by W. Garrett Owen (Michigan State University) and Brian E. Whipker (North Carolina State University)
A hanging basket crop of fuchsia (Fuchsia × hybrida) were observed in a Michigan greenhouse with reddish-purple lower leaf margins (Fig. 1), spotting (Fig. 2) and interveinal chlorosis (Fig. 3). The purpling of the lower leaves varied but the symptoms were consistent among the hanging basket crop.
Figure 1. Lower leaves of fuchsia (Fuchsia × hybrida) exhibiting reddish-purple leaf margins. (Photo: W. Garrett Owen)
Our initial thoughts were phosphorous (P) deficiency. In previous literature, it has been reported that fuchsia plants deficient of P will exhibit reddish leaf spots when the air temperature is below 55 °F. In this instance, the greenhouse air temperature was not below 55 °F because other crops, such as ornamental sweetpotato vine, would have exhibited chilling damage. However, we could not rule out P deficiency until leaf tissue could be analyzed (Table 1). In the meantime, we conducted a PourThru test of the substrate and determined the substrate electrical conductivity (EC) and pH and were 1.98 mS/cm and 4.8 pH units respectively.
Figure 2. Reddish-purple spotting on lower leaves of fuchsia (Fuchsia × hybrida). (Photo: W. Garrett Owen)
Fuchsia are considered to be moderate to heavy feeders. Fertilization ranges of 200 to 300 ppm nitrogen (N) are recommended by Ball (2017). If the 300 ppm N rate is used, periodic clear water irrigations are also suggested. Rich Yates (2012) of Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies recommends 200 ppm N supplied from either 20-10-20 or 15-0-15. Nitrogen supplied at 200 ppm N from those two sources would translate into a delivered EC of 1.38 to 1.45 mS/cm (with any contributed EC from the water source being added onto those values to determine the final total EC). The only EC recommendation listed is by Ecke (2012), which suggested a target of EC of 2.0 mS/cm. While not stated, this is most likely based on saturated media extraction (SME) testing. This would then be converted over to a target EC of 3.0 mS/cm based on a PourThru test (SME EC values x 1.5 = PourThru EC values). Based on this recommended target of 3.0 mS/cm, the sample taken from this greenhouse was slightly lower than suggested. When one evaluates the tissue test results (Table 1), there are adequate levels of N, P, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in the tissue. This discounts that low P is the issue.
Figure 3. Fuchsia (Fuchsia × hybrida) exhibiting reddish-purple interveinal chlorosis of the lower leaves. (Photo: W. Garrett Owen)
Figure 4. Reported and optimal pH range for fuchsia (Fuchsia × hybrida) based on literature indicating upper and lower pH limits inducing deficiencies and toxicities.
Recommended pH ranges for fuchsia vary widely (Fig. 4). According to Ball GrowerFacts sheet on fuchsia ‘Bellinto’ cultivars (2017), they recommend maintaining an optimum pH of 5.0 to 5.5. An Ecke factsheet on fuchsia (2011) suggest maintaining the pH between 5.5 and 6.0. A Fuchsia Culture guide (2012) by Rich Yates of Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies lists an ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.2. Finally, Dole and Wilkins (2005) in the book Floriculture Principles and Species recommend a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Both the Griffin (at pH levels >6.2) and Dole and Wilkins (at pH levels >6.5) references caution about avoiding higher pH levels because Fe deficiency can be induced (Fig. 5).
In evaluating the tissue sample, most of the parameters were well within the target zone. The main element that is not within balance is Fe. Excess Fe can be taken up by the plant if the substrate pH is too low. This was the case with this fuchsia plant, which had 2260 ppm Fe. This is about 7X higher than the recommended range of 95 to 335 ppm Fe. So in this case, given the low substrate pH of 4.8 found with the PourThru test and the excess accumulation of Fe, the problem we observed here with the lower leaf reddish-purple to blackening is a toxicity of Fe.
A final note on what is the optimal target substrate pH for fuchsia (Fig. 4).
Upper limit
Most cultural recommendations come from plants grown in areas with naturally occurring alkalinity in the water supply. These growing conditions offer insight into high substrate induced problems of interveinal chlorosis. This helps set the upper limit of the pH range at 6.2, with the band of 6.2 to 6.4 being where corrective procedures should be implemented.
Lower limit
Reflecting on the lower limit, most plants susceptible to low substrate pH problems begin to exhibit symptoms below a pH of 5.2 to 5.5. Thus, the lower acceptable range at this point appears to be near pH 5.5. Therefore, if the pH enters the range of 5.3 to 5.5, then corrective procedures should be used to increase the substrate pH back into the 5.5 to 6.2 range.
A substrate pH of 5.0 is too low and we would expect to observe lower leaf purpling and blackening due to an accumulation of Fe. On the upper end of the spectrum, high substrate induced Fe chlorosis (deficiency) can occur when levels near a pH of 6.5. Therefore, based on the experiences of the authors, we agree with the recommended pH range of 5.5 to 6.2 suggested by Rick Yates.
Management
Monitor fuchsia to make sure that the substrate pH is within the recommended range of 5.5 to 6.2. Limiting or reducing other sources of plant stress will also help to prevent these symptoms.
Corrective procedures
Corrective procedures for low pH are listed below. Switching to a basic fertilizer when the substrate pH is nearing the lower limit will help stabilize the pH. If the pH is below the recommended range, then corrective procedures will need to be implemented. Flowable lime is one option. Typically, a rate of 2 quarts per 100 gallons of water will increase the substrate pH by roughly 0.5 pH units. The flowable lime may be applied using a fertilizer injector. Additional applications can be made if needed.
Figure 5. Fuchsia (Fuchsia × hybrida) exhibiting interveinal chlorosis of the upper leaves when iron is limited or the substrate pH is too high. (Photo: Brian E. Whipker)
Potassium bicarbonate can also be applied. The rate of 2 pounds per 100 gallons of water will increase the substrate pH by roughly 0.8 pH units. This treatment will also provide excessive amounts of potassium and cause a spike in the substrate EC. The day following a potassium bicarbonate application, a leaching irrigation with clear water is required to restore the nutrient balance (the ratio of K:Ca:Mg) and lower the EC level. As always, remember to recheck your substrate pH to determine if reapplications are needed.
Flowable lime
- Use 1 to 2 quarts per 100 gallons of water.
- Rinse foliage.
- Avoid damage to your injector by using rates of 2 quarts per 100 gal of water, or less.
- Can split applications.
- Mix 1 pound in 3 to 5 gallons of WARM water. Mix twice. Let settle. Decant liquid and apply through injector at 1:15.
- Caustic (rinse foliage ASAP and avoid skin contact).
- Use 2 pounds per 100 gallons of water.
- Rinse foliage ASAP.
- Provides 933 ppm K
- Leach heavily the following day with a complete fertilizer to reduce EC levels and restore nutrient balance.
- Rates greater than 2 pounds per 100 gallons of water can cause phytotoxicity!
- Ball GrowerFacts. 2017. Fuchsia Bellinto. http://www.ballseed.com/QuickCulture/CultureList/
- Dole, J.M. and H.F. Wilkins. 2005. Floriculture: Principles and species. 2nd ed. Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, N.J.
- Ecke Ranch. 2011. Fuchsia. http://www.ecke.com/annuals/tech-help/fuchsia/
- Yates, R. 2012. Fuchsia Culture. Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies. http://www.griffins.com/pdf/Fuchsia%20Culture.pdf