Home

Strange Wonderful Things

 Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

 

Bolivian Fuchsia

Fuchsia boliviana

 

Getting started -  Your plant was grown in filtered light, so it should be acclimated to direct sun slowly, over a period of a couple weeks. Keep in mind that this plant doesn't need a lot of sun to be happy.

Transplanting - Transplant gently to avoid damaging the delicate roots.  Use well-drained soil.  A typical mix is 2 parts quality potting soil to 1 part perlite.  Transplant to a 1 or 2 gallon pot and water it in, but don't pack the soil down.

Watering - Fuchsia boliviana likes moist soil, but it shouldn't be perpetually soggy either.  Never let the pot dry out, but don't let it sit in a tray of water either.  It might be helpful to use a moisture meter.

Feeding - Your Fuchsia likes average fertilizing.  Feed about every 2-3 months with a general-purpose fertilizer that contains micronutrients.  I use this one

 Repotting - Repot your plant to a larger container whenever the roots start circling around the bottom of the container, or after 2-4 months.

Light - Fuchsia boliviana prefers filtered sunlight.  Morning sun + late afternoon shade is fine, as is tree-filtered sunlight all day.  Protect from strong afternoon sun.

Climate -- It comes from cool cloud forests, where it doesn't freeze, but it also doesn't get very warm.  It might not thrive in areas that regularly get above 85° F (29°C), particularly if nights are warm.  If other Fuchsias grow in your area, you should be able to grow this one.  It can only handle a few degrees of frost; protection from freezing temperatures is highly recommended. 

 Over about 40% humidity is best.  Indoors, if your plants seem to suffer from low humidity, consider using an ultrasonic room humidifier

Pests to watch for - whitefly, aphids, scale (little lumps on the stems or leaves), mealybugs, and possibly spider mites (tiny "dots" under the leaves).  Try using insecticidal soap before using stronger remedies, since some may harm the plant.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me. 

Have fun growing it!

Jeff

Strange Wonderful Things

 

 
Home

Strange Wonderful Things

Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

Entire site Copyright 2003-2023 by Strange Wonderful Things, except as noted