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Fuchsia and hanging basket not blooming. #880488

Asked August 07, 2024, 8:30 AM EDT

Greetings. Fuchsia in hanging basket not blooming. Has many buds and initial flowers but most do not open up fully. Many of them with her and dry up at this early stage. Can you please tell me what the problem is? Please see attached pictures

Kalamazoo County Michigan

Expert Response

Thank you, Michael, for your question!
   Fuchsias are slightly fussy about moisture and temperature but are considered an easy plant to grow. Most will thrive in part shade to full shade. They don't like to be too hot, and they especially hate dry heat. With the right watering regimen and humidity levels, these plants become fairly easy to care for. I will walk you through some environmental factors to consider. 
  •  Soil type - Check to make sure your fuchsia is potted in a high organic, well-draining soil which will eliminate the following two points. Strive for a type that stays consistently moist.
  •   Under watering - Fuchsia's like to be kept moist at all times which may translate into watering two to three times a day. Insert a finger into the pot - if it isn't moist water it. Under watering can contribute to early dormancy and some bloom and leaf dropping.
  •  Over watering - This can be just as detrimental as not enough water. Remove any saucer at the bottom of your pot as this will pool rainwater and contribute to root rot, which again will result in bloom drop for lack of nutrients.
  • Fertilizing - These plants are heavy feeders and grow quickly in the summer. Once a week apply a diluted (quarter strength) 20-20-20 fertilizer as this will encourage bloom development. Another option would be diluted fish emulsion or seaweed solution. 
  • Lack of circulation - Remove spent leaves and blooms from the surface of the pot to increase air flow. This will eliminate any mold issues as the soil likes to stay moist and there is plenty of foliage on these plants. 
  • Over heating- Transpiration or the plants ability to keep itself cool is also important. We have had some brutally hot days. Fuchsias are happiest with temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity. Try misting the leaves or moving it to a spot that protects it from the hot sun of the midday. 
I've included another article for your reference  

Growing and caring for Fuchsias - Master Gardeners - MCBG Corp. 2024 | Fort Bragg, California (gardenbythesea.org)
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 11, 2024, 8:36 PM EDT

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