Fuchsia triphylla aka Fuchsia

Taxonomy

Fuchsia triphylla is a visually appealing small shrub, growing up to 3 feet tall, with simple, elliptical, and large leaves. The petiole insertion is whorled with a red or maroon tint on the underside of the leaves. Its long, tubular, red-orange or red-purple flowers make it a popular species to breed, resulting in an extensive breed of cultivars that can grow in various settings around the world. Fuchsia triphylla is one of over 110 species that comprise the genus Fuchsia and is the parent of many elegant Fuchsia hybrids produced today. This shrubby plant is native to Haiti and the Dominican Republic and has an extensive blooming period from early spring to late autumn.

Common names

Fuchsia, Hardy Fuchsia, Gartenmeister

How to care for Fuchsia

Difficulty

Caring for Fuchsia is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Fuchsia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Fuchsia is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Hardy Fuchsia is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Gartenmeister with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Fuchsia with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Fuchsia requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Hardy Fuchsia is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Fuchsia to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Fuchsia is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Fertilizer

The Fuchsia should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia