How do I care for a zebra plant?

Zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) is a very demanding plant to care for. It has a “flower” that is actually a dense spike of bright yellow bracts that form at the tip of the stem. It forms in summer or fall and can last for several months. The tubular yellow flowers, however, are short-lived.

Zebra plant is hard to grow because it requires very high humidity. You might try setting it on a tray with pebbles and water to promote more humidity. Don’t let the water soak up into the pot. It wants bright to medium light, to be kept moderately moist, normal indoor temps, all-purpose fertilizer and a soilless mix. It can be propagated from stem cuttings after it blooms.