White Bolivian Fuchsia Fuchsia boliviana Carrière var. alba

Water

Alba Fuchsia should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this could mean watering the plant every 7 to 10 days, but the frequency will vary depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment. Water the plant slowly, allowing the water to seep through to the roots, using about 1 to 2 gallons for a medium-sized pot. Avoid letting the pot sit in water, as fuchsias do not like to be waterlogged. During the active growing season, in spring and summer, the Alba Fuchsia will require more frequent watering than in the fall and winter.

Light

Alba Fuchsia thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some morning sun. The ideal spot for this plant is a location where it receives diffused sunlight, such as behind a sheer curtain or in a well-lit room. Direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the delicate leaves of the plant. A north-facing or east-facing window makes for a suitable position.

Temperature

Alba Fuchsia prefers a cool to moderate temperature range, ideally between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures; the Alba Fuchsia can survive brief exposures to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to these extremes can be damaging. The ideal growing conditions are cool nights and mild daytime temperatures.

Pruning

Prune Alba Fuchsia to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. This should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can include removing dead or weak branches and pinching back the tips of stems to promote branching. Pruning can be done again after flowering to remove spent flowers and seedpods, which helps increase the following season's blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia boliviana 'Alba' prefers a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6 to 7. A mix of one part peat moss, one part loam, and one part perlite or sand is ideal to provide the necessary balance of moisture retention and drainage. Regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season will keep the soil fertile.

Repotting

Fuchsia boliviana 'Alba' should be repotted every two to three years or when the plant becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Use fresh soil mix as described and make sure the new pot is only slightly larger than the old one.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia boliviana 'Alba' thrives best in high humidity conditions, ideally around 60-70%. To maintain these levels, especially indoors, consider using a humidity tray with water or a room humidifier, and mist the plant regularly without making the soil waterlogged.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Alba in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant Alba in partial shade with shelter from wind.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA.

Life cycle

Fuchsia boliviana Carrière var. alba, commonly known as Alba fuchsia or Bolivian fuchsia, starts its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically in moist, well-draining soil and under partial shade. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants characterized by their fast-growing, bushy nature and the early formation of their signature lanceolate leaves. As the plant matures, it begins to produce its distinct long, tubular white flowers with red sepals, typically observed during the warmer months. Following pollination, which is often assisted by hummingbirds, the flowers develop into elongated, berry-like fruits. Alba fuchsia's fruits mature to a reddish-purple color, indicating the seeds inside are ready for dispersal, which can be through animal consumption or mechanical means. Upon reaching the end of its life, the plant will senesce and die, completing its life cycle, although it can live for many years if provided with proper care and favorable conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Fuchsia boliviana Carrière var. alba, commonly known as White Bolivian Fuchsia, is a shrub that is most effectively propagated through softwood cuttings, a practice that is best undertaken in late spring through to summer. To propagate via cuttings, one would typically take a non-flowering shoot of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, ensuring several sets of leaves are present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least two sets of leaf nodes are below the surface. The environment should be kept humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and it should be kept out of direct sunlight. Roots usually develop within 3 to 4 weeks, at which point the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions if the climate is appropriate.