Description

Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Dania’, commonly known as the Zebra Plant, is a striking tropical houseplant prized for its glossy dark-green leaves with bold white veins and bright yellow flower bracts. In Malta, it is best grown indoors or in a warm, sheltered position away from strong direct sunshine.

💧 Watering

Keep the potting mix consistently lightly moist during active growth, allowing the top 1–2cm to dry slightly before watering again. During Malta’s hot summer months, check the soil regularly, but never allow the roots to sit in water. Reduce watering during winter while avoiding complete drying of the potting mix.

☀️ Light

Grow in bright, indirect light. Good light helps maintain the plant’s bold leaf markings and encourages flowering, but Malta’s intense direct summer sun can quickly scorch the foliage. Gentle early-morning light is usually suitable, while strong midday and afternoon sun should be avoided.

🍃 Foliage / Growth

‘Dania’ forms a compact, upright plant with large glossy leaves dramatically marked by contrasting pale veins. Mature plants can produce showy yellow flower bracts above the foliage. Warm temperatures and good humidity encourage healthy growth; dry air may cause brown leaf edges or tips. Pinching back growing tips can help maintain a fuller, bushier plant.

🪴 Potting Mix

Use a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining indoor potting mix. A combination of quality houseplant compost, perlite, and a little fine orchid bark provides a good balance of moisture retention and airflow around the roots. Always use a container with drainage holes.

🌿 Fertilizer

Feed every 3–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength. Reduce or stop feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows. Avoid excessive fertilizer, which can damage the sensitive roots.

🐕🐈 Pet Safety

Aphelandra squarrosa is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, pets should still be discouraged from chewing large amounts of foliage, as consuming plant material can cause mild digestive upset.

🌬️ Air Purifying

Aphelandra is primarily valued for its spectacular patterned foliage and colourful flower bracts rather than for proven air-purifying properties. Its large leaves contribute greenery and natural transpiration to indoor spaces, but the plant should not be relied upon as a substitute for good ventilation.

*Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The Price is per one individual plant.

**This plant is labeled as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. However, be advised that the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats. Sherries will not be held accountable to any symptom. If you believe that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, please contact a vet immediately.