Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Nancy Lou' (d)

Water

Fuchsias, including the 'Nancy Lou' variety, prefer consistent moisture without being waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be about twice a week depending on environmental conditions. Use a watering can to gently apply water at the base of the plant until water starts to drain from the bottom of the pot, indicating that the soil is thoroughly moistened. During active growth periods in spring and summer, a fuchsia may require approximately one gallon of water per week, but this can vary with temperature and humidity levels.

Light

The Fuchsia 'Nancy Lou' thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's best to place the plant in a location where it will receive filtered light or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. An east- or north-facing window or a lightly shaded spot in the garden are ideal locations for this plant.

Temperature

Fuchsias, including the 'Nancy Lou', prefer a cool climate and do not fare well in extreme heat. They can generally survive in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 85°F, but the ideal temperature range is between 55°F and 75°F. Temperatures above 76°F may cause heat stress, while temperatures consistently below freezing can be harmful to the plant.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for the Fuchsia 'Nancy Lou' to maintain shape, encourage bushy growth, and promote more flowers. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, and remove any dead or weak branches to improve air circulation. You can also pinch out the tips of stems during the growing season to create a fuller plant. Prune as often as needed to maintain the desired shape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lady's Eardrops prefer a rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of about 6.0-7.0. A mixture containing peat moss, loam, and sand or perlite works well to satisfy its needs.

Repotting

Repot Lady's Eardrops every two to three years, preferably in the spring, to encourage healthy growth and blooming.

Humidity & Misting

Lady's Eardrops thrive best at high humidity levels, ideally around 60-70%.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright indirect light, away from direct sun.

• Outdoor

  Shelter from direct sun, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia 'Nancy Lou' starts its life as a seed which, when sown, will germinate within a few weeks under optimal conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant, with true leaves distinguishing it from the cotyledons. Vegetative growth continues as the plant becomes established, with stems elongating and leaves expanding to form a bushy habit. Flowering occurs after the vegetative stage, with distinctive teardrop-shaped flowers that are typically pendulous, displaying a combination of pink and purple hues. After pollination, which is often aided by hummingbirds or insects, the flowers develop into small, oval fruit containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial in suitable climates, Fuchsia 'Nancy Lou' may enter a period of dormancy during colder months before restarting the cycle with new growth in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Fuchsia 'Nancy Lou', commonly known as Fuchsia, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. To do this, in late spring to early summer, you should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) length just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the bottom end of the cutting into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium, covering the pot with plastic to retain humidity. Keep the cuttings in a warm location with indirect sunlight and ensure the medium stays moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within 3-4 weeks, after which you can begin to harden off the new plant by gradually exposing it to more direct conditions before transplanting.