Alocasia zebrina (Zebra Elephant Ear) Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems & Solutions
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Alocasia zebrina (Zebra Elephant Ear Plant) grows best in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Alocasia zebrina also called Zebrina Alocasia is one of the popular Alocasia varieties and bears upright, arrow-shaped, green leaves which are borne on thin zebra-striped stems.
Zebrina Alocasia Plant is an excellent addition to any plant collection and is one of the best plants for the home on account of its magnificent foliage and fast growth.
Alocasia zebrina was first described by John Gould Veitch, a British horticulturist in 1862 from specimens collected from the Philippines. The species name, 'zebrina', is in reference to its distinctive striped leaf stalks.
Botanical name: Alocasia zebrina
Family: Araceae
Common names: Zebrina Alocasia, Zebra Elephant Ear Plant
Origin
Alocasia zebrina has its orgins in the warm humid tropical areas in Philippines where it is found growing at high elevations, in bright shade, in well draining soils on the forest floors.
Size
Zebra Elephant Ear Plant is among the fast-growing plants which grows to a height of 3 feet and about 2-3 feet wide. The leaves can grow to 1 foot long.
Flower
The flowers in Alocasia zebrina are unimpressive pale-colored spathes which only last a few days. To conserve the plants energy and direct it to foliage growth, cut the flowers as soon as they appear though it is unlikely to flower when grown indoors.
Is Alocasia zebrina toxic?
Alocasia zebrina like other Alocasia Plants is toxic to both humans and pets as outlined by ASPCA. It contains crystals of calcium oxalate which if ingested can numb and swell the tongue and pharynx leading to difficulty in breathing and sharp pain in the throat. Keep the it away from the reach of children and pets to avoid any mishaps.
Where to Buy
If you would like to add Alocasia zebrina to your collection, check it out on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
How to care Alocasia zebrina indoors
To care for Alocasia zebrina indoors, give it bright indirect light, warmth of 15-280C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soils coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season for a lush growth.
Zebra Elephant Ear Plant requires regular pruning to keep it neat and tidy as well as minimize pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only need when it becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water your Alocasia zebrina thoroughly in spring and summer while allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting and yellowing.
Cut down on watering in fall and winter to keep the soil barely moist but never allow the soil to dry out completely to prevent wilting and drooping.
Avoid underwatering as it will signal dormancy to the plant and may cause the leaves to start dying in readiness for dormancy.
Use room temperature water to prevent cold shock which can result in slowed growth. Ensure that the water is chlorine-free to avoid browning of leaf edges.
Zebra Elephant Ear Plant does not like to sit in soggy soil as it is prone to fungal infestations like root-rot. Therefore, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy.
Light Requirements
Alocasia zebrina grows best in bright indirect light (dappled light). Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can lead to brown sunscorch marks on the leaves.
Too little light will signal dormancy which may cause the leaves to start dying in readiness for dormancy. If the natural lighting is not adequate, you may instal grow lights to supplement it.
Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant gets light on all sides for even growth to prevent lop-sided growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Alocasia zebrina flourishes in a warmth of 15-280C. Below 130C, the plant may drop all its leaves and go into dormancy stage. Keep it away from drafts as it hates sudden changes in temperature which can cause leaf drop and reduced growth.
Zebra Elephant Ear Plant requires a humidity of 60-70% to thrive. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow it in a well-lit bathroom or other moist areas in the home. Maintain good air flow to depress fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Alocasia zebrina with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer. Do not feed in fall and winter as the plant undergoes dormancy during this period and growth is minimal at this time.
Flush out accumulated salts arising from fertilizers by running a stream of water through the soil until the water comes out through the drainage holes. Let the stream of water run for a few minutes.
Potting Soil
The best soil for Alocasia zebrina should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Aroids potting mixes are ideal for Alocasias.
Repotting
Alocasia zebrina prefers to be root-bound, therefore frequent repotting is not needed. Avoid frequent repotting as the plant can take upto 4-6 weeks to recover from repotting shock.
