Ever wanted a small shrub as an indoor plant? If so, the zebra plant or What is the difference between Haworthia and zebra plant? is the perfect choice for you. It is relatively easy to take care of, low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing and thrives in potted environments.
Aside from the usual appearance of this plant—dark green leaves with pronounced white leaf veins and golden flowers, there are various cultivars to choose from. Additionally, there are various cultivars to choose from. However, it’s important to note that zebra plants are slow-growing, so patience is key when waiting for them to reach their full potential.
Read on to know which Aphelandra varieties suit you best.
Leopoldii
The Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Leopoldii’ is known for its striking striped appearance. It has broader foliage with that classic white vein contrast growing from a reddish-brown stem. Also, this cultivar bears gold flowers with red bracts.
In terms of growing this cultivar, it prefers partial shade to full shade light, slightly acid soil pH at 5.6 to 6, and the minimum pot size is 1 gallon. If you want to propagate the leopoldii, leaf cuttings are the recommended method.
Louisae
The Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Louisae’ is the perfect cultivar for you if you love the contrast between the green and yellow shades. Its foliage has a deep green broad color with yellow veins. Also, its blooms are surrounded by gold bracts. There are no special maintenance or growing requirements for this excellent houseplant.Â
Brockfeld
The Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Brockfeld’ originated from Germany. Unlike other succulents, this cultivar boasts a compact stature, making it an ideal desk companion.
Its beauty lies in its striking foliage: a tapestry of bright, lighter green adorned with intricate yellow veins that dance across its triangular leaves. This low-maintenance wonder thrives without demanding special care, allowing you to admire its unique charm without the hassle.
Fritz Prinsler
Also known as the Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Fritz Prinsler’, this cultivar came from Germany. These Haworthia plants are a result of crossing the Leopoldii and Louisae. The cross between the two resulted in an aphelandra with green foliage contrasted with slightly yellow veins.
Also, this cultivar bears yellow bracts and flowers. Planting it in pots with at least a gallon capacity or more is recommended. When caring for this plant, keep it in bright indirect light or filtered light (imagine an east-facing window), as direct bright light will destroy its pointed leaves.
Dania
This cultivar is perfect if you are a fan of striking but classy plants. This cultivar came from Denmark and is a child of the Fritz Prinsler cultivar. It serves as a good desk plant with its compact growth. Regarding its aesthetic appeal, it bears olive green leaves with creamy white leaf venation. Its stem is reddish-brown to maroon, while its flowers are yellow.
The blooms are said to last for up to 6 weeks. After the flower has lived its weeks, it should be removed, and pruning should be done for this Aphelandra cultivar. Same as the other cultivars, follow the general grow and care requirements for Aphelandra squarrosa.
Originating in southern Brazil, Aphelandra squarrosa is truly a jungle plant. It likes the humid climate and covered conditions found in that native habitat. In its natural environment, it can act as a climbing plant, but in containers it usually stays under 2′ tall.
Ivo
Similar to the Dania cultivar, the Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Ivo’ also came from the Fritz Prinsler cultivar. It prefers slightly acidic soil, partial to full sun, and could withstand up to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The main difference it has with Dania is that it has darker green foliage. This cultivar is best grown in 1-gallon pots or larger. The requirements for growing and maintaining are the same.Â
Additionally, Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Ivo’ naturally flowers during the summer months, with individual inflorescences lasting only a few days. However, the bracts housing the flowers will retain their color for many weeks or even months.
Red Apollo
The Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Red Apollo’ rises above others with its unique foliage color. Its slender leaves have a reddish-brown base color with yellowish-white accents. Despite its beautiful foliage, this cultivar rarely blossoms.
Additionally, these slow growers are slightly sensitive to direct sun light, and if exposed to low light, the red pigments on the leaves may suffer from leaf burn, causing them to lose their vibrancy. To maintain their health, they require occasional watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
White Wash
This cultivar stands out with its very light green foliage, which makes it look like it has a slight white cast. Moreover, its fleshy leaves have green leaf venation, which is a unique and beautiful combination for zebra plants. It is a product of the cross between Aphelandra squarrosa and Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Snow White’ making it less common than the types found in the Brazilian forests.
Other than the light requirement mentioned above, other growing conditions are the same as for the other succulent plants. However, like all zebra plants, it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil.
Snow White
The snow white cultivar differs from the rest with its white leaf veins and dark green base leaf color. It got its common name from having mottles or tiny spots of white near the veins and midrib, making it look like the small succulent plant is covered with snow.
Moreover, its blooms are yellow or gold, similar to the other cultivars. Aside from the similarity in flowers, the cultural requirements for these zebra succulents are the same as the others, making it easier to care for them. When grown, they often form large clumps, adding to their visual appeal.
Tips on Choosing the Right Aphelandra Type
Although the first thing you would consider in picking the Aphelandra plant for you is what it looks like, it should not be the only thing that comes to mind. There are other things you would need to consider to choose the perfect plant for you.
First, you need to know where in the house you are going to put it. Some cultivars are more compact than others and it can either be an advantage or a disadvantage. For example, a more compact cultivar suits best for rooms with less space or for layering with other species. Remember to pick a plant that will go well with your other plants and furniture. This may vary depending on where you choose to put it, but it is best to know
The second thing to consider is your availability to take care of the zebra cactus. This is important because there are cultivars, like the Red Apollo, that may need more attention than others. Furthermore, each cultivar should still be treated differently despite the similarities they have. A grower must always have time to observe and check the well-being of their plants.
Lastly, take time to read and learn more about the Aphelandra plant. We have an article about growing and caring for Aphelandra plants. It is vital to know this information to ensure the optimal growth of your plant.
FAQs
What is the difference between Haworthia and zebra plant?
Haworthia fasciata and Zebra Plant are terms often used interchangeably, but the Zebra Plant more specifically refers to Haworthiopsis attenuata. While both belong to the Asphodelaceae family, the main distinction lies in the genus; Haworthia encompasses various species, including Zebra Plant, known for its distinctive zebra-like stripes on its leaves.
What is the common name of Aphelandra?
The common name for Aphelandra is “Zebra Plant.” These tropical plants are known for their bold and vibrant foliage, often featuring striking patterns reminiscent of white stripes.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, exploring the diverse types of zebra plants offers an exciting journey into the world of ornamental foliage. From the Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Leopoldii’ to the Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Snow White’, each variety brings its own charm and character to indoor spaces and gardens alike.
By understanding the specific care requirements of different zebra plant species, enthusiasts can cultivate thriving specimens that showcase their striking stripes and architectural beauty. Whether as focal points in your succulent collection or accents in landscape designs, these zebra plant varieties add visual interest and sophistication, elevating any botanical display with their distinctive allure.
*image by sweemingyoung/depositphotos
