Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens Plant Care

Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens (Andrachne schweinfurthii) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family within the Andrachne genus. Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens is native to Somalia and to the island of Socotra. Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens is also known as Andrachne schwienf., Schweinfurth's andrachne.

Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens displays a low shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Andrachne schweinfurthii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to andrachne telephioides plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens is native to Somalia and to the island of Socotra. In cooler regions, grow Andrachne schweinfurthii var. pubescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.