

However, Alocasia zebrina flowers are insignificant, and the plant rarely blooms indoors.

A leaf-like spathe partly covers this flowering spike. Alocasia zebrina has a spadix that is covered in tiny whitish-green flowers. Zebra Alocasia flowers are made up of a spathe and spadix, similar to all species of aroids. However, Alocasia zebrina is kept for its stunning zebra-patterned stems and arrow leaves, not its flowers. Alocasia zebrina produces flowers that look like calla lilies or peace lilies. This tropical plant is also a flowering species of plant. (1 m) tall when growing in the right conditions. If you’re looking for an unusual type of houseplant, then the Elephant Ear ‘Tiger’ is an excellent choice.Īlocasia zebrina quickly grows up to 3 ft. This characteristic feature gives the Alocasia plant stems a ‘zebra’ or ‘leopard’ look. The animal-print stems are dark green with blotches of light green or cream in random patterns. The many names for Alocasia zebrina are related to its unusual stalks. Some of these names, such as ‘Elephant Ear,’ are applied to several species of Alocasia plants. Some common names of Alocasia zebrina are Alocasia zebrina ‘Tiger,’ ‘Elephant Ear,’ Alocasia reticulata zebrina, Alocasia ‘Leopard,’ and Zebra Alocasia. Most species of Alocasia-including zebrina-are famed for their large arrow-shaped leaves. There are 79 species of Alocasia, with Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’ and Alocasia zebrina being the most popular. Alocasia Zebrina FactsĪlocasia zebrina ( Alocasia zebrina Tiger or Alocasia Leopard) is famous for its unusual patterned stalks which have a ‘zebra’ or ‘leopard’ lookĪlocasia zebrina plants are a member of the family Araceae and are native to tropical climates. Water the Alocasia zebrina when the top 0.5” (1 cm) of soil is dry and fertilize twice a month during the growing season. The zebrina cultivar thrives in temperatures between 60☏ and 82☏ (15☌ – 28☌) with humidity over 60 percent.
#Spotted zebra looking animal how to#
How to Care for Alocasia ZebrinaĪlocasia zebrina houseplants grow best in loose, well-draining potting soil and a bright location, protected from direct sunlight. At the end of the article, you’ll find out how to resolve some issues with growing ‘zebra’ plants indoors. This article is a complete care and growing guide for the Alocasia zebrina houseplant. However, if you care for an Alocasia zebrina plant well, it will reward you with stunning foliage. Species of Alocasia can drop some leaves, and they need warm, humid conditions to thrive. However, they are not the easiest plants to grow indoors. As with all species of Alocasia, the zebrina variety has triangular-shaped leaves that grow quickly.Īlocasia zebrina is a fascinating species of houseplant. Also called the Alocasia zebrina Tiger or Alocasia Leopard, this plant has long arching spotted stalks with unusual patterns. Meanwhile, the world is pulling for this special spotted baby.Share on Email Share on Pinterest Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedInĪlocasia zebrina is a stunning tropical evergreen perennial houseplant with large glossy green arrowhead leaves and stems with zebra-like patterns. Since little Tira lacks this striping, he might be more susceptible to bites and predators.įor the moment, Tira is living happily at the reserve with his mother and doing all the normal zebra things. Tim Caro, a zebra expert at the UC Davis, said a zebra’s stripes are important for keeping cool, hiding from predators and warding off biting flies. Tira is a draw for hundreds of visitors at the reserve and millions of fans online. The reserve has a rule that whoever finds a rare or unusual animal can name the animal, which is how Tira got his name. When reserve tour guide and photographer Anthony Tira was making the rounds of the zebra community in September, he spotted the unusual foal. The unusual baby zebra was born at Maasai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya. A zebra foal named Tira apparently has a rare genetic mutation that gives him dark fur and spots instead of the classic stripes.

Zebras wear the most dramatic, fashionable stripes in nature, but one baby zebra is bucking the fashion trend by sporting polka dots instead.
