ALOCASIA ZEBRINA PROFILE

Oh what a delightful zebra you are, you are! Leaves like large green butterflies atop long narrow, beautiful zebra stripe patterned stems. It's not the easiest plant to take care of and it will drop some leaves along the way (its natural!), so possibly not for the novice plant carer. But fear not, with the right approach this little beauty gives so much back and is well worth it.

Origin
Native to tropical Southeast Asia.
Positioning + Light Needs
I love the sun, so need a lot of bright, natural light but do avoid harsh direct sunshine on my leaves as they may burn. Ouch!
Watering
Water fairly frequently with warm, filtered or rain water during the Spring and Summer months to keep the soil moist and rotate the plant 90º when you do to help ALL the Zebrina feel the sun! Do not allow the soil to dry out! Little and often is a good approach, as its also important never to over water. Only needs monthly watering during Winter months. Tip: This Alocasia is very sensitive to water. The best way to determine if it needs a drink (besides the drooping stems), is to lift the pot and if it feels light, water it until water starts to drip out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.
Misting
Yes yes yes! I enjoy high humidity so mist me every few days with filtered or rain water, also in the Winter months when the heating kicks in. If you have a room humidifier, all the better.
Feeding
Fertilise the plant every two weeks to give it the energy it needs to keep growing so quickly during Spring and Summer.
Re-potting
The Zebrina loves to be root bound in a small pot. So don't repot this plant in a larger pot too quickly. When you eventually have to upsize to a larger pot, make sure to settle in with care.
Child / Pet Friendly
No, all parts toxic.
Air Purifying
I am indeed.
Look out for
Browning, dry leaves: possibly hard water is the problem or humidity is too low. N.B. Alocasia have a dormant period in Winter where leaves will fade and some die, so don't be alarmed if this happens. During this period, the plants will require less water, so simply moisten the soil from time to time.