Troubleshooting
Fuchsia 'Red Spider' problems — and how to fix them
Fuchsia 'Red Spider' (Fuchsia 'Red Spider') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Flower and bud drop in heat
Slender flowers are among the first to drop in temperatures above 24°C. Move baskets to shade during heatwaves.
Fuchsia gall mite
Growing tips distort and russett. Prune out all affected material and destroy it; do not compost.
Wind damage
Pendant stems snap easily in exposed positions. Hang in sheltered spots or use hooked basket hangers with a swivel.
Vine weevil
Root-eating larvae are a serious threat in hanging baskets. Apply nematodes to basket compost in late summer.
Botrytis
Long spent flowers hang and decay, harbouring grey mould. Remove promptly to prevent spread.
Prevent fuchsia 'red spider' problems before they start
Most fuchsia 'red spider' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Fuchsia 'Red Spider' problems — FAQ
Why is my fuchsia 'red spider' flower and bud drop in heat?
Slender flowers are among the first to drop in temperatures above 24°C. Move baskets to shade during heatwaves.
Why is my fuchsia 'red spider' fuchsia gall mite?
Growing tips distort and russett. Prune out all affected material and destroy it; do not compost.
Why is my fuchsia 'red spider' wind damage?
Pendant stems snap easily in exposed positions. Hang in sheltered spots or use hooked basket hangers with a swivel.
Why is my fuchsia 'red spider' vine weevil?
Root-eating larvae are a serious threat in hanging baskets. Apply nematodes to basket compost in late summer.
Why is my fuchsia 'red spider' botrytis?
Long spent flowers hang and decay, harbouring grey mould. Remove promptly to prevent spread.