Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Coachman'

Water

The Lady's Eardrops, commonly known as 'Coachman', prefers consistent moisture without being waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once or twice a week, depending on climate and indoor conditions. Offer approximately 16-24 ounces of water for potted plants, ensuring that excess water drains out of the bottom to avoid root rot. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency should increase to maintain moist soil. Cut back on watering in the winter when plant growth slows.

Light

Lady's Eardrops thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but must be protected from intense midday rays. The best spot would be where the plant receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, such as an east or north-facing window. Avoid placing the plant in deep shade as this will hinder flowering and could lead to leggy growth.

Temperature

Lady's Eardrops flourish in a temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They should be protected from temperature extremes, with a minimum of 50 degrees for survival and a maximum of 75 degrees to prevent heat stress. Ideal conditions are cool nights and moderately warm days.

Pruning

Pruning Lady's Eardrops encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Trim off any dead or broken branches whenever they appear and pinch back the tips of stems in the spring and summer to promote branching. The best time to perform a more thorough pruning is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Coachman', commonly known as Fuchsia, thrives best in a soil mix with a pH of 6-7. A well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter is ideal. Combine one part peat moss, one part loam, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regularly test the soil pH and adjust with amendments if necessary to keep the Fuchsia healthy.

Repotting

Fuchsia should generally be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. It's best done during late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the old one to prevent waterlogging.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60-70%. Maintaining a humid environment can be achieved by placing a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water beneath the plant, or by using a room humidifier.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow Fuchsia indoors with bright, indirect light and high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant Fuchsia outdoors in dappled shade and protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Fuchsia 'Coachman', commonly known as hardy fuchsia, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in warm, moist soil in spring. After germination, the seedling grows to develop a root system and foliage through the vegetative stage. As it matures, usually within the first growing season, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant flowers that are pollinated by birds and insects, leading to fruit and seed formation. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into berries containing seeds that can be dispersed to start new plants. The hardy fuchsia is a perennial, which means after the flowering and fruiting stages, it goes through dormancy in the winter, losing leaves in colder climates. With the return of favorable conditions in spring, the plant emerges from dormancy to start the cycle again, producing new growth and flowers in subsequent years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Fuchsia 'Coachman', known simply as fuchsia, can be propagated through softwood cuttings, a method that is commonly employed due to its effectiveness and simplicity. This is typically done during the spring or early summer when the plants are actively growing. The gardener selects a healthy, non-flowering shoot and snips off a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length, cutting just below a leaf node. The lower leaves of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium, ensuring the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are below the surface. The pot is placed in a warm, humid environment, such as a propagator or covered with a plastic bag, until the cutting has rooted, which can take a few weeks. Regular misting helps maintain the necessary humidity without overwatering, which is essential for the development of new roots.