Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Orange Crush'

Water

Fuchsia, commonly known as Lady's Ear Drops, requires consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering at least once or twice a week. During hot spells, Lady's Ear Drops may need water more frequently, possibly every other day, ensuring you provide enough water so it reaches the entire root zone. On average, this can equate to about 1/2 to 1 gallon of water per week, depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. It's essential to provide a balance and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Lady's Ear Drops thrive in bright but indirect light. The best spot for these plants is where they receive morning sunlight but are protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. An eastern-facing porch or patio where they can get good morning light or a place with filtered light, like under a tree with dappled sunlight, is ideal for their growth.

Temperature

Lady's Ear Drops prefer cooler temperature conditions and perform best when daytime temperatures are between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be exposed to temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods, as extreme heat can cause stress and wilt. Ideal night temperatures are cooler, around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Lady's Ear Drops is important to promote bushier growth and abundant flowering. Pinch or trim back the tips of stems and remove any dead or damaged flowers and leaves to encourage new growth. This should be done throughout the flowering season. The best time for extensive pruning is late winter to early spring before new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Orange Crush', commonly known as Fuchsia, thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix for this plant is one part peat moss, one part loam, and one part perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Avoid heavy garden soils that can lead to waterlogging, potentially harming the plant.

Repotting

Fuchsias like 'Orange Crush' should be repotted every two to three years, preferably in the spring. This allows for fresh soil replenishment and root pruning if necessary. If the plant shows signs of being root-bound or if the soil quality deteriorates, it may need more frequent repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia 'Orange Crush' prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60-70%. To maintain optimal humidity, regularly mist the plant or use a humidity tray. Avoid placing it in dry, arid environments as this can stress the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Fuchsia 'Orange Crush' in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Hang Fuchsia 'Orange Crush' in partial shade and shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Fuchsia 'Orange Crush', commonly known as Fuchsia, begins with seed germination, usually in the spring when temperatures are warm enough for the seeds to sprout. After germination, the seedling stage follows, during which the plant develops its first true sets of leaves and begins to grow rapidly. The vegetative stage is marked by the Fuchsia establishing a strong root system and abundant foliage in preparation for flowering. Flowering occurs during the warmer months, displaying the plant's distinctive hanging blooms that are orange-red in color, which, if pollinated, can lead to the production of fruit. The fruit matures and releases seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as a perennial, the Fuchsia 'Orange Crush' may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, reducing growth until the following spring when the cycle can begin anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Fuchsia 'Orange Crush', commonly known as Fuchsia, can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken during late summer or early autumn. This involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cutting a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) with a sharp, clean pair of scissors or secateurs. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should be placed in a pot filled with a moistened mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that several nodes where the leaves were removed are buried in the substrate. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight and kept moist until roots develop and new growth is evident, which may take several weeks. Once rooted, the new Fuchsia plant can be potted up into a larger container and grown on as normal.