Belonging to the acanthus family, the zebra plant possesses common characteristics with its relatives, such as distinct veinal markings on the leaves and unique terminal spikes where the flowers bloom. In its native habitat of Brazil, Aphelandra is a woody shrub. However, when cultivated as a flowering indoor plant in 6-inch pots, its height rarely exceeds one foot.
The leaves of Aphelandra are oval-shaped with a pointed end and grow in pairs on a robust, purple-tinged stem. With a waxy green surface on the leaf blade, the midrib and veins exhibit an eye-catching creamy-white contrast. The Brazilian native Aphelandra squarrosa boasts dark glossy green leaves that can reach up to 9 inches in length, accompanied by striking silvery-white veins. In addition to its remarkable foliage, this houseplant showcases fascinating columnar bract flowers—serving both aesthetic and functional purposes. Flower colors typically range from golden yellow to orange, depending on the zebra plant variety.