{"product_id":"aphelandra-squarrosa-botanica","title":"Aphelandra squarrosa Botanica","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePot diameter: 13cm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAphelandra squarrosa Botanica Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eAphelandra squarrosa 'Botanica' (also known as \"Afelandra\" or \"Zebra plant\") is a visually dramatic plant that combines deep green leaves with distinctive white veins. However, compared to the low-maintenance Aglaonema, it is a bit more of a \"diva\" that insists on precise conditions to keep its leaves fresh and prevent them from turning brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e💧 Watering\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eAphelandra is very sensitive to water – it does not tolerate drought, but also not waterlogged soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhen to water:\u003c\/b\u003e Keep the substrate \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"31\"\u003econsistently slightly moist\u003c\/b\u003e, but never wet. Once the top 1-2 cm of the substrate dries out, it's time to water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBeware of extremes:\u003c\/b\u003e If left to dry out completely, the leaves will droop and may start to fall off. Overwatering, on the other hand, causes stem and root rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater:\u003c\/b\u003e Use only \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"26\"\u003elukewarm and soft water\u003c\/b\u003e (preferably rainwater or boiled water). Cold tap water can shock the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e☀️ Light\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThis plant needs a lot of energy to maintain its contrasting venation and potentially bloom with yellow flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"21\"\u003eVery bright, but indirect light\u003c\/b\u003e is ideal. It will thrive on an east or west-facing window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLack of light:\u003c\/b\u003e The plant loses its compactness, stems stretch out, and white veins may start to turn green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDirect sun:\u003c\/b\u003e Harsh midday sun will burn the leaves within a few hours. It needs protection with a curtain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e🌡️ Temperature and Air\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIdeal temperature:\u003c\/b\u003e 18–24 °C. It does not tolerate large temperature fluctuations or drafts. The temperature should never drop below 15 °C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/b\u003e This is key to success. Aphelandra requires \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"53\"\u003ehigh air humidity (above 60%)\u003c\/b\u003e. It is ideal for placing near a humidifier or on a saucer with moist pebbles (leca).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCleanliness:\u003c\/b\u003e The leaves are glossy and dust is visible on them. Regularly wipe them with a soft, damp cloth so the plant can breathe freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e🌿 Fertilizing and Growth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/b\u003e From spring to late summer, fertilize every 14 days with liquid fertilizer for flowering houseplants, which will encourage the formation of its typical yellow \"spikes.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth:\u003c\/b\u003e It has an upright growth habit. After flowering, it is good to lightly prune the plant to maintain a dense and compact shape and prevent the lower parts of the stem from becoming bare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003e🧽 Substrate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eIt needs a rich but very well-draining mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eComposition:\u003c\/b\u003e A mixture of quality peat-based substrate with an admixture of perlite or sand for better water drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDrainage:\u003c\/b\u003e Absolute necessity. Without good drainage at the bottom of the pot, Aphelandra quickly succumbs to root rot.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jungle Flowers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53162019815767,"sku":"PLT-APH-BOT-001","price":349.0,"currency_code":"CZK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0995\/9555\/1063\/files\/AphelandrasquarrosaBotanica13O20cm.jpg?v=1774882264","url":"https:\/\/jungleflowers.cz\/en\/products\/aphelandra-squarrosa-botanica","provider":"Jungle Flowers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}