Skinner's androlepis Plant Care

Skinner's androlepis (Androlepis skinneri) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Androlepis genus. Skinner's androlepis is native to southern Mexico and Central America.

Skinner's androlepis displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Skinner's androlepis produces colorful bracts with small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Skinner's androlepis every 7–10 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.

Skinner's androlepis thrives in bright indirect to filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Skinner's androlepis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Androlepis skinneri tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Skinner's androlepis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Skinner's androlepis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Skinner's androlepis 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 filtered sunlight and well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Skinner's androlepis is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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.

Skinner's androlepis can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Skinner's androlepis 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.

Skinner's androlepis 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.

Skinner's androlepis can be propagated through offsets (pups), division.

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

Skinner's androlepis 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.

Skinner's androlepis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Skinner's androlepis is native to southern Mexico and Central America. In cooler regions, grow Skinner's androlepis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.