Troubleshooting
Small-leaved Fuchsia problems — and how to fix them
Small-leaved Fuchsia (Fuchsia microphylla) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Fuchsia rust (Pucciniastrum epilobii)
Orange-brown pustules appear on the undersides of leaves, causing premature leaf drop and weakening the plant. Remove and destroy affected leaves immediately, improve air circulation, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. A tebuconazole-based fungicide can be used in severe cases.
Fuchsia gall mite (Aculops fuchsiae)
Causes distorted, thickened, blistered new growth at shoot tips that looks like abnormal budding. There is no chemical remedy available to home gardeners; remove all affected shoots and destroy them, and disinfect tools between plants to avoid spreading the mite.
Prevent small-leaved fuchsia problems before they start
Most small-leaved fuchsia issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Small-leaved Fuchsia problems — FAQ
Why is my small-leaved fuchsia fuchsia rust (pucciniastrum epilobii)?
Orange-brown pustules appear on the undersides of leaves, causing premature leaf drop and weakening the plant. Remove and destroy affected leaves immediately, improve air circulation, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. A tebuconazole-based fungicide can be used in severe cases.
Why is my small-leaved fuchsia fuchsia gall mite (aculops fuchsiae)?
Causes distorted, thickened, blistered new growth at shoot tips that looks like abnormal budding. There is no chemical remedy available to home gardeners; remove all affected shoots and destroy them, and disinfect tools between plants to avoid spreading the mite.