Zebra alocasia (Alocasia ‘Zebrina’) is not the most common houseplant. However, it is sought after for its beautiful black and yellow zebra stripe stems. The combination of the zebra-striped stems with the stunning, large, glossy leaves is a show stopper. However, know that your Zebra alocasia is not the easiest houseplant to care for. Similar to other Alocasia varieties, it is demanding when it comes to humidity and light. It prefers the warm and humid environment of the Philippines which is hard to replicate in most parts of the world. Here are tips on how to take care of your Zebra Alocasia plant indoors.
Zebra alocasia Infographic
Zebra alocasia Basics
| Name | Zebra alocasia |
| Scientific Name | Alocasia ‘Zebrina’ |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 85F (18-30C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 65 to 85F (18-30C) |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
| Potting | Well-draining, organic, all-purpose potting mix |
| Fertilizer | Once every 3 months (Growing season) |
Zebra alocasia: Size
Zebra alocasia can grow fast under the right conditions. It can grow to 3 feet tall when kept as houseplants. The leaves can grow to an average of 16 inches long.
Zebra alocasia: Toxic to Pets?
Zebra alocasias are toxic to humans and pets. Don’t let children or pets chew on the leaves of the Zebra alocasia plant because it contains calcium oxalate crystals. The crystals can cause vomiting and difficulty breathing. It can also result in swelling of lips, tongue, and mouth and excessive drooling.
If you see any of these symptoms and suspect ingestion of Zebra alocasia plants, call poison control immediately! Also, call your pediatrician or vet once you start seeing adverse reactions in children and pets.
Light
Zebra alocasia: Sun or Shade?
Zebra alocasia will do well in bright, indirect light. Filter the sunlight using sheer blinds or sheer curtains. Avoid direct sunlight and southern exposure.
Water
How Often Should You Water Your Zebra alocasia?
Water your Zebra alocasia when the soil feels dry. The best way to tell when it is time to water your Zebra alocasia is to feel the soil. During the growing season, stick your finger in the soil 1 inch deep. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water your Zebra alocasia.
Your Zebra alocasia goes into a dormant period in the Fall and Winter. Its leaves will fall off when it goes dormant. During this dormant period, reduce watering but don’t let the soil dry out completely.
What Type of Water Should You Use When Watering Your Zebra alocasia?
Your Zebra alocasia can be watered with tap water but be mindful of the water temperature that you are using to water your Zebra alocasia. Don’t use straight cold water from the tap to water your Zebra alocasia. Zebra alocasia prefers lukewarm water that is not hot and not cold.
When you turn on the cold water from the faucet add a little bit of warm water. You can also get to this ideal temperature by filling a watering can or pitcher with water and leaving it out overnight until the water is at room temperature.
How Do You Make Sure There is Proper Drainage for Your Zebra alocasia?
Make sure you plant your Zebra alocasia in a pot with drainage holes. After watering your Zebra alocasia and you see water draining out of the pot’s drainage holes, make sure you empty out the accumulated water in the saucer. Don’t let your Zebra alocasia’s pot sit in this puddle of water. It will cause root rot!
Do You Need to Mist Your Zebra alocasia?
Yes, you should mist your Zebra alocasia a few times a week. However, if you see the water start dripping from the leaves, reduce watering and increase light exposure.
How Do You Increase the Humidity for Your Zebra alocasia?
Your Zebra alocasia is a houseplant that thrives in humid conditions. Indoor air can be drying. Make sure you do your best to increase indoor humidity. You can do this by spraying your Zebra alocasia with water twice a week. Turn on the humidifier. Keep Zebra alocasia in a saucer filled with water. But make sure the pot is elevated with pot feet or pebbles so your Zebra alocasia is not sitting directly on the water.
Soil
What Type of Potting Mix is Best for Your Zebra alocasia?
Your Zebra alocasia needs a well-draining, organic all-purpose potting mix.
How Do You Know When To Repot Your Zebra alocasia?
Repot your Zebra alocasia when it’s outgrowing its current pot. Repot in a container with a diameter 2 inches larger than the current pot.
Fertilizer
Do You Need to Fertilize Your Zebra alocasia?
Your Zebra alocasia should be fertilized once every 3 months during the growing season.
What Fertilizer Should You Use on Your Zebra alocasia?
Use a slow-release fertilizer on your Zebra alocasia.
Propagation
How Do You Propagate Your Zebra alocasia?
Your Zebra alocasia is easy to propagate. You can propagate your Zebra alocasia plant by division of its rhizomes. Below are steps on how to propagate Zebra alocasia by dividing its rhizomes.
1. Dig Up your Zebra alocasia Plant
Using a hand shovel, dig up your Zebra alocasia. Then lift out the entire plant. Be careful, don’t damage the roots and rhizomes. Dig a few inches away from the plant.
2. Divide the Rhizomes
Carefully divide up the rhizomes of your Zebra alocasia.
3. Plant the Zebra Alocasia Rhizomes in a New Pot
Plant each Zebra alocasia rhizome into a new pot. Don’t plant the rhizomes too close together. Ideally, plant each one in its own pot. Water the new plant immediately after planting. Then water every 2-3 days until the roots are established.
4. Place New Zebra Alocasia Plant in a Spot with Bright Indirect Sun
Place your new Zebra alocasia plant in a spot with bright indirect sunlight. Don’t put it in direct sunlight. Keep your Zebra alocasia plant in a spot that is warm and humid.
Common Problems of Zebra alocasia Care
The most common problems that affect Zebra alocasia are spider mites.
Zebra alocasia: Yellow and Brown Spots with Spider-Like Webs on Leaves and Stems
Zebra alocasia Problem: There are yellow and brown spots on the leaves of your Zebra alocasia. You also see spider web-like webbing on the leaves and stems.
Cause: The spider webbing and yellow and brown spots are signs of spider mites attacking your Zebra alocasia. Spider mites are tiny pests that are too small to see with your bare eyes.
Solution: To treat spider mites on your Zebra alocasia, spray off the leaves with water from a garden hose. The force will cause the little spider mites to wash off the leaves. You can also wash mites off with soapy water or rubbing alcohol. There are also horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps that you can use to kill off spider mites.
Check out our article on how to make your own homemade pesticides using baby shampoo: How to Make Horticultural Oil and How to Make Insecticidal Soap
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