Zebra Plant
Billbergia zebrina
Billbergia zebrina is the bold one in the bromeliad lineup, forming tall tubular rosettes of arching lanceolate leaves up to 24 inches long, splashed with distinctive silvery-white horizontal bands that immediately explain the 'zebra' name. In strong light those leaves take on a handsome bronze tone, and when it blooms, a pendulous inflorescence appears with rose-pink bracts and tubular flowers featuring blue petals tipped white. It functions as a tank bromeliad in the wild, its central cup holding water and supporting entire micro-ecosystems in the forest canopy.
How to grow Zebra Plant
bright indirect light (3-6 feet
Keep the central cup filled
60-80%
68-80°F
Well-draining, slightly acidic bromeliad mix;
Easily propagated by separating basal
Stagnant water in the central
Fun Facts
The species was first described botanically in 1827, and botanist John Lindley transferred it to the genus Billbergia (named after Swedish naturalist Gustav Johan Billberg) in the same year — making it one of the earlier Billbergia species to be formally classified.
Pet safe
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Bromeliads contain no known toxic alkaloids. The serrated leaf edges can cause minor physical scratches if handled carelessly.
Sources
- Billbergia zebrina - Grokipedia (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
- Billbergia zebrina - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
- Billbergia zebrina, catalogue of Bromeliad plants (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
- Billbergia types and care: a complete guide to this ornamental bromeliad (opens in new tab)Reference
- Billbergia types and care: a complete guide to this ornamental bromeliad (opens in new tab)Reference
- Billbergia zebrina - Grokipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Billbergia zebrina - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Billbergia zebrina, catalogue of Bromeliad plants (opens in new tab)Reference
- Billbergia: Inside and Out - Bromeliad Plant Care (opens in new tab)Reference
- Billbergia: Inside and Out - Bromeliad Plant Care (opens in new tab)Reference