Alocasia zebrina

Common Names

Zebra Plant, Elephant Ear, Zebrina, Zebrina Alocasia, Zebra Alocasia, Tiger Taro, Gabing Tigre, Tiger Plant

Summary

The zebra plant, native to the Philippines, is a tropical evergreen with tall zebra-striped stems and large glossy arrow-shaped leaves. It grows upright to about 2–3 ft tall and about 2–3 ft wide, making a striking indoor focal point.

Care emphasizes bright indirect light, temperatures around 18–27°C, and high humidity (60–80%), with a very well-draining, moist but not soggy soil; water when the top inch dries; fertilize every two weeks during the growing season at half strength; repot every 1–2 years and propagate by division; the plant is toxic if ingested and sap can irritate skin; keep away from pets and children; monitor for pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, and ensure drainage to reduce root rot risk.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-3 feet

Spread

1-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade to partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-draining, moist, airy, chunky potting mix

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green (dark green to deep green; some leaves have green and white stripes; variegated forms can be green, yellow, or cream)

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous, Evergreen broadleaf, Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Division, Corm propagation, Cuttings