Successfully Water Your Zebra Plant With These Helpful Tips

With its tropical, patterned leaves and bright yellow flowers, the zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) is a fantastic addition to any home. However, to ensure that it stays healthy and happy, you need to stay on top of watering and care. Although the zebra plant may not be a perfect low-maintenance houseplant for beginners, the work you put into nurturing this beautiful bloomer will certainly pay off. One area of care that even experienced plant owners struggle with when it comes to the zebra plant is watering.

The zebra plant needs to have constant moisture for most of the year, and the soil should not be left to dry out completely. However, overwatering can cause this plant to suffer from crown rot. Furthermore, too much water can cause the bottom leaves to brown and drop. This makes watering your zebra plant a little bit of a balancing act. Too much and it can really suffer, but too little, and it doesn't grow and flourish. However, by keeping an eye on the soil, using room temperature water, and reducing watering in winter, you can keep your zebra plant happy.

Many houseplant lovers overwater their indoor plants and cause damage, and it's always extremely frustrating to have lost another plant because of this common mistake. To avoid overwatering your zebra plant, make sure it is growing in soil that has really good drainage. The pot it's in should have enough holes for the excess water to drain out. Check your zebra plant every week or so by placing your finger a couple of inches into the potting mix. If it feels dry or is only slightly moist, water the plant. Water thoroughly until you can see water coming out of the drainage holes. Then, remove any excess water that has gathered in the saucer or outer pot.

When watering your zebra plant, use room temperature water. This houseplant is used to tropical heat, and cold tap water can give it a shock and cause damage. It is helpful to fill a watering can and then leave it out for a day or so. This will allow the water to reach room temperature while also dissipating chemicals in tap water that may harm the plant. 

Your zebra plant needs a little less water in the winter months after flowering as it enters a semi-dormant state. During this time, water it frequently, but you don't need to soak the soil. If your zebra plant starts to look unhappy and you think watering is the reason, don't panic! There are things you can do to fix an overwatered plant to ensure it recovers well.