Successful, care, training of fuchsias and planting them in the right soil

Fuchsias need to be irrigated, feed and cared for them to produce flowers in abundance. Fuchsias can be planted in beds or containers. The rate of growth of fuchsias is determined by their height and characteristics.

Containers should be well drained because fuchsias do not grow well in waterlogged conditions. Thus drainage holes need to be drilled in the containers.

Wooden containers

They provide a rustic look which blends well with the fuchsias flowers. The wood must be treated 5 months in advance using plant friendly preservatives. The wooden container should be allowed to stand on two thick wooden off cuts or on bricks. This prevents the floor of the container from rotting. Alternatively clay pot feet can be used and allow air to freely move underneath the container.

Clay containers

They are made of majolica, terracotta or ceramic and are very heavy. This makes them very stable. However they may develop a chalky bloom on the outside wall and easily break. Plants tend to dry out much quicker in clay containers because they draw water from the soil (unlike plastic containers).

Industrial manufactured containers

These are made of asbestos-free cement or fiber glass and are very durable. Its quiet rare for them to tip over.

Plastic containers

They come in a wide range of sizes and colour. They are less heavy and thus are ideal especially when you have to move the plants in autumn. Plastic containers should be double walled to prevent them from heating up too quickly in hot sunlight.

Copper and brass containers

These are very suitable and need to be clad on the inside with a strong foil layer to prevent oxidization. Water should be allowed to drain.

Soil

Fuchsias require the right soil type if they are going to grow into tropical dancing flower shapes. Good potting compost should be the same as good garden soil. It should allow air circulation, have humus and well drained. It should have both organic and inorganic substances.

The soil should have the following characteristics

  • Coarse light moss peat which is not too mature

  • Mature dark sedge peat

  • Garden compost ( at least 3 years old)

  • Coarse sand to prevent water logging. This assists in keeping the soil loose.

  • It should have Hortag

  • pH Factor

The pH factor indicates how acid the soil is. Fuchsias grow well in slightly acid soil having a ph factor of 7. Soil which is either too acid or too alkaline has few nutrients. pH can be measured using a strip of litmus paper or by using a pH meter.

Peat is very acid and moss peat has a pH factor of 4-5. Sedge peat is below 4. Moss peat can be neutralized by mixing 3.5g of lime per liter of damp peat.

Mixing your own potting compost

  • 1 part garden soil ( clay soil with humus)

  • 2 parts moss peat

  • 1/10 part lime-free river sand

  • 3.5g lime per liter of soil

  • 2g concentrated fertilizer per liter of soil

Buying potting compost

There is cheap potting compost which comprises of dark sedge peat. The more expensive potting compost contain light moss peat, dark sedge peat, clay, bark humus and aerated substances for example polystyrene granules or sand. Ready mixed composts are available from most garden centers and nurseries. You can buy.

  • Compost meant for rooted cutting and young plants

  • Compost for use when planting in boxes and containers

  • Compost containing long-lasting fertilizer for use when planting in containers