The non-poisonous zebra herb is a subspecies of the so-called three-master flower, which is often cultivated as an ampelous plant due to its attractively colored leaves and delicate flowers. Under suitable conditions, the plant quickly forms long tendrils.
How do you properly care for the zebra herb?
In order to optimally care for the zebra herb, it should be watered regularly, about once a week, allowing the substrate to dry on the surface between waterings. You should also fertilize the plant every two weeks and cut back if necessary.
How often should the zebra herb be watered?
The zebra herb comes from relatively dry areas in Central America and does not require a lot of water. Although you should provide the zebra herb with some water regularly (about once a week), the surface of the zebra herb's substrate can definitely dry out between waterings. Relatively high humidity promotes the formation of flowers in zebra herb, so it is advisable to occasionally spray the leaves with low-lime, tempered water.
What should you consider when repotting the zebra herb?
The zebra herb does not necessarily have to be repotted when growing in a sufficiently large pot. Repotting is recommended every two to three years in order to replace the substrate: the plant can grow particularly well in loose, nutrient-rich soil.
When and how should the zebra weed be cut?
Basically, the zebra herb doesn't actually need to be cut. In the following cases, pruning is certainly possible and relatively unproblematic:
- when shortening particularly long shoots
- for propagation by cuttings
- if the growth is visually unsatisfactory due to care errors
The zebra herb sometimes only grows suboptimally if it is placed in full sun or only produces a few leaves due to a lack of nutrients. After addressing location and care issues, pruning can mark the start of fresh, more satisfactory growth.
What pests attack zebra weed?
As with other varieties of three-master flower, aphid infestations can occasionally occur. However, these can be easily combated with appropriate beneficial insects (€22.00 on Amazon) or simply removed mechanically.
How can the zebra herb be protected from diseases?
Zebraweed is generally not very susceptible to disease. Spontaneous leaf loss, on the other hand, can be an indication of incorrectly dosed water and fertilizer as well as a location that is too sunny or too cold.
What should you consider when fertilizing zebra weed?
The zebra herb has very low nutrient requirements during the winter rest phase. Between spring and autumn, a little liquid fertilizer can be added to the irrigation water about every two weeks.
Is zebra weed winter-proof?
The commercially available varieties of zebra herb are happy with a temporary trip to a partially shaded place outdoors during the summer months, but in winter the plant should be overwintered in a bright place indoors at at least 12 to 15 degrees.
Tip
In order to achieve a bushy look when planting hanging baskets, around 10 to 15 rooted cuttings can be planted in a pot.