Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Mephisto'

Water

Fuchsia, commonly known as 'Lady's eardrops,' thrives when its soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, usually from spring to fall, water the fuchsia when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be every couple of days depending on your climate. Use lukewarm water and gently soak the soil around the plant, providing about one to two gallons per week under normal conditions. In the winter months, reduce the watering to once a week or whenever the soil feels dry as the plant's water requirements decrease. Always allow excess water to drain to prevent root rot.

Light

Fuchsia 'Lady's eardrops' prefer bright, indirect light or filtered sunshine. They thrive in a spot that is shielded from the direct, hot afternoon sun, which can scorch their delicate leaves and flowers. Ideal locations include eastern or northern exposures, or under a canopy of taller plants that provides dappled shade throughout the day.

Temperature

Fuchsia 'Lady's eardrops' enjoy moderate temperatures and perform best in a range where the daytime temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum night temperature of around 50°F, but must be protected from frost, which could be deadly. These plants don't fare well in hot conditions, so it's crucial to keep them out of temperatures above 76°F to prevent heat stress.

Pruning

Pruning of fuchsia 'Lady's eardrops' is essential to maintain a bushy and attractive shape and to encourage prolific blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly and pinch back the tips of stems to promote branching. In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, prune back about one-third of the plant to prevent it from becoming too leggy and to stimulate new growth. This is also the best time to remove any weak or dead growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Mephisto' thrives in a well-draining potting mix with peat moss, perlite, and loamy soil, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Fuchsia plants, including 'Mephisto', should generally be repotted every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia 'Mephisto' prefers high humidity levels, around 60-70%, for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright indirect light, high humidity, cool temperature.

• Outdoor

  Part shade, protect from hot afternoon sun, shelter from wind.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA.

Life cycle

The Fuchsia 'Mephisto', commonly referred to as "Lady's Eardrops", begins its life as a seed, ensuring a diverse genetic makeup when germinated. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic fuchsia foliage. As it matures, the plant begins to produce distinctive pendulous flowers, typically during the spring and summer, with a vibrant combination of red and purple hues that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small fruit-like capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant continues to grow and bloom annually, and if conditions permit, it can become a perennial, potentially living for several years with appropriate care. In colder climates, the plant may die back in the winter but can resurface in spring if the roots are protected from freezing.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Fuchsia 'Mephisto', also known as the Lady's Eardrops, is through softwood cuttings during spring or early summer. Cut a healthy piece of new growth about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long, just above a leaf joint, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and plant it in a moist potting mix, covering the pot with a plastic bag to retain humidity. Place the pot in a warm spot with indirect sunlight, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within three to four weeks, after which the new Fuchsia plant can gradually acclimate to normal conditions.