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Learn How To Revive A Fuchsia Plant In 10 Easy Steps

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Beautiful Fuchsia!

Are you looking for that one showstopper flower for the summer season? Look no further. Fuchsias are the mainstay of most summer gardens.

The plant produces a mass of beautiful bell-like flowers for months, starting from early June and right up to the first frost of autumn.

There are so many fuchsia varieties, and you can plant them in borders, beds, or hanging baskets. Some of these are hard enough to be even used in the hedges, while some require special care.

I had a problem with my fuchsia plants because they kept wilting very often despite my attention. Initially, I thought of giving up the plants, but my love for the delicate flowers made me reach out to an expert.

I asked him, how to revive a fuchsia plant? And he explained the ideal conditions required for these plants. Though these plants are relatively adaptable, they need

  • Soil which can drain quickly
  • Fuchsia doesn’t like too much water
  • They like light but not heat
  • On hot days shade is preferable
  • They like humidity
  • Regular pruning and fertilizing will keep them healthy
How To Revive A Fuchsia Plant

Types of Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a native of Central and South America, Australia, and Tahiti. There are several varieties of this plant, and they are found everywhere, in all types of conditions.

Some grow to a height of 10 feet and can be up to 6 feet in width, while some remain happy as a small hanging plant in a pot.

Temperature plays a crucial part, and you have to be aware of the different cultivars and how they respond to heat and cold.

Fuchsias are divided broadly into three groups:

  • Bush fuchsias: these grow upright into bushy plants. They are also considered half-hardy plants and generally will not survive in very cold temperatures.
  • Basket Fuchsias: these produce long trailing stems and are perfect for hanging baskets. They, like the bush fuchsias, are half-hardy plants.
  • Hardy Fuchsias: these can tolerate very cold temperatures and even frosty conditions.

Temperature plays a crucial part, and you have to be aware of the different cultivars and how they respond to heat and cold. There is no clear division, and there is some overlapping.

  • Molonae: it can tolerate minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. You will need to cut it down to the ground in the fall.
  • Neon Tricolor: a hardy variety and can survive in temperature ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Queen Esther: loves heat and will not survive in cold climates.
  • Magellanica Aurea: its foliage changes colors depending on the exposure to the sun. It is golden in sunshine and green in shade.

What Causes a Fuchsia Plant to Wilt?

Sometimes you could be doing your best, and the plant will still wilt. It is very disappointing as well as annoying to see your efforts going down the drain.

Gardening brings a lot of joy, and to see plants growing healthily is very satisfying. However, sometimes you can break your back and slog in the sun only to see some mishap happening to the plants.

Some plants are weak right from the beginning, and you cannot do much about it. As far as fuchsias are concerned, there are a few things which can cause them to wilt.

Watch this video to learn more about fuchsias.

  • Too much or too little water
  • Still water with no proper drainage
  • If the soil is not well aerated
  • Sunlight is beneficial but not excess
  • Too much or too less heat and light
  • Fungal or viral infection

How To Revive A Fuchsia Plant

The fuchsia plant is not difficult to grow, but you need to provide proper care to survive and thrive. If you find your fuchsia plant wilting, you can bring it back to its glory days.

Here are a few tips for you to follow. See what works for your plant:

  • 1. If you see it wilting, cut the plant to half its size. You will have to cut the branches with the leaves and flowers. After a few days, you will notice new leaves sprouting out.
  • 2. Transfer the plant to a new pot with drainage holes with better soil.
  • 3. Place the plant in water and let it soak. Wait till the plant becomes heavy. Only use cool water.
  • 4. Use potting soil with azalea mix and nitrogen-rich fertilizer for better growth. The right potting soil is crucial for the plant to grow well.
  • 5. Keep the plant in the partial shade while it recovers. Please keep it away from direct and strong sunlight.
  • 6. Fuchsia needs humidity, and it grows rapidly in areas closer to coastlines. Inland or cooler, drier areas may see slower growth.
  • 7. Keep the plant protected until the following spring. Harsh natural phenomena like frost can completely kill the plant.
  • 8. Start to fertilize the plant in February. Do this regularly till you are ready to move it outdoors.
  • 9. When you see new growth on the plant, you have to start pinching it. This results in more flowers because every branch you pinch will be replaced by two.
  • 10. Stop pinching the plant in April and allow it to bloom. Because of the pinching, you will get a mass of blooms.
  • 11. Once the blossoms have finished, remove them. If you leave them on the plants, they draw nutrients to make seeds.
  • 12. By following all the steps given here, you will be able to bring your wilted fuchsia plant back to life. It will also become quite strong and continue to bloom.

Why Do The Fuchsia Leaves Turn Brown?

When the plant starts to wilt, you will notice that the leaves start to turn brown. Most often, this is due to

  • If there is a lot of sunlight, then it could be dehydration
  • If the leaves have dots and the flowers are discolored, then it is a fungal infection.
  • If the plant has spotted and curled leaves and has stunted growth, then it could be a viral infection.

If the plant is wilting due to a fungal or viral disease, then it requires specific treatment with the right insecticides. You must try and buy an organic product so that it does not cause any damage to the nearby plants or the soil. Please read all instructions carefully and follow them fully for the best results.

Can Pests Attack Fuchsia Plants?

Fuchsia plants can come under attack from pests like aphids, spider mites, thrips, etc. These pests can also cause wilting of the plant.

Mostly, the plants which don’t receive enough sunlight or ventilation are the ones to attract insects. There are some things that you can try if pests become a nuisance

  • Use yellow sticky traps to monitor the presence of pests.
  • Prune and dispose of affected leaves and flowers
  • Use insecticidal soap or oil to spray
  • There are some predatory insects which can be used to control the pests
  • Pick minor infestations with hands and get rid of them before they become a bigger problem.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Though fuchsias are common and seen everywhere, there are still many misconceptions about them. Here are a few frequently asked questions that all gardeners would love to have the answers for.

Q. Do fuchsias need pruning?

A. Fuchsias need extensive pruning only when they are wilting. If the growth is fleshy and supple only tip pruning is enough.

Q. Should you spray oil on fuchsias after pruning?

A. Yes, white oil is good as it kills any remaining pests but do this on a cloudy day only.

Q. How do you take care of a diseased fuchsia?

A. Firstly, prune it and remove all leaves. Spray against any pests at weekly intervals. Mist the plant daily. Don’t use fertilizers or nutrients till you notice new growth.

Q. What should you do if you notice the leaves turning yellow?

A. Magnesium or nitrogen deficiency could be the reason for this. Add 1 Tbsp of Epsom salt to 5 liters of water and apply for magnesium and feed the plant with a high nitrogen mix for nitrogen deficiency.


Conclusion

The fuchsia is a stunning plant to grow in your garden and is very adaptable to different conditions. However, you need to give it the care and attention to grow healthy and blossom abundantly.

Next time you notice your fuchsia plant starting to wilt, don’t be in a rush to water it, but at the same time, don’t just watch it die.

By taking the steps, I have mentioned, you can bring it back to life and even make it healthier than before.

Please feel free to contact us for more information. Share this article with friends and family who are facing similar problems.

Fuchsias are worth your time to understand what they need and then provide them the right environment to grow.