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another overwintering question
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Posted by noinwi z3 (My Page) on Wed, Oct 5, 05 at 19:59
| I have done a search and read the FAQ's, but still have a question. I just rescued 2 fuchias that my neighbors threw outside. I have overwintered fuchias outdoors before, but in a warmer zone. I'm now in z3 and live in a small apartment. I have no cool place to put the plants...no garage, no greenhouse. The building is very warm all the time. Can I keep my new charges alive in a hot dry(electric heat)apartment until spring? I would like to try, and I could use some expert advice. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: another overwintering question
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Hi Noinwi,
Of course you can try :)trouble is indoor dry heat and lack of outdoor light will be inclined to make them grow tall and straggly. Cut them back to four inches from soil level, re-pot into smaller pots, just so the roots fit nicely in the pot, remove any thick brown roots and leave as many of the smaller white roots as possible. Place, if possible on a window sill with good light, but not if there is a radiator underneath the window sill. Keep just moist, not soaking wet. When new growth appears, let 2 pairs of leaves grow on a stem and then pinch out the growing tip, keep doing this through the winter, to try and create a bushy shape and to avoid too much 'legginess' - Kath :) |
RE: another overwintering question
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| Do as Kath suggests, in addition I would suggest that you stand the re-potted plant in a small saucer and then place this saucer in a larger saucer or tray containing a layer of moist gravel or sand, this should provide the necessary humidity. |
RE: another overwintering question
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| Ditto to both the above comments and additionally a light spray with clean tepid water now and again wouldn't go amiss, also don't forget to turn the plant at least once a week, preferably twice. Tight..... |
RE: another overwintering question
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| Thank you all. I have repotted the fucshias...they were thrown out into the grass without their pots(poor things!). I basically grabbed the 2 broken-up rootballs and stuffed each one into a 32oz yogurt container(with drain holes)as they were all I had handy. Our only window here is large and west facing, but has a baseboard heater below the full length of it. However, every lamp and light socket in the apartment has a compact fluorescent bulb in it. I will put them on a table near a lamp and follow your instructions as best I can. Thank you again. |
RE: another overwintering question
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| Say, where in Wisconsin are you? I always overwinter my fuschias indoors and they do great here in northern Wisconsin--be happy to share insights. |
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