Zebra PlantAphelandra Squarrosa

• The Zebra Plant is a native of Brazil in the Acanthus family found in understorey rainforest in its natural habitat.

•Not only has it got variegated leaves, the flowers are also attractive.

•There is another variety of this plant called Snow Queen which is shorter with thicker stems and has whitish leaves.

•The plant will grow to a metre in height with square shaped stems which are quite brittle. The leaves grow to fifteen centimetres long with silvery stripes.

•The flower head is yellow and also square shaped and is brilliant as a cut flower being long lasting.

• It needs shade to grow outside and will burn in direct sunlight but makes a great indoor and pot plant but can get a bit leggy. It needs plenty of water but not too much as the leaves will go brown.

•The Zebra Plant is very tropical but grows very well in Coffs and I had mine flower in my garden. It is quite common in nurseries mostly found in the indoor section.

• It’s great for shady parts of the garden and will brighten dark areas. It is also a perfect addition to a jungle garden where its stripy leaves stand out and its spectacular flowers are an added bonus.