Bougainvillea Growing Methods and Pruning Tips: Two Prunings Are Key

SummaryEnvironment: Likes a sunny environment. Temperature: Likes a warm growing environment, with the temperature ideally above 10 degrees. Soil: Likes loose, fertile soil. Pot selection: Choose a shallow pot as much as possible to help with drainage. Watering: Water sparingly; once you water, water thoroughly in one go. Fertilizing: Likes phosphorus fertilizer, apply small amounts frequently. Pruning: Prune once after the flowering period, and prune once before winter.

1. Environment

Bougainvillea loves a sunny environment; the longer the sunlight exposure, the better the bougainvillea will bloom. Conversely, it will bloom very little or not at all.

2. Temperature

Bougainvillea is suitable for planting in the warm south. It is very intolerant of cold, and in winter it easily loses its leaves due to freezing weather. It grows very well in warm regions such as Guangdong and Hainan where it is warm all year round. Of course, it can also be grown in the north, but in more northern areas you must pay special attention to keeping it warm, and try to keep the ambient temperature above 10 degrees.

3. Soil

Bougainvillea likes loose, fertile acidic soil. This kind of soil has strong breathability and permeability, and does not easily become waterlogged.

4. Pot Selection

When choosing a pot for bougainvillea, the size depends on the size of the branches, but it does not need a very deep pot. Choose a shallower pot as much as possible, because a shallow pot allows water to seep through faster when watering, which helps with drainage.

5. Watering

Bougainvillea is drought-tolerant and does not need frequent watering. As long as the soil in the pot has not caked together, there is no need to water. But if watering is needed, water it thoroughly in one go as much as possible. Especially during the flowering period, in order to ensure continuous blooming, it needs a great deal of water, so during the flowering period it needs more watering than usual to ensure there is enough moisture in the pot.

6. Fertilizing

Bougainvillea likes fertilizer, especially phosphorus fertilizer, but during the flowering period it does not need fertilizing. Therefore, except during the flowering period, it should basically be fertilized once every 5-7 days, following the principle of small amounts applied frequently.

7. Pruning

Bougainvillea can be pruned freely, but pruning should also be done according to the season. When pruning, generally choose to prune after the flowering period and before the start of winter. When pruning, be sure to pay attention to the cleanliness and sharpness of the tools. In addition, after cutting, the wounds need to be disinfected, and the plant needs careful care. By no means should you fertilize during this period.

Post-bloom pruning can adjust the plant's shape without affecting the beauty of the flowering period, and can also nicely remove the spent flowers. At this time the whole plant needs to be pruned, which can make the next flowering period arrive earlier.

Winter pruning is done because bougainvillea is generally in its dormant period in winter, and in winter it grows very slowly. At this time, carry out small-scale pruning, cutting off all the old branches, which can reduce the size of the plant and prevent a large number of branches from being frostbitten by the cold winter weather.