How to Fertilize Fuschias

Fuschias are hanging plants that bloom seasonally. The fuschia's flowers dangle from delicate stems and look like tiny ballerinas with brightly colored petals that open wide around a center of contrasting color. Fuschias are usually grown in cooler climates, but certain varieties are cultivated to withstand extreme heat.

Instructions

1. Pick up a commercial fertilizer for blooming plants. The mix needs to be in the mid to high numbers, such as 20-20-20.

2. Water fuschias at least twice a week so the soil never dries out. The fertilizer won't work unless the plant roots can find it, and that requires water.

3. Place the fuschia plant in an area with strong, filtered light, which is optimal for fuschias. The right light is important because it helps the plant utilize the fertilizer.

4. Add the fertilizer to your fuschias once per week until the fuschia plant becomes woody, meaning it stops producing new leaves. Usually this occurs in November or December. You can fertilize twice per week if you use the fertilizer at half the manufacturer's recommended strength. Stop fertilizing when the plant becomes woody because the fuschia is preparing to go dormant for winter survival.

5. Cut the fuschia plant back and take it inside for the winter. Another option is to unpot it altogether and hang it upside down in a cool, dark, dry place.

6. Replant or place the fuschia plants back outside in mid-March.

7. Wait to fertilize for the first time in the new season until there is at least 1 inch of new growth on the fuschia plant.

8. Begin Steps 1 through 7 again at the beginning of each season and continue the routine through the new growing year.