The Zebra Alocasia

Alocasia Zebrina

The distinctive long slender stem with a mottled striped 'zebra' print and arrow shaped leaves is wonderfully unique in this striking tropical indoor plant. 

Originating in the humid, warm Philippine rainforests of Southeast Asia, The Zebra Alocasia is a tropical plant that is prized in any indoor space. This distinctive houseplant is happiest in bright indirect light and a humid environment - making it perfect for a well lit bathroom!

The Right Environment for The Zebra Alocasia:

Hailing from a tropical environment, the Zebra Alocasia is happiest in a bright environment but out of reach from direct sunlight. The large broad leaves are designed to soak up the light of the bright shade beneath the jungle canopy in its natural environment. So any space with dappled light or bright light through a window a little way away will be perfect for this houseplant.

Keep the air around it moist or place it in an already humid environment, like the bathroom or kitchen.

Mist regularly (with a spray bottle or mister) in order to enhance the moisture in the air around your Zebra Alocasia.

If you would like to increase the humidity around your Zebra Alocasia in dry months or rooms with heaters, you can also choose to place it on a pebble filled tray of water to ensure the humid environment that this indoor plant needs to thrive.

The leaves can get scorched in harsh direct sunlight and they will also brown on the edges if there is not enough humidity.

Watering The Zebra Alocasia:

Keep your Zebra Alocasia moist at all times. However, you must avoid the soil being too soggy and the plant sitting in water constantly, as well as allowing the soil to dry out completely.

The stems hold water and are susceptible to root rot if over watered or if they sit in water for too long. Additionally, dry soil is not ideal for tropical indoor plants.

Find the happy medium of a moist soil (not soggy, not dried out), by watering when the top 2cm of the soil in the pot has dried up and the rest of the soil is slightly damp. 

It is better to under water than over water this indoor plant. The leaves and stems will droop as a sign that your Zebra Alocasia needs to be watered.

Take your Zebra Alocasia into the shower with you, because a very happy place for this indoor plant is in the shower with you every few months for a humidity boost!

Yellowing of the leaves and drooping stems is a sign that your Zebra Alocasia has been over watered. Make sure to allow the water to drain out the holes at the bottom of your pot when watering and only water again when the top layer of soil has completely dried out.

Feeding Your Zebra Alocasia:

Fertilise your Zebra Alocasia once every 2 weeks during Spring, Summer and Autumn (the growing season).

You can stop fertilising during Winter when it is dormant.

Knowing Your Zebra Alocasia:

The Zebra Alocasia is fast growing in the warmer seasons, and produces new leaves regularly in the right conditions.

When preparing to produce new leaves, it naturally sheds old leaves, so do not be alarmed by this, as it is a natural way of making space for a fresh new bloom of foliage.

The Zebra Alocasia can be toxic when ingested, so keep out of reach of young children and avoid if you have pets that nibble on your houseplants.

Repotting Your Zebra Alocasia:

The roots are quite fragile of the Zebra Plant, and they do enjoy being root bound, so you shouldn't repot it that often.

Because it has long slender stems that can grow relatively tall and a pot that is too small may cause your plant to topple over, you can choose to repot when it starts to fall over in the pot or the roots grow out of the holes at the bottom. But always only repot into a pot that is one size bigger and during Spring.

Important Care Tip:

These plants are sensitive to the chemicals found in tap water.

If you can, it is ideal to water your Zebra Alocasia with rainwater, filtered water or distilled water. If you don't have access to this, fill your watering can with tap water and leave it over night to allow the chemicals to evaporate before watering your Alocasia's. 

Brown edges with yellowing on the leaves is a sign that your Alocasia has been harmed by the chemicals found in your tap water.

Take Home Your Own Zebra Alocasia:

The distinctive appearance makes this tropical houseplant highly sought after by plant lovers and it will make a dramatic statement in your home or office...

Tall and slender in style, the Zebra Plant comes to you in a 20cm nursery pot - buy this gorgeous indoor plant HERE.