Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu'
ABOUT
The Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu' is an ornamental plant known for its distinctive and attractive flowers. The blooms dangle elegantly from the branches, reminiscent of delicate ballerinas. Each flower is composed of an outer layer of sepals that are typically of a contrasting color to the inner petals, often in shades of purple, pink or white. The petals flare out and can be ruffled or smooth, enveloping a cluster of long, protruding stamens. The foliage of the 'Machu Picchu' is equally decorative, with leaves that are generally oval-shaped with a pointed tip and a somewhat serrated edge, presenting in a deep green hue that can have a subtle glossy finish. The plant has a bushy habit, and the branches tend to droop slightly under the weight of the vibrant, eye-catching flowers, giving it an elegant and romantic appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Lady's Eardrops, Fuchsia
Common names
Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu'
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it is not intended for consumption. If ingested in large quantities, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the presence of tannins and other compounds. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu', commonly known as Fuchsia, is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. While it is considered non-toxic, ingestion of non-food items can potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. If a pet ingests a large portion of the plant, symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea could occur. It is generally recommended to discourage pets from eating plants to avoid potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu' adds a splash of color with its striking flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts pollinators: Its vibrant blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
- Shade tolerance: This plant can thrive in partial shade, making it versatile for various garden spots that don't receive full sunlight.
- Container gardening: Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu' is suitable for pots and hanging baskets, providing flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Easy propagation: The plant can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for free.
- Long flowering season: It has a long blooming period that extends throughout the summer, offering continuous interest and color.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorating shaded wedding venues: The drooping blossoms of Fuchsia can add an elegant touch to wedding arches or table centerpieces at venues with limited sunlight.
- Fairy gardens: Fuchsia's delicate flowers make them a perfect addition to fairy gardens, offering a sense of whimsy and enchantment.
- Photography props: Their distinctive flowers can serve as a stunning backdrop or focal element for macro photography.
- Culinary decoration: Fresh, non-toxic Fuchsia flowers could be used to garnish desserts or salads, adding color and elegance to culinary presentations.
- Dye production: Historically, plant materials are used to create natural dyes, and Fuchsia's vibrant colors may be an option for textile or craft projects.
- Art subjects: The unique appearance of Fuchsia can inspire artists, serving as a model for paintings, drawings, and other art forms.
- Educational tool: The Fuchsia can be used to teach about plant biology, specifically about pollination and the structure of flowers.
- Frozen flower cubes: Freezing Fuchsia flowers in ice cubes for a creative touch in punches or cocktails at garden parties.
- Theme gardens: Incorporating Fuchsia into thematic gardens, such as Victorian or cottage-style gardens, thanks to their old-fashioned vibe.
- Homemade potpourri: The petals of Fuchsia can be dried and combined with other fragrant materials to create a natural potpourri.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exuberance: The vibrant, hanging blooms of the Fuchsia represent overflowing abundance and enthusiasm, much like their lively appearance.
- Confiding Love: In the language of flowers, Fuchsias have often been associated with love that is trustworthy and confiding.
- Taste: Historically, the Fuchsia flower has been a symbol of good taste and sophistication, perhaps due to its elegant, ballerina-like flowers.
- Ardent Attachment: The Fuchsia's unique blossoms with layers of petals can symbolize deep attachment and a lasting bond.
- Amiability: Fuchsia, with its delicate blooms and pleasant appearance, is often associated with warmth, friendliness, and approachability.
WaterThe Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu', commonly known as Fuchsia, prefers consistent moisture and should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This could mean watering as often as once or twice a week during warmer months, and reducing frequency during cooler months or when the plant is not actively growing. It's crucial not to overwater, as Fuchsia is prone to root rot. Each watering should be thorough, saturating the root zone with water, roughly equivalent to 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and container, allowing any excess to drain away.
LightFuchsia 'Machu Picchu' grows best in bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. It thrives in a spot that is shaded from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Indoors, a north or east-facing window would be ideal, providing enough light without the harsh direct sun that could scorch the delicate leaves of the Fuchsia.
TemperatureFuchsia 'Machu Picchu' performs well in a temperature range between about 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While the plant can survive temporarily outside this range, it should be protected from temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and from hot temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent stress and damage. The ideal conditions for this Fuchsia would be a consistently cool to moderate temperature without drastic fluctuations.
PruningPrune Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu' regularly to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more flowers. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers and removing dead or damaged branches can be done throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu', the best soil mix is well-draining, fertile loam with peat moss or a peat substitute and perlite or vermiculite for aeration. The ideal pH level ranges from 6 to 7, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingFuchsia 'Machu Picchu' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Humidity & MistingFuchsia 'Machu Picchu' thrives at a high humidity level, around 60-70%, to mirror their native cloud forest conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light, regular watering, and high humidity.
Outdoor
Place in part shade, shelter from harsh wind, and maintain moist soil.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu', commonly known as fuchsia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination develops into a seedling. The seedling grows into a young plant through the vegetative stage, where it develops a robust root system, stems, and leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive hanging flowers that are often vibrant in color, attracting pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers produce fruits that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions permit, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates where it dies back to the ground and regrows in spring. The fuchsia can be a short-lived perennial, so with proper care, it can survive for several years, repeating its growth cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Fuchsia 'Machu Picchu', commonly known just as Fuchsia, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings, which is the most popular method. This is usually done in the spring when plant growth is most vigorous. To propagate, a healthy non-flowering shoot is selected and a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is taken. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring at least two sets of leaves are above the surface. The pot is then placed in a warm, brightly lit area out of direct sunlight and kept moist until roots have developed, which can typically take three to four weeks. After rooting, the young plants can be transplanted to their final location.
