Coral Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Coralle' (T)

Water

Fuchsias, commonly known as lady's eardrops, should be watered regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season in spring and summer. It is crucial to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, so check the top inch of soil and water when it feels dry to the touch. Typically, lady's eardrops may need watering once or twice a week, but this can vary based on temperature and humidity. When watering, aim to provide about one to two gallons of water per week, ensuring you water deeply so that it reaches the roots. During the winter, reduce watering since the plant isn't actively growing.

Light

Lady's eardrops flourish in a spot with bright, indirect light and some dappled afternoon shade. They should be protected from intense midday sun to prevent scorching the leaves. The ideal location would be an eastern-facing window where the plant receives gentle morning sunlight or a shaded southern-facing window. Outside, they benefit from sheltered conditions such as under a tree canopy or on a porch with indirect light.

Temperature

Lady's eardrops thrive in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F, which are ideal for promoting vigorous growth. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 40°F, so they should be protected from frost. Indoor plants should be kept away from drafts and heat sources that could cause fluctuations in temperature. In summer, ensure the site doesn't get too hot, as temperatures consistently above 76°F can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning lady's eardrops is essential for maintaining a bushy and compact growth habit and for encouraging more blooms. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to remove dead or weak stems and spent flowers. The best time for more extensive pruning is late winter or early spring, cutting back the stems to one or two nodes on last year's wood to promote new growth. Aim to prune the plant at least once a year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Coralle', commonly known as Coral Fuchsia, thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts peat moss, one part loam, and one part perlite or sand is ideal for potting and ensuring proper drainage.

Repotting

Coral Fuchsia should be repotted yearly in spring before new growth begins. This allows the plant to refresh its soil and expand its root system within a larger pot, promoting healthier growth.

Humidity & Misting

Coral Fuchsia prefers high humidity levels, around 60-70%. It thrives when the air is moist, so maintaining a high humidity environment is beneficial for its growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Coral Fuchsia in bright, indirect light with high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant Coral Fuchsia in dappled shade and shelter from wind.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Fuchsia 'Coralle', commonly known as Fuchsia, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, ideally in moist, well-drained soil and with partial shade exposure. The seedling emerges and gradually matures into a bushy plant, exhibiting its characteristic lush green foliage. During the growth phase, regular watering and feeding encourage the Fuchsia to develop strong stems and a robust root system. As the plant enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, it produces teardrop-shaped buds that bloom into the distinctive red and purple flowers. After pollination, often by hummingbirds or insects, the flowers give way to small fruit, which contains seeds for the next generation. As temperatures cool and day length shortens, the Fuchsia may enter a dormant phase, particularly in colder climates, where it may require protection or to be brought indoors until the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Fuchsia 'Coralle' is best propagated through softwood cuttings, a method that is widely used due to its high success rate. This technique is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant has fresh, new growth that is not yet mature. To propagate, a gardener would cut a 3 to 5-inch (about 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) length of stem just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. The cut end is then dipped into a rooting hormone powder or solution to encourage root development and planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite. The cutting should be kept under high humidity by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and maintained in warm, indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within 3 to 4 weeks after which the new fuchsia plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.