From our perspective as fuchsia plants, the prospect of living indoors year-round is a complex negotiation. While it is possible, it is a significant departure from our natural, dappled-light forest understory habitats. Our success hinges entirely on you, our caretaker, understanding and meticulously replicating the specific conditions we need to not just survive, but truly thrive.
Light is our lifeblood; it is the engine of photosynthesis. A common misconception is that we are deep-shade lovers. We are not. We are partial-shade plants, meaning we crave bright, but indirect, light. A south-facing window with a sheer curtain is ideal, as direct, harsh afternoon sun will scorch our delicate leaves and flowers. An east-facing window providing gentle morning sun is also excellent. In the darker winter months, you may notice our growth slowing and our stems becoming leggy as we stretch desperately for more light. This is when a supplemental grow light, positioned about a foot above us for 12-14 hours a day, becomes essential for our well-being.
Our ideal temperature range is a comfortable 60-75°F (15-24°C). We struggle in extremes. We despise the dry, stagnant heat from radiators or heating vents, which will cause our buds to drop and leaves to crisp. Similarly, cold drafts from doors or windows will send us into shock. We also have a particular need for humidity, which is often critically low indoors. The dry air causes our leaves to brown and drop. Placing our pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot is not sitting *in* the water) or using a room humidifier nearby will make us feel much more at home.
Our watering needs are a delicate dance. We prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil. We will tell you when we are thirsty; our leaves will begin to droop and feel soft. Water us thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes, but never let our roots sit in soggy soil, as this is a death sentence. In winter, our water consumption decreases with the lower light levels, so you must adjust your routine accordingly. For food, we are heavy feeders during our active growing and blooming season (spring to fall). A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two to four weeks supports our energy-intensive flowering. Please give us a rest in the winter; we need to dormancy period with no fertilizer.
To maintain a bushy, attractive shape and encourage prolific blooming, we require regular pruning. Pinching back the growing tips of young plants promotes branching. Even indoors, we are not immune to pests. The dry, warm conditions can attract spider mites and aphids, who find our succulent new growth irresistible. You must inspect our leaves (especially the undersides) frequently. A strong spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap can manage these infestations before they weaken us significantly.
