I have had a real problem with botrytis on fuchsias this past year. Much has been learned. That's how it is with growing - trial and error - almost despair, at times. However, I noticed last winter that certain pots remained completely free of this disease. Why? Because I didn't need to water them. The compost surface dried out, leaving sufficient water down below to last a few months.
WETNESS OF COMPOST
The pots were given the maximum amount of water before October (when botrytis really became a problem due to colder temperatures), but the compost surface had enough time to dry out. The plant roots, as they grew, could then access water deeper in the compost. This way, these pots did not need to be watered again till growth recommenced the following year. And even if they did, they could be watered from the bottom by standing in a saucer of water for a few minutes.
This really worked last year. It was those pots that I didn't water in time - and so were left with a wet surface - which suffered.
COMPOST TURNS SOUR?
Many will tell you that wet compost turns sour. Yes it does. But, in my opinion, this only happens when it is too wet and consequently deprived of air. Adding some perlite and/or grit will help control this.
HOW MUCH WATER?
The limiting factor as to how much water can be given is the plant(s) itself. Fuchsia roots cannot tolerate over-wet conditions for long periods. So you need to give as much as you can without drowning the plant. Only experience can help here.
DON'T WATER TOO SOON
It is surprising how dry a compost can become before it affects fuchsias. In fact, they positively thrive on a drier one. But not TOO dry - otherwise the roots will shrink and cause permanent damage. It's a very narrow margin, but one that is worth discovering if you want to grow fuchsias well.
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