Fuchsia in Containers

Potting

• A lightweight potting soil that doesn't compact easily provides the best growing conditions for fuchsias. You can use any standard potting mixture by combining two parts of the soil with one part vermiculite or perlite. Pot size depends on the amount of fuchsias growing in a single container, but a 6- to 8-inch diameter pot can easily hold one plant. The pot must have at least one drainage hole in the bottom so excess water can drain out. Good drainage prevents root rot and other fungal plant diseases. When potting fuchsias, plant them at the same depth they were growing at in their nursery containers, so the crown of the plant is sitting level with the soil surface. Pinch back the tips of each stem to the topmost leaves after potting to encourage branching and fuller growth.

Site Needs

• Fuchsias grow well in partial shade. Indoors, select a location that receives bright but indirect all-day sun. Outdoor pots can tolerate full morning sun as long as they receive shade in the afternoon. Best blooming occurs when the temperature is below 76 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Flower buds only form when night temperatures are between 60 and 65 degrees. Bring outdoor plants indoors to a cooler location during hot weather to ensure plant survival and continuous blooming.

Basic Care

• Regular watering keeps fuchsias performing at their peak. Indoor plants require watering when the top ½ inch of soil begins to dry. Outdoor plants usually require daily watering, and they might need twice daily watering during hot, dry weather. Fertilize fuchsias once a week with an all-purpose soluble plant food, such as a 20-20-20 or 24-8-16 blend. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of the fertilizer in a gallon of water and irrigate the fuchsias with the solution. Fuchsias can suffer from aphids, thrips or other soft-bodied insect problems, especially if grown outdoors. Rinsing the foliage with a ready-to-use insecticidal soap spray usually destroys the pest, although you might need to repeat the application every three to five days until all the insects are gone.

Winter Care

• Although fuchsias are often treated as annuals, you can keep them alive year-round if you overwinter them properly and provide a period of dormancy in winter. Bring outdoor plants inside after the first fall frost. Cut the fuchsias back to within 6 inches of the soil surface and pick off any remaining leaves. Keep the plants dormant in a cool area, such as an unheated garage, and only water often enough so the soil doesn't dry completely. After four weeks you can move the plants to a warmer, lighted area and resume regular care as new growth appears.