The alocasia zebrina owes its name to the unique – and eye-catching – yellow and black zebra print-esque markings found on its stems that contrast with its lush green leaves. Its leaves are in fact believed to mirror the floppy ears of an elephant – hence the alocasia zebrina’s other name, ‘elephant ear’.
![Floom Zebrina 2](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=0dfc6f0fae909fb07ba25cf3a6ff663f 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=fa76e36b1c13aad4f8c735965fd98b0b 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=535e1437b3276abcc11ede68505130a7 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=6b1c0ce224b862adfdfd87de34816bd5 400w)
Its leaves are as fascinating as its stems, thanks to their funnel-like concavity, and pronounced veins that are not unlike those seen on a human body. Originally from Southeast Asia, the exotic alocasia zebrina is familiar with the rainforest floor – meaning it loves a moist, humid environment – and its large leaves will follow the path of light (so be sure to rotate yours once in while).
![Floom Zebrina 5](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=ab4ca28fcd4456b177fb3ca84d78c358 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=6f72567c85af4cd36803e7eaf62e2ea0 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=7f527f3997700673736ede2aed0b40df 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=c202ece4cfde7854ec59bffd7a809def 400w)
![Floom Zebrina 6](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-6.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=2c3f8b3d435704d4b26bab12da1025d6 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-6.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=d93ed6f697c8ce590d1a9764571827c9 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-6.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=0eeceb81b8853dc3479293073393197a 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-6.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=f060a6c9b64819cd4424adbaeca23652 400w)
How to care for it:
We’re not going to lie, the alocasia zebrina is a fussy little plant, but if you follow our tlc-tips you’ll get along just fine. The alocasia zebrina doesn’t take kindly to dry roots, so be sure to keep yours well watered while being cautious not to let those roots rot. The secret? Water little and often (two to three times a week). For best results, plant yours in a pot with a drainage hole so any excess water can easily escape. Meanwhile, the alocasia zebrina will go dormant in the winter months, so don’t be alarmed if the leaves and stems die back to the soil – simply slow down with the watering, and position the plant in a warm spot where it will regrow as good as new come spring.
![Floom Zebrina 1](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=0e9e60fafc5f0f6772add33c3d18d912 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=554fa2a91e7ef8ce01c00b5f449cfc45 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=fca232158626cd9a785fef2900126d38 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=41400c87f8bc461c4edbb2e90b0d7d1a 400w)
Top Floom tip:
Your alocasia zebrina will do well in a warm, brightly lit spot, but be warned, too much direct sunlight will burn its waxy leaves. That’s why we suggest popping yours near a south facing window, in a spot that receives a little direct light around a corner, or through a set of blinds. Got a frosted-glass window in your bathroom? Consider it the perfect combination of humidity and light for your new green friend.
![Floom Zebrina 4](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=41c477c5df604217d233dde55f8e7e97 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=2ce11c7a46f57e6f1fec5007d01cd3f8 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=7209ab6aa750cd08c86614262f3613ab 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-zebrina-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=5deb647290b63a9d29304c67cd779a64 400w)