Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Corallina'

Water

Fuchsias, including the variety 'Corallina', prefer consistently moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This might mean watering once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions and the size of the plant's container. Ensure that the fuchsia receives roughly one to one and a half gallons of water each time to saturate the root zone. In hotter temperatures or if your plant is in a particularly sunny spot, it may require more frequent watering to prevent wilting.

Light

Lady's eardrops flourish in bright, indirect light or partial shade conditions. Place your fuchsia where it will be shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates, as too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. An ideal spot might be a location with morning sun and afternoon shade or under the dappled light of a tree canopy. Indoor fuchsias should be situated near a window that offers similar light conditions.

Temperature

Lady's eardrops thrive in cool to moderate temperature ranges. Ideal temperatures for fuchsias are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, though they can survive short periods outside of this range. They are not frost-hardy and should be protected or brought indoors when temperatures approach the freezing mark of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. On the upper end, fuchsias can struggle with temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit and may require shading and increased watering to stay healthy.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for Lady's eardrops to maintain a bushy form and encourage prolific flowering. After the last frost in spring, prune back about two-thirds of the plant to promote sturdy, branching growth. Throughout the blooming period, regularly deadhead spent flowers to enhance further blooming. At the end of the flowering season, you can lightly prune the plant again to keep it tidy. The best time for major pruning is early spring, but light pruning and deadheading can be done throughout the growing season as necessary.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Fuchsia 'Corallina', commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, should be rich, moist, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. An ideal mix can be created using one part loam, one part peat moss, and one part sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage.

Repotting

Lady's Eardrops plants should be repotted annually, ideally in the late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. This helps to rejuvenate the soil and provide space for expanding roots.

Humidity & Misting

Lady's Eardrops thrive best in high humidity conditions, preferably around 60-70%. If grown indoors, this might require the use of a humidifier or regular misting to maintain optimal humidity levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Use semi-shaded spot, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia 'Corallina', also known simply as fuchsia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, grows into a small seedling. The seedling stage is characterized by the development of a root system and the first set of true leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it grows stems and foliage, becoming a bushy plant. During the flowering stage, fuchsia produces distinctive pendulous flowers with a combination of vivid colors, typically in the summer. After pollination, often by hummingbirds or bees, the flowers develop into small, edible fruit that contain seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, fuchsia can then enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, before resuming growth in the following growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Fuchsia 'Corallina', more commonly known as Fuchsia, is best propagated through softwood cuttings. The ideal time to take these cuttings is in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Softwood cuttings are taken from the new growth that is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. The cuttings should be about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long and cut just below a leaf joint or node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage quicker root development. The cutting is then planted in a moist, well-draining soil mix. The plant should be kept in a warm environment with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes about three to four weeks.