The best varieties to use are the Encliandras which have tiny flowers. I do not wire at all, as I find it almost impossible, but also it is much easier to just clip and grow. Soil was mentioned, and whilst I only use Akadama for my trees, I have found that it is not suitable for fuchsias. I am not sure why, but it could be that they need much more moisture than most plants and Akadama is too free draining.
Geoff.

Hopefully. It will be in a nursery pot for another season, but it should still flower this Spring with any luck. It's an experiment with "urban yamadori", so we'll see what happens..

Thanks Geoff. Have you tried Kanuma mixed with organic? I think Fuchsia should do well in Kanuma because of its acidity. I use it for my Azaleas and they do very well.

I use Kanuma for Satsukis, but I think it does not hold enough moisture for Fuchsias. I haver not tried it with organic, I use a peat based for my fuchsias, and I don't have any grown as bonsai. I am not able to keep them going during the winter, I have lost so many that I start again each spring with new plants

I think I'll experiment with an organic soil amendment like sphagnum peat to help retain moisture, with Kanuma for the Fuchsia. Thanks.

My container grown Fuchsias do OK in roughly 4:1 general potting (multipurpose) compost & vermiculite. I haven't heard that they prefer an acid soil like Azaleas though, that's new to me

Dave

I agree, I don't think they do. And the compost you suggest is about right

I didn't realize they were acid loving either until I did some research. Here are a few links that list them as such:

www.gardeningatoz.com/acid-loving-plants.htm

www.plantea.com/pH.htm

www.mweb.co.za/gardening/articles.aspx?view=a0001.htm

Rudy

Well, can't argue with the internet, although after 30 years of Fuchsia growing I remain unconvinced ...

Dave

I know what you mean, and I only included a few of the gardening links that supported the findings. But, with all the advances that have been made in the sciences, agriculture included, it doesn't surprise me. And then technology makes sure we know about it. It's sometimes hard to keep up. Like I said, it's an experiment for me, but the results from a more acidic fertilizer have thus far been excellent. I did end up wiring the bush / tree yesterday, so I'll post a couple photos later today.

Rudy