Repot into a 1 size larger pot during the growing season only if the roots have grown out through the drainage holes. Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting. Take a look at these pots with a drainage hole on Amazon.
Pruning & Grooming
Pruning Alocasia zebrina involves removal of yellow and diseased leaves as they occur to maintain the plant neat and to reduce chances of diseases and pests infestation.
Remove the leaves by cutting at the base with a sterilized knife or pair of scissors to avoid disease transimission. Take care not to injure the new leaves that are forming.
Clean the leaves regularly by damp wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust as well as discourage pests infestation.
Alocasia zebrina Propagation
Alocasia zebrina is propagated by plant division at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer) when in active growth.
Propagating Alocasia zebrina by plant division
- Thoroughly water the plant at least one day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.
- Carefully slip the plant out of its pot and gently divide the rhizome into sections by cutting through with a sharp sterilized knife. Ensure that each section has 1-2 stems.
- Select small pots that have a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting. Ensure the pots are slightly wider than the base of the rhizome sections.
- Fill the pots one thirdway with well-draining soil and moisten it slightly.
- Position each section in the center of the pot and continue to fill with the soil while firming the soil around the base. Maintain the sections at the same depth that they were in the previous pot.
- Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.
- Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges after which you can begin routine care.
Alocasia zebrina Problems & Remedies
Alocasia zebrina problems are yellow leaves, drooping leaves and plant dying, pests and diseases. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to solve them.
Yellow leaves
Some of the causes of yellowing leaves on your Alocasia zebrina are dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil and aging. Remove such leaves by snipping them off at the base with a clean sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
How to fix it
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together, use a humidifier or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom.
Inconsistent watering: Water only when the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Do not water on a schedule.
Soggy soil: Use well-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.
Aging: It is natural for the old leaves to turn yellow and drop as the plant matures.
Drooping leaves & plant dying
Zebra Elephant Ear Plant drooping leaves and dying due to too little light, cold drafts or underwatering. These three reasons signal dormancy for the plant and hence the leaves die in readiness to enter dormancy.
Naturally, this happens during winter when the plant undergoes dormancy. However, even if the foliage may die, the underground rhizome is still alive and can regrow under favorable conditions.
How to fix it
Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural light is insufficient.
Cold temperatures: Keep it away from cold drafts to maintain a warmth of 18-280C.
Underwatering: Water when the top 2 inches of soil dry but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Brown leaf tips & edges
Brown leaf tips & edges on Alocasia zebrina are due to dry air, salts buildup or underwatering.
How to fix it
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together.
Salts buildup: Flush out the accumulated salts from the soil every 2-3 months by running a stream of water through the soil until the water comes out through the drainage holes.
Underwatering: Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry but not leave the soilball to dry out completely.
Loss of leaf color
Loss of leaf color on Alocasia zebrina is due to either too little or too much light.
How to fix it
Too little light: Position the plant in a brighter spot and ensure it receives medium to bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural light is inadequate.
Too much light: Move the plant to a more shaded spot or instal a light curtain to filter the light.
Pests
Common pests on Alocasia zebrina are spider mites, mealybugs, scales and aphids.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to prevent further spread to other plants.
- Treat the infested plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap as indicated by the manufacturers.
- Check underneath the leaves regularly for these pests and take timely control measures.
- Regularly damp-wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to discourage the pests.
- Keep the plant well pruned to minimize the hiding and breeding places for these pests.
Diseases
Alocasia zebrina is prone to leaf spot disease which is enhanced by soggy soil and overwet conditions. The disease presents as dark brown or black leaf spots.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to reduce the risk of spread to the rest of the plants.
- Spray the affected plant with a systemic fungicide and ensure to cover all the parts with the fungicidal solution.
- Keep the plant on the dry side, do not mist it and ensure good air flow.
- Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-drained soil.
You liked it? Share on social media.
Related Content
Amazon Associates Disclosure
Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.