Question
Last month my husband gave me a zebra plant with a pretty yellow flower for our anniversary. The flower is starting to turn brown. Is there anything I can do to keep it alive longer  (like maybe cooler temperatures?) and how can I get it to flower again? Thanks, Peggy

Answer
Hi Peggy,

Zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) is a challenging plant. This plant does best in very bright, but indirect light. Close to a north or east window is best. It prefers temps in the 65-75 F. range and hight humidity also helps prolong flower life. Water it when the surface of the soil feels very dry to the touch.

Once the flower starts to fade, it is best to cut it off entirely. To keep the plant full and compact, you should also prune off the top of the stem so that only 3 to 4 pairs of leaves remain.

In December and January, let the plant rest by providing cool temps around 60-65 degrees F. and allowing the soil to get very dry halfway down into the pot and watering only when the plamt wilts. This dormant period will help promote flwoers agin next year.

Starting in the late winter, you can increase the temps and your watering frequency gradually as the days grow longer. You can also start fertilizing at this time. You should get healthy new growth and also some new flowers by late spring.

This is a plant that will probably never need to be repotted.

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

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.
           
Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]