Cultivation guide for Queen’s Earrings plant

Also called fuchsias, quivers or princess jumps, they are flowers that are more associated with the outside but well cared for can give a lot of color inside. Although they seem delicate, the truth is that there are varieties that can even resist intense cold. If you want them at home, take 3 minutes to read the rest.

 

IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE QUEEN’S EARRINGS …

There are more than 100 species of the genus Fuchsia. the vast majority from South America. A well-known one is  Fuchsia magellanica,  being one of the most resistant to low temperatures. It is very popular in the gardens of central and northern Europe, having a special presence in the United Kingdom. Outdoors it is very common to use it in hanging baskets or baskets. The fall of the flowers makes it ideal for this purpose. Something similar happened with the  fox tail. An advantage of this plant is that unlike Calceolaria, of which we spoke last week, the flowering is of long duration (from spring to late and autumn), so we can enjoy it a good period of the year. Growing indoors is tricky. You have to be aware of the conditions of the environment and maintenance.

CARING FOR THE QUEEN’S EARRINGS

Temperatures

It is a species that does not need too much heat. We should never put it near heat sources such as radiators or in the kitchen. In fact, during the winter you have to let it rest and it prefers cool places so it is recommended to move it to a cool room. The normal temperatures of its habitat are usually average, not exceeding 27ºC during the day and about 16ºC at night. These are indicative data. Fuchsia magellanica resists even some not very severe frost (in winter rest).

Light 

If you are going to be in a bright room, avoid all contact with direct exposure. If we can avoid this better. It is not a plant that likes the sun too much. North-facing rooms, which tend to be cooler and don’t get too much light, can be a good place.

Substratum 

There is not a high specificity regarding the substrate. A substrate with good drainage and a pH between 6 and 7 is the most suitable.

Irrigation 

During the winter (rest) the frequency of irrigation should be reduced, even letting the substrate remain somewhat dry (not completely) between waterings. That maintains a minimum humidity. In spring summer we increase this frequency and we will keep the earth always moist. But more than irrigation, ambient humidity is important . The solution of the tray with wet stones or pebbles is effective in achieving a humid environment around the plant. Light sprays of water (on the leaves, not the flowers) also create a humid environment.

MULTIPLICATION

Simple and by cuttings. The cutting will be done in spring-summer with semi-mature cuttings (semi-woody).

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH THE QUEEN’S EARRINGS

  • As we need a humid environment, we have to be careful with high temperatures. Botrytis may appear. (Gray mold)
  • If the leaves fall too much, outside the winter period, it may be due to excess water.

 SPECIES AND VARIETIES

Maori Maid variety
Source: fuchsiaplants.co.uk

Fuchsia magellanica : One of the most cultivated outdoor species in northern Europe for its resistance to cold. Its use for hybridization has been very frequent due to this resistance.

Fuchsia triphylla: One of the first species that was discovered and cataloged. It is one of the best known of the genus Fuchsia and therefore has contributed to many of the hybrids that are known today. This is very popular for indoor use. Of very tubular and long flowers.

Varieties such as   Maori Maid or Royal Velvet are very spectacular but we do not know if they can be grown indoors.

 

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