Aphelandra squarrosa 'White Wash'PBR

RHS Plant Profile
zebra plant 'White Wash'
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A compact tropical evergreen shrub, usually grown as a houseplant. Long ovate leaves are dark green with white veins and a white 'wash', which on some plants can make the foliage look almost entirely white. Terminal spikes of waxy-yellow flowers may be borne sporadically but are rarely produced

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Acanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Aphelandra are evergreen shrubs with opposite, simple, entire leaves, often attractively veined or patterned with silver, and dense terminal spikes of tubular, 2-lipped flowers with colourful bracts
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks in summer and monthly in winter. Reduce watering in winter. See houseplant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate after flowering by cutting back the main stem to a stong pair of leaves to encourage side shoots. When these are 8-10cm (3-4in) long, detach and root

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free