Fuchsias originally come from the rainforests of the South American Andes, where they thrive at altitudes of up to 3000 meters. As typical rainforest inhabitants, the plants like both moisture and a high nutrient density - fuchsias are real heavy feeders that need to be fertilized frequently and, above all, sufficiently. If there is a lack of nutrition, fuchsias grow poorly and often do not bloom or only bloom a little. In the following article you will find out what you should pay particular attention to when fertilizing sensitive plants.
How should you properly fertilize fuchsias?
Fuchsias require regular fertilization with flowering plant fertilizer during the growing season, ideally once or twice a week in low doses. Do not fertilize on dry soil, at temperatures above 30°C or on newly repotted or diseased plants. Depot or slow-release fertilizers are also suitable.
It is better to fertilize less and more often
Basically, it is sufficient to fertilize fuchsias with commercially available flowering plant fertilizer (€13.00 on Amazon) every three to four weeks - i.e. according to the dosage instructions. However, it is better to supply the hungry plants with nutrients in a lower dosage but much more frequently - it is ideal to add liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water about once or twice a week. Some experienced fuchsia gardeners even fertilize with every watering.
When should you fertilize?
Fuchsias are fertilized throughout the entire growing season. Start giving as soon as the first new shoots appear in March / April at the latest. However, do not start with the full dose straight away, but start slowly and gradually increase the doses. Fuchsias are fertilized until early / mid-September, after which fertilization is stopped completely. In this way you prepare the plants for the winter break.
What else you should consider when fertilizing
There are also other points to consider when fertilizing fuchsias:
- Never fertilize on dry soil.
- Freshly repotted fuchsias are not fertilized for a few weeks,
- because commercially available substrate is usually pre-fertilized.
- Do not fertilize sick plants.
- These are often unable to absorb the nutrients.
- Instead, the excess fertilizer can damage the delicate roots.
- You should not fertilize even at temperatures above 30 °C.
Why you should avoid fertilizing in high heat
Fuchsias like it warm, but not necessarily hot. At temperatures above around 30 °C, the plants stop growing and therefore do not need to be fertilized. By the way, fuchsias often let their leaves droop at such temperatures, but this is not necessarily a sign of a lack of water. Therefore, always test the moisture content of the substrate with your finger before watering.
Tip
Instead of fertilizing regularly with liquid fertilizer, you can also use slow-release or long-term fertilizer.
