In Bloom

Some time ago when I wrote about my houseplants, I said that my aphelandra (or zebra plant) was getting ready to bloom.  It is now in full bloom.

The little flowers grow off of a colorful spike which is a bract, or modified leaf.

I read that these plants are quite fussy and not easy to grow.  It is not unusual for them to die before the next blooming season.  I have noticed that the tips of the leaves are turning brown.  An article on the care of aphelandras said that this was due to lack of humidity, so I am going to have to frequently mist it, or perhaps take it into the bathroom when I am taking a shower.

We will see how much luck I have with it, but it is a very attractive plant right now.