Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Other Fellow'

Water

Fuchsias, including 'Other Fellow', should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which can vary but is often about twice a week. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely but also to not overwater, which can lead to root rot. When watering, it is best to use a gentle stream to soak the soil around the roots. Depending on the size of your container, a starting point might be around 16 to 32 ounces of water per watering, adjusting as needed based on weather and the plant's response. During hot summer days, watering may need to be more frequent due to increased evaporation.

Light

Fuchsias, such as 'Other Fellow', thrive in bright but indirect light. They do best in a location where they are protected from the intense midday sun, such as an east or north-facing window indoors or a shaded spot outdoors. Morning sun is beneficial, but strong afternoon rays can be too harsh and may harm the plant. Dappled sunlight beneath a canopy of trees is ideal for outdoor fuchsias.

Temperature

Fuchsias, like 'Other Fellow', prefer cool temperatures, ideally between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand temperatures down to around 40 degrees, but cold snaps below this can harm the plant. During hot weather, if temperatures rise above 76 degrees, it is crucial to provide adequate shade and water to keep fuchsias healthy. They are not tolerant of extreme heat or frost.

Pruning

Pruning fuchsias like 'Other Fellow' is important for maintaining a compact shape and encouraging bushier growth. It should be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Remove any dead or weak branches, and pinch back the tips to promote branching. Pruning may also be done throughout the growing season to remove faded flowers and berries, which encourages further blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Other Fellow' or commonly known as Ladies' Eardrop performs best in a soil mix consisting of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand which ensures good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for Ladies' Eardrops should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Ladies' Eardrops should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Ladies' Eardrops thrive in high humidity environments; maintaining humidity levels around 60-70% is ideal for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light and away from drafts.

• Outdoor

  Hang in dappled shade; shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA.

Life cycle

The Fuchsia 'Other Fellow', commonly known as Fuchsia, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in warm and moist soil conditions. The seedling emerges and develops true leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth. During the flowering stage, the plant produces distinctive hanging flowers with a combination of pink, purple, and white hues attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, dark-colored fruits that contain seeds, completing the reproductive phase. If environmental conditions are not favorable, or at the end of the growing season, the Fuchsia may enter a period of dormancy, where growth slows down or stops and the plant may lose its leaves. With the arrival of favorable conditions, such as warmer temperatures and increased daylight, the Fuchsia exits dormancy, resuming growth and preparing for another cycle of flowering and seed production.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Fuchsia 'Other Fellow', commonly known as Fuchsia, can be propagated mainly through softwood cuttings. This popular method involves taking a cutting from new growth that is not yet hardened, typically in late spring or early summer. To do this, a healthy stem about 3-5 inches (approximately 7.5-12.5 cm) long is cut just below a leaf node, where the concentration of growth hormones is high. Any leaves on the lower half of the stem are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to facilitate root growth. The cutting is then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite to provide good drainage and moisture retention. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots develop, usually in about 3 to 4 weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be potted up into a regular potting mix and grown on like any other Fuchsia plant.