Fuchsias are among our most popular potted plants. To ensure that the frost-sensitive plants survive the winter safely, there are a few things to consider
It's too cold here in winter for most fuchsia species. In order for them to get through the winter well, they must be overwintered frost-free. In order for the plants to get through the winter well and to sprout new flowers in the new year, however, good preparation and care is required.
Preparing fuchsias for wintering
Fuchsias that you cultivate in pots or tubs should be left outdoors for as long as possible and brought into winter quarters before the first frost. However, you should stop fertilizing as early as September, since the plants hardly need any nutrients from autumn onwards. In addition, the vegetation break is imminent.
Shorten the fuchsias by about a third before moving to the winter quarters. This is not only important for the plants, but also creates additional space. Also remove all diseased or rotten parts of the plant completely. Otherwise you run the risk of pathogens being introduced to the winter location. If you spot aphid eggs and larvae on your plants, you can spray them with a canola-based biological treatment (such as Substral Naturen Pest Free) to kill the pests.
Tip: If you overwinter in the dark, it is also advisable to remove all the leaves remaining on the plant.
Choose a cool, dry winter location
A dry, bright winter location with temperatures between 5 and 10 °C is well suited for fuchsias. Temperature and brightness are related: the darker the location, the lower the temperature needs to be, the more light the plant gets, the higher temperatures are acceptable.
Watering and fertilizing in winter quarters
You must not fertilize your fuchsias in winter quarters. Be careful when watering too. The substrate should always dry superficially. Only in the root ball must a little moisture be retained.
Winter quarters regularlyair
Air the fuchsias' winter quarters regularly on frost-free days. This is particularly necessary in locations with high humidity. Because fuchsias are very susceptible to fungal diseases in humid air. Gray mold and other fungi can become a serious problem for plants. In addition, too high temperatures and a simultaneous lack of light can lead to the plants wilting. Regular airing also has a positive effect here.
Applying fuchsias in spring
Starting in February, you can slowly acclimate your fuchsias back to warmer temperatures and bring them into rooms with temperatures around 18 degrees. Make sure you continue to keep the plants moderately moist. After the Ice Saints - around mid-May - you can take them out again.
Tip: You can also put the fuchsias on the balcony or terrace a little earlier, but then you have to keep an eye on the weather forecast and bring the plants in again at short notice if necessary.