Q&A: Taking care of the fuchsia

Q: My father has had to go into hospital for a few days and he is worried about the fuchsias in his greenhouse. He has asked me to look after them. Can you advise me?
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Feb 2017, 13:51 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2017, 12:34 BST
FuchsiaFuchsia
Fuchsia

A: I assume the fuchsias in question were started into growth and repotted a few weeks ago; if so, they should be showing signs of fresh growth.

Spraying them with water encourages them to continue to grow and also helps maintain a humid atmosphere, which the plants appreciate.

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If your father is a fuchsia aficionado, he probably also pruned some plants last month and these should be throwing out new shoots – new shoots ideal for taking cuttings.

Take tips cuttings – remove the tip just above a healthy bud so you have an inch or so of plant. Remove the lowest leaves, leaving the top pair intact.

Dip the bases of the cuttings in a hormone rooting powder and pop them into small pots (or a plastic tray divided into little compartments) filled with a mix of compost and vermiculite.

Water the cuttings and put them in a propagator where they can enjoy a temperature of 65-70F. In a few weeks, most, if not all, should have rooted, making your dad a very happy man.