Lady's Eardrops Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb' (d)

Water

Fuchsia, commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, prefers evenly moist soil without being waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be approximately every other day during its active growth in spring and summer. Reduce watering in the cooler months to once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between watering sessions. Water with room temperature water, gently soaking the soil to a depth of at least 4 inches to ensure the root system receives adequate moisture. A general guideline is to provide about half a gallon of water per plant each time you water, but always adjust based on the plant's response and environmental conditions.

Light

Lady's Eardrops thrive best in bright, indirect light with protection from direct afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. An ideal spot is one where the plant can receive morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon, such as near an east-facing or north-facing window. If grown outdoors, a position under a canopy or a shaded patio where the plant gets light but is shielded from intense sunbeams is optimal.

Temperature

Lady's Eardrops prefer a cool climate and do best in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures of 40°F but should be protected from frost, which can damage or kill the plant. Maximum temperature tolerance is around 80°F; higher temperatures can lead to stress and wilting. Keeping the plant in a location that mimics its ideal temperature range will promote healthy growth and flowering.

Pruning

Lady's Eardrops benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more abundant flowers. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back about a third of the plant to stimulate fresh stems and leaves. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, throughout the blooming season will also promote further blooming. Pruning can be done every few months or as needed when the plant appears leggy or overgrown.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb' thrives in a well-draining, fertile potting mix with added compost and peat for moisture retention. A balanced soil pH around 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.

Repotting

Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb' should be repotted annually, preferably in the spring, to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb' prefers high humidity levels, around 60-70%, for ideal growth conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in cool spot with bright, indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Hang in dappled shade, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb' (commonly known as Lady's Eardrops) begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or cuttings are taken and rooted. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage where stems and leaves develop rapidly given proper conditions of moisture and light. Following the vegetative stage, Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb' enters the flowering phase during the warmer months, producing distinctive teardrop-shaped flowers that attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. Once pollinated, the flowers may develop into small fruit containing seeds that can disperse and propagate new plants. In temperate climates, the plant may go dormant in winter, losing its leaves, and requires pruning to maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth in the spring. Over several years, Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb' can be continually cultivated through cuttings and division to renew the plant population and ensure vibrant blooms each season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb', commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, can be effectively propagated through softwood cuttings. The ideal time for this method is in late spring to early summer when new growth is ample and pliable. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long from a non-flowering shoot, ensuring to include a couple of leaf nodes. This cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development before being placed in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within three to four weeks, after which the new Fuchsia can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted.