Fuchsias originated in South America and New Zealand and there are over 100 different species. This plant is hardy to grow outdoors in USDA zones 10 through 11. For the rest of us, that means we must grow this perennial as a house plant or as an annual, if planted outdoors.
The blooms come in a variety of single and two-tone colors. The blooming period for the fuchsia plants is May through September. I think my favorites are the ones with purple. This article will give you advice on how to keep the fuchsia alive as a house plant.
Potting the Fuchsia
During the summer months, the garden centers usually sell fuchsia in hanging baskets. If you find them growing in smaller pots, you will need to transplant them into a bigger one. Hanging baskets work well, because the flowers can hang over the side and it looks really pretty.
Once you have your container, cover the drainage holes with pieces of shard, rocks or a coffee filter. Fill the container about a third full with well-draining potting soil. Carefully remove the fuchsia plant from the container. Gently loosen the sides of the root ball with your fingers so the roots can penetrate through. If the roots are showing, gently tease them away from the root ball with your fingers. If you don’t do this, the roots will continue to grow in this fashion and slowly choke the plant to death.
Planting the Fuchsia
Insert the root ball into the center of the container. Check to make sure that the top of the root ball is 1/4 to 1/2 inch below the rim of the container. If it is not, adjust the soil below the root ball until you have it the right height.
Fill in around the root ball with potting soil. Do not bury the plant any deeper than it was originally growing or the stems will rot. Firm the soil gently in place.
Water the Fuchsia
Set the pot into a container of water. The water should be below the rim. Allow the plant to soak up water until the soil is visibly wet. As you care for the fuchsia plant, keep the soil moist, but never soggy.
Finding the Right Location
Find a good area to hang or sit your plant. In the fall and winter months, hang or position the pot in an east facing window. They can go into a south or west window, but keep them out of direct sunlight.
During the warm summer months, put your fuchsia outdoors in a location that receives indirect sunlight and has wind protection. When moving your plant outdoors after it has been protected indoors, you will need to harden it off like you do tomato plants. Gradually take the plant outdoors, beginning with an hour the first day. The next day, let the plant stay outdoors for 2 hours. Over the next 7 to 10 days, keep increasing the outdoor exposure time by one hour.
During the months when the fuchsia is actively growing, give it a shot of liquid all-purpose fertilizer every 3 to 4 months. Do not fertilize your plant during the winter months when it is dormant. Mix and apply the fertilizer according to label directions.
Examine the Plant for Pests
Always keep an eye out for spider mites. This pest is what caused most of my plants to die. If you find any on your plants, spray the plant with insecticidal soap. If you don’t have any insecticidal soap on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 gallon of water with 2 to 3 tablespoons of liquid dish soap. Pour this into a sprayer and spray your plant thoroughly.
Source:
“American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants”; Christopher Brickell; 2004
“National Garden Book” Sunset Books; 1997″ƒ
“The Houseplant Expert”; Dr. D.G. Hessayon; 1980