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Fuchsias in Summer
Fuchsias in Summer: Fuchsias cope very well during most months of the year with only a little care. However, extreme heat can damage them but losses mostly occur because of overwatering in the mistaken belief that the fuchsias need water because they are wilting. In extreme conditions, Fuchsias are unable to absorb water through their roots above 30 degrees so the foliage begins to wilt. However, if you continue to water them, the water accumulates around their roots and they drown. The plant dies not from excess heat but from too much water. The trick is to provide humidity around the plants by grouping them on very wet mulch or an old mat or towel saturated with water in full shade and to mist the leaves frequently with a mister.Adding a tiny amount of Seasol to the misting water will help the plant. Grouping plants together will increase the humidity around the plant. Leave the plant in this position until the extreme conditions have passed. I have left plants in a shade house for four days after first watering the mulch on the floor, placing a number of plants on the floor then giving them a light misting each morning. They came out as though they had never been through extreme weather. I have also placed a large number of plants on wet mats/ towels in the garage for four days when I had to go away and there were high temperatures and strong hot north westerly winds forecast. The plants survived well. They did drop some leaves and flowers to show their displeasure at being left in the garage but recovered well in a few days. It is better to water the plant well the day before extreme conditions are forecast then not again until the weather has passed. Watering will not reduce the wilting but misting will help to prevent scorching of the leaves. Humidity is the key. |