Alocasia Zebrina - All You Need To Know

The funky foliage of the alocasia zebrina will do well if given the right high-humidity needs…

Alocasia Zebrina Summary

Light needs:	Medium to bright indirect sunlight
Watering needs:	Water when the top layer of soil is dry.
Fertilizer:	A balanced fertilizer every 2 or 3 weeks in spring and summer.
Soil:	A good peat based or similar potting compost with added perlite
Humidity:	60-70%
Temperature:	18-25ºC (64-77ºF)
Where to buy:	Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Other names:	Zebra Alocasia.
Common issues:	Root rot from overwatering.

Introduction

The alocasia zebrina is natively from Southeast Asia, and is known for it’s striking pointed leaves. Like all alocasias it is a humidity loving rhizomatous plant. It has some special care needs but in general is straight forward to care for…

Light Needs

Medium to bright indirect sunlight is the best range of light for an alocasia zebrina. They are fine a bit further back form the window.

How Often to Water

Check your zebrina once a week but only water if the top layer of soil is dry. Its a good idea to tip out any water from the saucer

Fertilizer

Use a balanced fertilizer every 2 or 3 weeks in the spring and summer. I use a very well diluted feed for the first few times in the year and then increase the dose slowly.

Soil

The best soil for an alocasia zebrina is a good peat based or similar potting compost with some added perlite for drainage. They like a well-draining potting matter.

For more on which soil to buy or how to make your own see our guide: Alocasia Soil.

When To Repot

If the plant has become really root bound you can pot it up a container size. The best time to do this is in Spring.

Humidity

60-70% is ideal humidity for an alocasia zebrina. This is above normal household humidity, so it is a good idea to at least mist them a few times a week. They will thank you for it!

Tip: get a humidity meter and keep an eye on the minimum humidity levels to make sure you are keeping from drying out.

Temperature

Ideal temperature is 18-25ºC (64-77ºF), which means they’ll do well in most households.

Alocasia Zebrina Propagation

You can propagate alocasia zebrina by separating out a new smaller plants that grow at the base. You’ll need to take the plants out of the soil to do it and be careful when separating them so you damage the roots as little as possible. Then pot all the plants up separately in their own pots.

Where To Buy

Always support your local plant shop when you can, if not try one of these Rare Plant Shops.

Other Names

Zebra Alocasia.

FAQs and Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering is a big problem for alocasias, so make sure you only water if it is mostly dry and make sure it is in a very well draining potting medium. If you do get root rot, take the plant out of its soil and let it dry out for a day, then plant it back into dry soil.

Look out for pests on those big leaves.

Do Alocasia Zebrina Go Dormant?

Their growth can slow down in winter when it gets colder. Make sure you check the soil before watering in the winter as they will need much less.

Can Alocasia Zebrina Grow In Water?

You can grow a zebrina in water alone, they look great when you can see their roots.

How Big Do Alocasia Zebrina Grow?

They can grow to half a meter (20 inches) up to about a meter (40 inches) in some cases.

Why Is My Alocasia Zebrina Drooping?

It is normal for zebrinas to droop when they need water, just give them a watering. If you’ve watered them recently, check you are not overwatering them as root can cause drooping too.

Why Is My Alocasia Zebrina Turning Yellow?

Yellowing is most often due to overwatering, so make sure you water the plant well but do not overwater it. The best thing to do is to check the soil weekly but only water it if needed.

Is Alocasia Zebrina Poisonous To Cats?

Alocasia contain calcium oxalate in all parts of the plant, which can cause oral irritation and sometimes vomiting in pets. If your pet does eat it, they should be ok, seek vets advice.