The fuchsia owes its flowering power to proper care. We show you how you can enjoy blooming fuchsias with the right care.
Fuchsias (Fuchsia) have long been appreciated in many gardens, but originally the exotic evening primrose plant (Onagraceae) from the mountain forests of South America. Because of this, it requires special care that is a little different from most other ornamental plants. We show you how you can optimally care for the fuchsia - from watering, to cutting, to wintering.
contents
- Water and fertilize fuchsias properly
- Cut fuchsias correctly
- Successfully overwintering fuchsias
Water and fertilize fuchsias properly
Particularly when it comes to watering and fertilizing, a few aspects should be considered so that the fuchsia stays healthy and blooms lush and long. In the following we answer all questions on the topic.
Watering fuchsias: when and how much?
Fuchsias are one of those plants that have an extremely high need for water. In their natural environment, the tropical mountain forests, there is sufficient rainfall and the humidity is always high. You should therefore ensure that you will find similar conditions in your garden. Water fuchsias regularly so that the root ball never dries out completely. Ideally, water is poured every day as soon as the top layer of the substrate has dried again. The fuchsia is also happy if you spray the leaves with water from time to time.
Fertilizing fuchsias: with what and how much?
Basically, it can be said that fuchsias need a larger amount of nutrients, especially for their flower formation. The use of mineral fertilizers is often recommended for fuchsias, but it is not advisable for various reasons: On the one hand, even a slight overdose, especially in combination with little water, can burn the sensitive ones Root. Furthermore, mineral fertilizers are the far less ecological variant. Organic means like ours are primarily used for resource-saving and soil-protecting handling Plantura organic flower fertilizer with long-term effects preferable. In addition, a further supply of nutrients is counterproductive, especially in the first months after repotting or planting, as many commercially available soil have already been pre-fertilized. Ideally, you should therefore work long-term fertilizers into the substrate several times a year. In particular, the high content of phosphates promotes healthy flower growth in the fuchsia.
When watering and fertilizing the fuchsia, be sure to pay attention to the following aspects:
- Water regularly
- Spray leaves with water more often
- Mainly organic fertilization several times a year
Cut fuchsias correctly
Proper pruning is sometimes crucial for the exotic fuchsia, so that the flower comes back every year. Fuchsias always bloom on the new shoots of the year, lignified shoots therefore lead to a decline in the popular floral costume in the long run. The optimal time for pruning the plant is usually autumn, just before it starts wintering the fuchsia goes. At this point, cut down the withered shoots; a third of the total volume can be easily cut. However, be careful when it comes to the woody spots inside the fuchsia. If possible, this should be spared from being severely pruned.
Successfully overwintering fuchsias
With their tropical to subtropical origins, fuchsias are not the right companions for problem-free wintering outdoors. For this reason, only very few varieties, mostly hybrids, are cultivated in the open and overwintered. The majority still has to be brought to a frost-free place during the winter, where it is dark and cool. Ideally, the temperature there is at least 2 ° C and not above 10 ° C. In autumn, first carry out the annual pruning on your fuchsia and then put it in a place to overwinter. From April the plants in the pot can be completely outside again, but keep an eye out for late frosts until mid-May. Winter-hardy cultivars should always be covered with insulating material outdoors; brushwood, straw, leaves or a garden fleece are suitable for this.
Keep the following points in mind when hibernating your fuchsia:
- Winter at 2 - 10 ° C
- Cool, dark and dry location
- Make an annual cut in autumn
- From April back outside slowly
More tips and tricks for Hibernate your fuchsia, as well as a number in particular cold-resistant fuchsia varieties, can be found here in our special article.