The fruits are oblong dehiscent capsules, 0,6-0,8 cm long, containing 4 seeds. The bracts subtend the bilabiate tubular corolla flowers, 3,5-5 cm long, with bilobed upper labrum and trilobed lower one, of yellow colour, lasting some days. The Aphelandra squarrosa Nees (1847) is an erect evergreen shrub, compact, that in nature may exceed the 2 m, but that in the plants cultivated in pot for inner spaces rarely passes the 50 cm, with fleshy stems and simple leaves, opposite, oblong-elliptic with entire margin and pointed apex, 20-30 cm long and 8-10 cm broad, of dark green colour with ivory white nervations, coriaceous and glossy above.Įrect terminal inflorescence, 6-15 cm long, accompanied at times by two shorter lateral spikes, formed by one spike formed by strictly imbricate obovate-cuneiform bracts with pointed apex, papery, of yellow colour, persisting for 1-2 months. The generic name is the combination of the Greek adjective “αφελής” (afelés) = simple and of the substantive “ἀνήρ, ἀνδρός” (aner, andrόs) = male, man, with reference to the anthers formed by only one lobe the specific name is the Latin adjective “squarrosus, a, um” = rough, of unclear reference.Ĭommon names: saffron spike, zebra plant (English) plante zèbre (French) afelandra-zebra, espiga-dourada, planta-zebra (Portuguese-Brazil) afelandra, planta-cebra (Spanish). The species is native to Brazil (Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo) where it grows in the underwood of the humid forests. If you are using tap water, then let it sit overnight to make the salts settle down.Aphelandra squarrosa is at home in the underwood of the humid Brazilian forests © Giuseppe Mazza This will result in a draught-like situation for the plant, making the leaves go yellow and brown. Chlorine or Flouride in WaterĬhlorine and fluoride in water or hard water will result in the salt built-up in the growing medium, which will also cover the roots over time, preventing the plant to absorb water. You can also get a humidifier for this purpose. To prevent this from happening, keep the plant on a pebble tray filled with water to raise the humidity level. Lack of humidity can make the plant’s leaves turn brown at the edges. It is best to feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer during its growing period, spring and early summer, once in 3-4 weeks. It will result in a salt build-up in the soil, which will cause yellowing of leaves. Too Much FertilizerĪvoid feeding the plant every 1-2 weeks. Check out these 9 Signs That Tell Your Indoor Plants Need More Sunlight! 4. Locate it near an east-facing window, where it will bask in the mild morning sun for 2-3 hours.

The intensity of the sun can eventually cause dryness and turn the leaf tips yellow, red, or white due to stress.

Zebra Plant loves to be in bright, indirect light, but do not expose it to the harsh afternoon sun for long hours.

Also, keep it away from hot air vents too, to keep it from getting yellow or brown leaves. Keeping that in mind, it would be wise to keep it away from AC vents or windows, where a cold draft can hit your plant. So, it is always well protected from the strong and cold winds. In the native habitat, the plant thrives in indirect sunlight, shaded by other trees.