How to Care for Hanging Fushia Plants

Hanging plants of any kind require special care and attention. Fuchsias are particularly finicky flowers that need certain conditions to survive. They are native to South America but will also grow in zones seven to 10 in the United States. Caring for hanging fuchsias can sometimes be difficult, but with the right knowledge you can have a healthy and thriving hanging fuchsia.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Fertilizer
• Garden shears

Instructions

1. Plant or buy your fuchsias in a well-drained hanging pot with well-draining potting soil. Hang them in a partly shaded area. The fuchsias will thrive with morning sun and protection from the strong afternoon rays.

2. Water the hanging fuchsias daily in dry weather. In wetter weather, the plants may only need to be watered twice a week. You can tell if the plant needs water by feeling the soil. If it is dry or the fuchsias are wilting, this is a sign that they need water.

3. Check with the nursery where you bought your hanging plant to see if they used a slow-release fertilizer in the pot. If not, apply a water-soluble fertilizer every other week, following the directions on the package.

4. Pinch off the seed pods of the fuchsia flowers after the petals fall. In late autumn, clip the stems back with garden shears to 4 to 8 inches above the soil to promote next year's growth. Otherwise, the plants will become leggy over time.

5. Bring the hanging pot inside as the temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to overwinter. One frost will damage your plant significantly. Place in an area that is above 40 degrees and keep the soil moist, but not wet, during the winter.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your shears with rubbing alcohol before clipping the plant, especially if you have used them on another plant, to prevent the spread of disease.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: Care for Blooming Hanging Plants
• University of Nebrask, Lincoln Extension: Care of Hanging Baskets