Care of the earrings of the queen or Fuchsia

It is one of those plants that we usually see in the months of good weather, and that we do not usually know in depth. With a bushy character and extremely striking in its flowering, the care of the queen or fuchsia earrings makes it very easy for us to enjoy this plant without too many setbacks. And boy, is it worth it because, beyond its oval and intense green leaves, its main attraction lies in its generous flowering that displays its white, fuchsia and purple tones from spring until late autumn.

Originally from the American continent, it is a plant that can be enjoyed in the wild, especially in Chile and Mexico. Despite its botanical name, its popular nomenclature is due to the unique shape of its bloom, which is suspended in a hanging fashion. And although it is the most striking thing about this plant, it is important to know something else: we are talking about a fast-growing and bushy species that, well cultivated, can reach very interesting dimensions. A good reason why it is one of the favorites in the gardens.

So let’s see how to care for the queen’s earrings to enjoy this exotic plant that, although it arrived in Europe in the 17th century, is already one of the favorites of the Old Continent.

7 CARE OF THE QUEEN’S EARRINGS THAT WE MUST FOLLOW

As we said, in general, the care of the queen’s earrings does not entail too much difficulty. However, there is a detail to take into account: although they can be grown as part of indoor plants, it is not the ideal scenario. Beyond the fact that inside the house it will have greater lighting needs, it must also be considered that it demands a fresh space to have well-being. Two details that we must know to avoid surprises but, above all, disappointments.

In addition to this, there is another important detail that we must know. Planted directly in the ground, the Fuchsia can reach over a meter in height and have a significant diameter. Something that we will have to consider when planting it to allow it to have enough space to grow. Does this mean that we cannot grow it in a pot? It’s possible! We will only have to consider that its growth, even generous, will not be so spectacular.

And now yes: let’s see what this beautiful plant needs to be healthy, and to give us that particular hanging bloom.

1. A lot of light but indirect, fundamental in the care of the queen’s earrings

It is, without a doubt, the aspect that makes fuchsia one of the perfect candidates for the list of plants for sunless balconies. Unlike other flowering plants, not only does it not need direct light, but it is also harmful to it.

What it does need, especially in order to flower, is a good dose of light. In addition to this, the ideal is to place or plant it in a shaded or semi-shaded space.

2. Rich and well-drained substrate, vital in the care of the queen’s earrings

The origins of this plant give us an idea of ​​its soil needs. Since it comes from the American undergrowth, we can imagine that it requires a slightly moist soil. A fundamental detail for the development of this plant, but which has its nuances. To guarantee its well-being, it is essential that it has excellent drainage and, even, as a dose of perlite mixed with the substrate to favor the evacuation of irrigation.

In addition to this detail, we must pay attention to the type of soil. In addition to being slightly acidic, queen earrings demand well-aerated soil rich in organic matter such as mulch.

3. Warm temperatures, an aspect that we must take care of

Due to their natural origins, the queen’s earrings have a well-defined tolerance to both cold and heat. In the summer months, it is not recommended to expose it to more than 27 degrees. Something that we can achieve if, as we said, we grow it in a shaded or semi-shaded location.

However, with the cold it will not be so easy since it does not have tolerance to low temperatures. Exposing it to less than seven degrees can kill it, so in the winter months we will have to protect it properly, especially from possible frost. If we grow it in a pot, it will be as simple as protecting them. If it is planted directly in the ground, the ideal is to use a garden thermal cover.

If we choose to put it inside the house, it is important that it is away from any artificial source of heat and free from any exposure to drafts.

4. Regular watering in flowering season, essential for its well-being

It is probably one of the most demanding queen earrings care. Although in the winter months the risks are sporadic, the hot months have a very different pattern. As we said, this plant demands a certain constant humidity that we can only achieve by watering regularly.

But beware: because in the same way that it does not tolerate drought, the queen’s earrings do not support excess water either. Although it is true that we will have to keep the substrate hydrated, if we go too far with watering or our plant has poor drainage we will know quickly: it will start to drop the leaves.

5. Subscriber in flowering time, the last detail

In order to flourish with their characteristic generosity, the queen’s earrings need extra help in the flowering months. Although we are already talking about a plant that blooms abundantly, the fact of paying regularly is important so that it does not suffer from a lack of nutrients.

To achieve this, the ideal is to apply a monthly fertilizer pattern, both during spring and summer.

6. Prune only in specific conditions, an important key

In general, the earrings of the queen do not need pruning. We will only have to apply it in case we see that our plant has weakened, or has a health problem.

7. Pests at bay, the last care of the queen’s earrings to contemplate

Although we leave it for the end, it is a care that we will have to know closely for the good of our plant. Because, in the same way that it seems irresistible to us, it also seems irresistible to the many insects that surround us. For this reason, it is worth reviewing our plant on a regular basis to detect any threat of whitefly, cochineal and aphids as soon as possible.

On the other hand, beware of excess moisture because they can bring about the appearance of fungi.

Enjoy an incredibly generous plant that will fill the sunny months with color!