Question

Zebra plant   Hi, I was given a zebra plant that is almost dead.  It has two or three tiny shriveled leaves on the top of a bare stalk.  Where the leaves have come out the little stalk I believe is still alive.  My question to you is, how do I propogate it without healthy leaves. I really do want to try and keep this plant.

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

This is a very challenging rescue project and the prospects are not good. We don't know how your Zebra Plant got in this sad condition, so it is possible the roots and the stem are beyond recovery.

I suggest that you cut off the top two inches of the stem. Insert the top cutting one inch deep in a small pot filled with a porous potting mix that is kept slightly damp at all times. Keep it in a warm, sunny location. If the stem is viable, it will very slowly develop roots and push out new growth at the top. If the stem turns soft, then you can assume it is not viable and you should toss it.

Meanwhile, if the roots are healthy, you may see new growth emerge from the lower stem section that stays in the existing pot. Keep your Aphelandra on a warm, sunny windowsill and water it only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Once again, if the stem turns soft or shrivels, then you can assume the roots are dead and the plant will not survive.

I have written an article on propagation of stem cuttings that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com