Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Tom West' Meillez (v)

Water

The Fuchsia 'Tom West' should be watered moderately, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not soggy. During the growing season, it's typically recommended to water this plant once or twice a week, depending on the climate and the plant's environment. Aim to provide about one gallon of water each time you water an established plant, adjusting for temperature and humidity which may accelerate the need for watering. Overwintering plants should be watered less frequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Always use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant's roots.

Light

The Fuchsia 'Tom West', commonly known as Variegated Fuchsia, thrives in bright, indirect light. It can also benefit from some morning sunlight but should be protected from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. The ideal spot for this fuchsia would be in an east-facing garden or near a window where it gets gentle morning light but is shielded from intense midday rays.

Temperature

Variegated Fuchsia prefers a mild temperature range, ideally between 55°F and 75°F. It should be protected from temperatures below 50°F, as cold weather can damage the plant. During the summer months, it is crucial to ensure that the Variegated Fuchsia is not exposed to temperatures above 80°F for prolonged periods. To maintain optimal growth, keep the plant in a location where the temperature is consistent and within the suggested range.

Pruning

Pruning Variegated Fuchsia is essential to encourage a bushier growth habit and more flowers. It's best to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or weak growth, and shorten long branches to maintain the desired shape of the plant. Pruning can be done several times throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy, but avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, which could reduce the number of blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Tom West' thrives in a well-draining soil mix consisting of loam, peat, and sand, or a commercial potting mix with added perlite for aeration. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with an ideal pH range of about 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Fuchsia 'Tom West' should be repotted annually or when it outgrows its current pot, which is typically every 1-2 years. Early spring, before the onset of the growing season, is the best time for repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia 'Tom West' prefers a high humidity environment, with the best conditions being between 60-70% humidity. They benefit from regular misting or placement on a pebble tray with water to increase immediate surroundings' moisture levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Fuchsia 'Tom West' in bright, indirect light, keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Hang in dappled shade, protect from strong winds and frost.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia 'Tom West', commonly known as Hardy Fuchsia, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in warm and moist soil conditions. The seedling emerges, develops roots and a shoot, and as it matures, it forms distinctive foliage with creamy variegation and marbled pink and green leaves. The plant continues to grow and eventually produces its characteristic drooping flowers, usually in shades of purple and pink, which are attractive to pollinators like hummingbirds. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small, dark-colored fruits, which contain seeds for the next generation of plants. Throughout the growing season, Hardy Fuchsia requires pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. As a perennial, it will go dormant in colder climates during the winter, with the roots surviving underground to regrow the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• The Fuchsia 'Tom West' Meillez (v) can be propagated by taking softwood cuttings during spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. This is the most popular method for this particular plant. To do this, choose a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3-4 inch (about 7.5-10 cm) length, just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, and plant it in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite. Ensure the potting medium is kept moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a warm location with indirect light. Roots typically develop within 3-4 weeks, after which the new fuchsia plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions.