Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Madame Cornélissen' (d)

Water

Fuchsias, including Madame Cornélissen, prefer to be kept consistently moist, but not sodden. It's crucial to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering them about two to three times a week, depending on the weather and humidity levels. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently, especially if they are in containers. An average requirement might be about 1/2 gallon for a medium-sized pot every few days, but always check the soil before watering to avoid overwatering. In winter, reduce watering to once a week or less as fuchsias require less moisture during their dormant period.

Light

Fuchsias, such as Madame Cornélissen, flourish in bright, indirect light. They should be placed in a location where they can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as harsh midday sun can scorch their leaves. A north- or east-facing window would be an ideal spot for indoor fuchsias. If grown outdoors, ensure they are situated beneath a canopy of trees or a similar shelter that protects them from hot sun during peak hours.

Temperature

Madame Cornélissen, like other fuchsias, prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a range from 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but extreme temperatures either below or above this range can cause stress and damage. However, to ensure vitality and continued flowering, strive to keep them in their optimal temperature range as much as possible.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for Madame Cornélissen fuchsias to maintain plant shape, encourage bushier growth, and stimulate more flowers. They should be pruned in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or weak branches and cut back about one-third of the previous year's growth to promote new shoots. Also, throughout the growing season, deadheading spent flowers and pinching out tips can enhance the plant's appearance and encourage further blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Madame Cornélissen' prefers a well-draining potting mix with peat moss, perlite, and compost to retain moisture and provide nutrients. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, is ideal for this fuchsia variety.

Repotting

Fuchsias, including 'Madame Cornélissen', should typically be repotted every two to three years or when they outgrow their current pot to ensure healthy growth and adequate room for root development.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia 'Madame Cornélissen' thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 60-70%. Mist the plant regularly or set it on a pebble tray with water to increase ambient humidity if required.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity for fuchsia indoors.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade, shelter from wind, and keep soil moist outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  6-11 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia 'Madame Cornélissen' begins its life as a seed, planted in a warm and moist soil environment to germinate. Once the seedling emerges, it enters a growth phase, forming a bushy habit with vibrant green foliage. As the plant matures, it develops distinctive teardrop-shaped buds that blossom into the iconic pink and purple flowers. After flowering, the plant produces small fruit if pollination occurs, which contain seeds for the next generation. To sustain its life cycle, Madame Cornelissen enters a period of dormancy in cold climates, losing leaves and going into a state of rest to survive the winter. With the return of warmer temperatures and increased daylight, the plant awakens from dormancy, and the growth cycle begins anew with fresh foliage and renewed flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Fuchsia 'Madame Cornélissen', commonly known as Fuchsia, is best propagated through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. You would take a cutting of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long, making sure it has a few leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. This cutting is then planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity levels. It’s important to keep the cutting out of direct sunlight to prevent wilting. With proper care, the cuttings will root in a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots.