Cryptanthus zonatus
zebra plant
A rosette-forming perennial with narrowly lance-shaped dark green leaves attractively cross-banded with silvery-grey and tinged with copper. Small white flowers in sparse clusters in summer. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Bronze Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Bronze Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Bronze Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Cryptanthus are evergreen, rosette-forming perennials with leathery, wavy-edged, strap-shaped leaves, often attractively variegated, and inconspicuous, usually fragrant, greenish-white flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors as a houseplant or under glass in a terrestial bromeliad compost. Site in bright filtered light and maintain moderate to high humidity. When in growth water moderately but carefully and mist regularly with tepid soft water. Apply a dilute fertilser monthly but reduce water in winter. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown, as soon as ripe, at 27°C or remove offsets in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to root rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.