants do not need to be repotted or divided often; every two or three years is sufficient. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Zebra Plant, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Aphelandra, or Zebra Plant, is most easily propagated through cuttings or division. To propagate your Zebra Plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Aphelandra by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. the best soil makeup for Aphelandra plants is a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and standard potting soil.
In early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances the cutting will take root. Take a cutting that includes a leaf and a node using clean, sharp shears or snips. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much. Alternatively, cuttings can be rooted in water and transplanted to soil once they have developed roots.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots. If growing your cutting in water, after roots emerge plant the cutting in a moist soil substrate (mixture of peat moss, perlite and standard potting soil).
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, as it grows.

Propagating Aphelandra by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance, especially if the plant is grown in a container. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Remove the plant from the ground or its pot. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground or its pot, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.