Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Michael Wallis' (T)

Water

Fuchsias, including the 'Michael Wallis' variety, prefer consistently moist soil without being waterlogged. During the growing season, water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, which might be approximately two to three times a week depending on the climate and weather conditions. Each watering session should be deep enough to soak the roots, using around 16 ounces of water for smaller pots or up to 1 gallon for larger containers. In cooler weather or dormant periods, reduce watering to once a week or less, monitoring the soil moisture level to prevent drying out entirely.

Light

The Fuchsia 'Michael Wallis' thrives in bright, indirect light situations. It is best placed in a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade to protect it from the harsh midday sun which can scorch the leaves. An ideal location would be an east-facing window or a shaded area in the garden that gets filtered sunlight.

Temperature

Fuchsia 'Michael Wallis' prefers cooler temperatures and will flourish in a range between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temporarily outside this range but should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. Ideal growth occurs when nighttime temperatures are around 10 to 15 degrees cooler than daytime temperatures.

Pruning

Pruning the Fuchsia 'Michael Wallis' encourages a bushy growth habit and more blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back by one-third to maintain shape and remove any dead or weak branches. Pruning can be done again lightly after flowering to rejuvenate the plant and prepare it for the next blooming cycle.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lady's eardrops thrive in a soil mix that is loose, rich in organic matter, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6-7). A mixture of peat, perlite, and loam or a pre-formulated potting mix designed for acid-loving plants works well.

Repotting

Lady's eardrops should be repotted every year or two, ideally in the spring, as they can outgrow their containers and exhaust the soil nutrients. Check for root crowding annually.

Humidity & Misting

Lady's eardrops prefer high humidity conditions, ideally between 60-70%. They thrive when the air is moist, but not wet, and benefit from regular misting.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Lady's eardrops in a bright spot, avoid direct sun.

• Outdoor

  Plant Lady's eardrops in dappled shade and shelter them.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Fuchsia 'Michael Wallis', commonly known as Fuchsia, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions. After germination, seedlings emerge and grow into young plants, developing a robust root system and foliage. Vegetative growth continues, with the plant producing distinctive foliage and stems; during this stage, it can be pinched to promote bushier growth. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering phase, where pendant, bell-shaped flowers bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, edible fruits, completing the reproductive cycle. Fuchsias are perennial plants, so as winter approaches, they enter dormancy, during which time they may lose leaves and appear to die back, but will regrow from the base or root system with the return of favorable conditions in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Fuchsia 'Michael Wallis', commonly known as a type of Lady's Eardrops due to its distinctively elegant flowers, is best propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is typically performed in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy, non-flowering shoot from the current year's growth is selected and a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is taken with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a pot filled with a moistened mixture of peat and perlite or sand. It's important to maintain high humidity around the cutting, which can be accomplished by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. The cutting should be kept in indirect sunlight and should root within a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted into individual pots or a garden setting.