From our perspective as Fuchsia plants, we want nothing more than to thrive and put on a spectacular show of our delicate, dancing blossoms. To help us achieve our full potential in a hanging basket, here is what we need from you.
Not all of us are suited for life on the edge. When choosing a variety, please look for those specifically bred as trailing or basket Fuchsias. Our stems are more flexible and our growth habit is naturally cascading, which allows us to spill gracefully over the sides of the basket. A compact, bushy type will feel cramped and struggle to display properly. Equally important is our home. Please provide a basket that is at least 12-14 inches in diameter. We have fine, fibrous root systems that need room to spread out. Good drainage is non-negotiable; we despise having "wet feet." Ensure the basket has adequate drainage holes and use a high-quality, lightweight potting mix that retains moisture but also allows excess water to flow freely. A mix with peat, perlite, and compost is ideal for us.
We are not sun-worshippers like Petunias, nor are we deep-shade lovers like some ferns. Our ideal spot is one of bright, but indirect, light. Think of the light that filters through the canopy of a tree – dappled shade. Morning sun is often gentle enough for us, but the intense, hot afternoon sun will scorch our delicate leaves and cause our buds to drop before they even have a chance to open. We also appreciate a location sheltered from strong winds. Our stems can be somewhat brittle, and gusty conditions can snap our branches and damage our pendulous flowers, which are our pride and joy.
Life in a hanging basket means our root zone is more exposed to the elements and dries out much faster than plants in the ground. Consistency is key. Please check our soil moisture daily, especially during warm, windy weather. When the top inch of soil feels dry, it's time for a deep, thorough watering. Water until it runs freely from the drainage holes; this encourages our roots to grow deep into the basket. However, do not let us sit in a saucer of water. Along with regular drinks, we are heavy feeders when in active growth. To support the immense energy required for continuous flowering, please feed us with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks, or use a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting time.
To encourage us to become bushy and full, rather than leggy and sparse, you need to "pinch" us when we are young. As new shoots develop, simply use your fingers to pinch off the very tip of the stem, just above a set of leaves. This signals to us to stop growing from one point and to instead send out two or three new shoots from the leaf nodes below. Repeat this process every few weeks in the early stages of growth to create a dense, well-branched plant that will be covered in flowers. Throughout the blooming season, regularly deadhead our spent flowers by pinching them off at the stem. This prevents us from putting energy into seed production and directs it back into creating more beautiful blooms for you.
