Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Phyllis' (d)

Water

Lady's eardrops should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, typically once or twice a week, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. It is important to water thoroughly, allowing water to run through the drainage holes, using approximately 16 to 32 ounces every time you water. During the growing season, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the plant is outdoors in direct sunlight or wind which can dry out the soil more quickly. Always reduce watering in the dormant winter months, and make sure the plant is never sitting in water as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Lady's eardrops flourish best in bright, indirect light. An ideal spot would be an east or north-facing window where they receive morning sunlight and shade during the harsh afternoon rays. They can tolerate some morning or late afternoon sun directly, but protection from strong midday sun is essential to prevent leaves from scorching. They also thrive in a partially shaded spot outdoors where they can receive filtered sunlight.

Temperature

Lady's eardrops prefer a cool climate with temperatures ranging between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing. The maximum temperature for healthy growth is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is crucial to avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts, as well as extreme heat, which can stress the plant.

Pruning

Prune Lady's eardrops to maintain their shape, remove dead or damaged growth, and encourage bushier growth. It is best to prune right after flowering, typically in late summer or early fall. Deadheading throughout the growing season will also promote further blooming. Regular trimming of the tips can be done every few weeks during the peak growing period to stimulate new branches and more flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Phyllis' prefers a well-draining soil mix with peat moss, perlite, and loam. The ideal soil pH for this fuchsia is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Fuchsias like 'Phyllis' should be repotted every two to three years or when they outgrow their current container, ensuring to prune any large roots carefully.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsias require high humidity levels, ideally around 60-70% for optimal growth, making them a great choice for bathrooms or with the use of a humidifier.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light and high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, shelter from wind, and moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia 'Phyllis' begins its life as a seed, which germinates in moist soil in a warm environment to produce a small seedling. As the seedling grows, it develops a root system and shoots that bear leaves; this juvenile phase can vary in length but is characterized by vegetative growth. When mature enough, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive pendulous flowers that attract pollinators, which are crucial for the plant's sexual reproduction; this stage is typically reached in the growing season after planting. Following pollination, the flowers develop into berries containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions are not suitable for seed development, the plant may reproduce vegetatively through cuttings that take root and grow into new plants. With optimal care, Fuchsia 'Phyllis' can go through multiple cycles of flowering and can live for several years, often requiring winter protection in cooler climates or pruning in spring to maintain health and encourage blooming.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Fuchsia 'Phyllis', commonly known just as Fuchsia, is a plant that can be propagated quite successfully through softwood cuttings. This method is the most popular way to propagate Fuchsias as it is straightforward and has a high success rate if executed correctly. The best time to take softwood cuttings for Fuchsia 'Phyllis' is late spring to early summer when new growth is just beginning to firm up. Take cuttings about 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters) long from healthy, non-flowering shoots. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone before plunging into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or horticultural sand. It's important to keep the soil moist and the cuttings out of direct sunlight until they root, which usually takes around three to four weeks. To create the ideal humid environment for your Fuchsia cuttings, covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it inside a propagator can be very beneficial.