Alocasia Zebrina is one of nature’s wonders when it comes to plants. This exotic ornamental beauty that is native to the tropical regions of the Philippines and some other parts of East Asia, has become a staple when it comes to design choices for home designers when looking at the Alocasia genus.
The Zebrina Alocasia houseplant is listed as a threatened or endangered plant species in the Philippines, making it illegal to collect the plant species in the country.
Growing and caring for the Alocasia Zebrina is not an easy task. These stunning indoor plants require a lot of attention, the right environment, and a proper care routine to flourish and be the best they can be.
But what are these requirements and care routines, and of course, how do we meet them?
| Botanical Name | Alocasia Zebrina |
| Common Names | Zebra Plant, Elephant Ear, Zebrina Tiger, Zebrina Leopard |
| Origin | East Asia |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial, Indoor Plant |
| Full Size | 5.9 ft long and 3 ft wide |
| Sun Exposure | Bright but indirect light |
| Temperature | 60 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Flowering | Come in pairs, 16 cm long |
| Soil Type | well-draining soil potting mix |
| Toxicity | Can cause skin irritation to both humans and pets if ingested |
Caring for the Alocasia Zebrina
As we have already established, it could be very demanding when caring for the Alocasia Zebrina. There are certain requirements that must be met to ensure proper plant growth.
Some of these requirements are;
Light Requirement
The Zebrina Alocasia requires sufficient bright but indirect light to thrive. Their broad leaves were designed to soak up as much light as possible from the shaded jungle canopy.
Be careful to avoid long exposure to direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves of the Elephant Ear to get scorched.
You can place the potted plant close to a window with curtains and shade that helps provide it with just enough light to ensure proper growth without the harsh sun rays harming it.
A recommended room for Zebrina would be the bathroom. It also helps to oftentimes rotate the plant as it tends to grow towards the direction of the sun, so for a proper straight growth rotate it every time you water it.
Water Requirement
Ensure you water your Zebrina plant often as they love their soil to be moist. However do be careful when watering, its roots are susceptible to rot so avoid overwatering them.
The stems of the Alocasia Zebrina tend to hold water moisture for some time, so be careful not to water them every session.
It is recommended that you water the exotic plant in small sessions. A common practice would be to feel the topsoil before watering. Ensure that it is almost dry before watering.
After watering it, wait a few days or at most, a week, before its next watering session.
Soil Requirement
Ensure that the soil used for your Alocasia Zebrina is a very well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that holds moisture within for a long time.
A healthy mix of peat moss, coarse or perlite sand, and regular soil for houseplants would be most ideal for the Alocasia Zebrina’s delicate root.
Such a healthy miz is perfect as it is light, very fertile, airy, and above all,well-draining while also retaining moisture
Humidity and Temperature Requirement
The Zebrina houseplant thrives in an area with high humidity, so do ensure that you provide that for your beloved houseplant.
Getting a humidifier would be ideal for the Elephant Ear plant or you can store it in a greenhouse. Also. The appropriate temperature required for the plant would be between 60 degrees to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Zebrina houseplant doesn’t like cold as it could result in the leaves falling off, so try as much as possible to provide a safe, warm temperature.
Fertilizer Requirement
All members of the Alocasia genus are heavy feeders, with the Alocasia Zebrina being no exception.
With that being said, it is recommended that you feed the Alocasia Zebrina with a liquid fertilizer that has been diluted by half its content.
Fertilizing should be done once every 2 weeks and it should be done during the warm months. In a cold winter month, feed the Zebrina plant less or if possible not at all.
It is also recommended that you flush the soil often (at least every month) with a lot of water, to get rid of the fertilizer remnants.
Pruning Requirements
Ensure you prune out the damaged leaves often so as to encourage proper, healthy growth of new leaves. This should be done during its growing months.
Avoid using a blade without sterilizing it as it helps to prevent infection. Dipping it in alcohol is a great practice.
Repotting Requirements
You should avoid repotting your Alocasia Zebrina plant often. Its delicate root would need more time to flourish, and repotting often can delay that.
And when you do feel the need to re-pot the exotic plant, ensure that the new pot size is just a little bigger than its last pot size.
Propagating Alocasia Zebrina
When propagating the Zebrina Alocasia, you can use one of two methods;
- Separate close-growing plants, or
- Divide the assets and corms that grow on the plants.
Either way, be careful so as not to disturb the delicate roots of the Alocasia Zebrina.
Toxicity
When Ingested, the Alocasia zebrina’s stem is poisonous and can cause irritation in the eyes and skin. So do ensure that you keep the houseplant out of the reach of children and pets.
Also, the leaf tissue or foliage has oxalate crystals that if ingested could also be harmful, leading to vomiting and nausea.
If you notice a child or pet might have eaten from the Zebrina plant, do ensure you contact a doctor as fast as possible. Monitor the child or pet for any symptoms that could develop.
Common Pests and Diseases
The Alocasia Zebrina is a strong plant, and as such isn’t very susceptible to a lot of pests and diseases. However, Overwatering or drought can open it up to some pests and diseases. A Few of those are;
- Mealybugs
- Scales
- Aphids
- Root Rots
- Mites
- Dropping Leaves
- Yellow Leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, the Alocasia Zebrina is a rare plant that is hard to find.
Yes, the Alocasia Zabrina is a rather small plant that could fit into the house with ease.
When not getting enough light, the Zebrina tends to grow towards the direction of the sun, so if it isn’t growing fast, then it requires a lot more access to Indirect light.
You do this by fertilizing your Zebrina Alocasia, once every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer that has been diluted to half its strength.
Yes, but it is recommended that you do this when you notice that the whole leaf has turned yellow.
