Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Jack Shahan'

Water

Fuchsias, including the 'Jack Shahan', prefer consistently moist soil, so water regularly, especially during warmer months. An ideal watering schedule is to water once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering about once or twice a week. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring the roots have adequate moisture. Aim to use about 16 ounces of water for smaller pots, increasing the amount proportionally for larger pots, always making sure not to waterlog the soil. Reduce the amount of water in the cooler months when the plant isn’t actively growing.

Light

Fuchsias like 'Jack Shahan' thrive best under bright, indirect light. They should be placed in a spot where they are protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their delicate leaves. Morning sun with dappled afternoon shade is ideal. East-facing or north-facing locations often provide the best light conditions for these plants.

Temperature

The fuchsia plant, including 'Jack Shahan', prefers cool to moderate temperatures with a range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can endure a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but are not frost-tolerant. The maximum temperature should not exceed 76 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods, as higher temperatures can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning your fuchsia 'Jack Shahan' is essential to encourage a bushier growth and more blooms. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back about one-third of the plant to promote healthy new shoots. Pruning should be done annually, and any dead or diseased branches should be removed as needed throughout the year to maintain plant health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Fuchsia 'Jack Shahan', commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, should be well-draining and fertile with a good amount of organic matter. A mix of peat, perlite, and loam is often recommended. The ideal soil pH for Lady's Eardrops is slightly acidic, around pH 6-7.

Repotting

Lady's Eardrops should typically be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. It's best to repot in the spring just before the new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Lady's Eardrops thrive in high humidity conditions, ideally with humidity levels of 60% or higher. They benefit from being in a moist environment but not wet, which can promote fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Provide partial shade and shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Fuchsia 'Jack Shahan', commonly known as Lady's eardrops or Fuchsia, begins with seed germination, where the plant emerges as a small seedling. The seedling then enters a vegetative growth stage, developing stems, leaves, and a root system. As it matures, the Fuchsia transitions to the flowering stage, producing distinctive, hanging, tubular flowers that are usually a combination of pink, purple, and white. Following pollination, these flowers develop into small fruit that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions are not conducive to seed production, the plant can also propagate vegetatively through cuttings. In suitable climates, Fuchsia 'Jack Shahan' may enter a period of dormancy during the colder months before resuming active growth with the return of warmer temperatures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Fuchsia 'Jack Shahan', commonly known as fuchsia, can be propagated effectively through softwood cuttings. This method is often done in late spring to early summer when new growth is tender and flexible. To propagate, a gardener would cut a length of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) from the tip of a stem, making sure there are at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. It is then planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one node (where the leaves were removed) is under the soil surface as this is where roots will develop. The cutting should be kept in a warm, shaded area and maintained with consistent humidity by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator until roots establish, typically in a few weeks. Once rooted, the new fuchsia plant can be gradually acclimatized to normal growing conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.