Fosterella rusbyi Plant Care

Fosterella rusbyi (Fosterella rusbyi) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Fosterella genus. Fosterella rusbyi is native to Bolivia and Peru.

Fosterella rusbyi displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Fosterella rusbyi produces brightly colored bracts with small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fosterella rusbyi 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.

Fosterella rusbyi thrives in bright indirect to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Fosterella rusbyi in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Fosterella rusbyi tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Fosterella rusbyi prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining epiphytic mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Fosterella rusbyi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fosterella rusbyi 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 bright indirect to dappled sunlight and well-draining epiphytic mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fosterella rusbyi is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Fosterella rusbyi can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Fosterella rusbyi 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.

Fosterella rusbyi is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fosterella rusbyi can be propagated through offsets (pups), division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fosterella albicans plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Fosterella rusbyi is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Fosterella rusbyi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Fosterella rusbyi is native to Bolivia and Peru. In cooler regions, grow Fosterella rusbyi as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.