Question
I bought my zebra plant about a year ago on sale and now it looks like a really tall stick with leaves at the top. I have no bottom leaves. What can I do? Is it ok if I cut the top off and root it in water or is there another way? Will the bottom of the plant get new leaves? I'm new at growing house plants and really need some help.

Answer
Hi Alisha,

Your Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) is not an easy plant for someone new to plants. That you have kept it alive for about a year suggests you may have a green thumb.

Zebras do tend to become quite leggy, just like yours. The top portion can be rooted in water or in a small pot filled with damp soil and placed inside a clear plastic baggy to maintain the soil moisture and humidity. If the roots are healthy, new growth will emerge on the original stem just below where you made the pruning cut.

Zebras need lots of very bright indirect light and should be very close to a moderately sunny window. That will help keep it from becoming leggy.

I have written an article on plant propagation that I will email for free to anyone who sends a request to me at my address below.

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