Zebra plant- Stressed out plant lover needs help!

Penne Johnson
by Penne Johnson
I am just sick.........I love Zebra plants, and Lowes had two $3.98 sized ones with the
yellow flower already blooming. I of course bought them. They are like baby sitting. LOL too much water bad, not enough water bad. Watched videos on them and advise was they need to be watered every day. Not soaked. WELLLLLLl I picked up the wrong bottle that I prepared with a misting nozzle on it but picked up my vinegar spray bottle by mistake. The minute I realized I had sprayed them with it, I quickly got a paper towel
and pressed the dirt to soak up as much as possible. Not soaking the plant I am hoping that I haven't destroyed them. Vinegar is the cure all for everything, but am sure its not for Zebra plants. Today I took the one that looked droopy out and replanted it in mostly new soil removing alot of the other soil not hurting the roots. I put dry soil in
and misted the soil around the base in hopes not to kill it................Anyone out there who might have made a similar mistake with a plant and not killed them. Or any ideas other than what I already did. Would greatly appreciate. it.

Also one Zebra plant not sprayed with vinegar has had droopy leaves for several days now. I watered it two days ago and not wanting to soak it I didn't water it. and put it in the shade outside to hopefully dry out the soil some from previous watering. Brought it
back inside, but leaves continue to droop, and haven't seen another plant that did this
not perk back up. ZEBRA plants are beautiful but yep hard to grow. THey are in proper indirect light............Thanks for any help for a stressed out plant lover.


  5 answers
  • Suzette Suzette on Jul 18, 2017

    Hi Penne, If you rinse it off really well until the soap stops making suds you have a pretty good shot of many of the plants surviving. (Turning plant on it's side)


    Droopy means to much water. Here's a link that may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/zebra-plant/zebra-houseplant-care.htm


    Good luck!

    • See 2 previous
    • Suzette Suzette on Jul 19, 2017

      Maybe that's the key! You need new dirt that has better drainage!

  • Karen Karen on Jul 19, 2017

    I'm guessing turning on its side helps it drain faster.

  • Penne Johnson Penne Johnson on Jul 19, 2017

    I left mine on their sides all night, but again have to wait for them to dry out I guess unless the Vinegar which was just a misted amount to the top soil has

    hurt it beyond repair. Again, might just take the other one out of its soil. NO vinegar on it and replant it in dry soil. Thanks for answering me.

    • Penne Johnson Penne Johnson on Jul 19, 2017

      Any thoughts on how to take the leaf stems that have fallen off and grow roots from its stem? Saw this and was very surprised that you can do this. I want to try it at best.

  • Sue Sue on Jul 24, 2017

    I used to have one years ago but don't recall how much trouble it was, but I have had tons of asst. plants. Droopy leaves can mean too much or not enough water. It's an expression of stress. You can kill them with too much love. Best thing to do in my opinion is to only water LIGHTLY. When water runs out from the bottom drainage holes remove the saucer. Never let them sit in a saucer with water in it. Another way is to water SOME from the top then fill the saucer underneath. Keep an eye on it and after about 10 minutes it should have drank as much water as it wants. Then remove the water from the saucer. Let it alone in the spot it seems to like in your house and do the same thing in about a week. It needs time to recover from all the too much /too little waterings but the online site suggested earlier will be a great help to you. When you shope for plants try to find ones that are ez for you to care for so that you can enjoy them without all the stress. Just read the tabs inside the flower pots at the nursery or store.. Good luck.


  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Jul 24, 2017

    I find the best way to water my plants is to sit them in a container of water for about 15 to 20 minutes. They will drink all they need.