Problems With Fuchsia Plants

Fuchsias (‌Fuchsia‌ spp.) are shade-loving deciduous shrubs grown for their brightly colored, pendulous tubular flowers. Fuchsias are relatively trouble-free plants, though they can suffer from a few diseases and are sometimes targeted by insect pests.

Types of Fuchsia Plants

CARLOS TEIXIDOR CADENAS, CC-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are approximately 100 fuchsia species of plants in the genus ‌Fuchsia‌ and many more cultivars‌.‌ They include the hardy fuchsia ‌(Fuchsia magellanica‌, USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 10), which is native to Chile and is a perennial.

Jerzy Opioła, CC-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are also many hybrid fuchsias (‌Fuchsia‌ x ‌hybrida‌, zones 10 to 12) on the market that are known as ladies’ eardrops. These fuchsia varieties are sensitive to freezing temperatures and are therefore typically grown as annual plants in cold climates, overwintered indoors until the danger of frost has passed or grown as houseplants in indirect light.

These hybrids come in a variety of growth habits, including upright plants and drooping plants that are well suited for hanging baskets. Fuchsia flower colors include orange, yellow, white and red.

While many flowering plants need full sun, fuchsia plants don’t like too much sun exposure and prefer deep or partial shade.

Diseases of Fuchsias

Fuchsias are often disease-free plants, though that doesn't mean that they are immune to diseases. Here are some conditions sometimes observed on fuchsias.

Fuchsia Rust

If you notice brown lesions on the underside of fuchsia leaves, they may be caused by a fungal disease known as rust. As it advances, this disease can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant. This disease thrives in moist conditions, so it is best not to get fuchsia leaves wet when watering.

Applying fungicides as part of fuchsia care can help control and prevent this disease. Consider adding rust-resistant cultivars to your garden.

Root Rot

Fuchsia plants are also prone to root rot caused by fungi in the genus ‌Rhizoctonia.‌ This causes stems to collapse and eventually leads to plant death.

Planting fuchsias in potting soil that has been treated against this pathogen can help prevent this problem. Well-draining soil is also crucial to preventing root rot.

Botrytis Blight

Fuchsia plants can suffer from stem cankers caused by a fungus known as ‌Botrytis cinera‌ that causes wilted, woody stems. Providing good air circulation and keeping the foliage dry can help to prevent this disease.

Fuchsia Leaf Problems

Fuchsia plants can be susceptible to several kinds of pests that feed on sap from leaves and affect the shrubs' appearance. Let's take a look at some of these common fuchsia pests.

Whiteflies

Fuchsia wilting can be caused by small, winged insects called whiteflies that suck sap from fuchsia plants. This can also result in yellowing and leaf drop. Whiteflies are often found on the underside of leaves but may fly away if disturbed.

Aphids

These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the leaf sap of many different types of plants, including fuchsia shrubs. They are drawn to new growth and new leaves. Like whiteflies, they take up residence on the underside of leaves, where they form large clusters. Their feeding can discolor leaves and also cause leaf curl.

Spider Mites

These tiny arachnids are hard to see with the naked eye and create webs on many different types of plants, including fuchsias. Their feeding can cause discoloration of leaves.

Some of these insect pests can be dislodged from the leaves with a stream of water. You should avoid using insecticidal soaps on fuchsias, as they are sensitive.