Where Is the Main Producing Area of Bougainvillea? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Bougainvillea is also known as triangle flower, paper flower, ninefold kudzu, and baojin. It likes a high-temperature and humid environment and strong light. So, where is the main producing area of bougainvillea? What cultivation methods and precautions are there for bougainvillea?

1. Where is the main producing area of bougainvillea?

Bougainvillea is native to South America. In the 1950s, botanical gardens in the southern provinces of the mainland and exhibition greenhouses in major northern cities gradually introduced and cultivated bougainvillea in large quantities. At present, it is commonly cultivated throughout the country and is widely used for landscape arrangements such as indoor balconies, windowsills, and public place decoration. Bougainvillea has also become an ornamental flowering shrub that is deeply loved by residents and widely used in various places.

It is cultivated in all parts of China. It is also the city flower of more than ten cities at home and abroad, including Sanya and Haikou in Hainan; Beihai and Wuzhou in Guangxi; Sanming and Xiamen in Fujian; Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Huizhou, and Jiangmen in Guangdong; and Pingtung in Taiwan, China.

2. Cultivation Methods for Bougainvillea

1. Water control to promote flowering: Bougainvillea especially likes strong light and high temperatures, is not afraid of scorching sun, has low water requirements, and only needs the potting soil to remain moist. In autumn and winter, be sure to control water for 1 month, keeping it half dry and half moist; even if green leaves fall, it does not matter. Water control is instead beneficial for flowering. This is why home-grown bougainvillea often shows the pattern of “frequent care brings no flowers, lazy care brings continuous flowers.”

2. Root pruning for rejuvenation requires water control: Bougainvillea is vigorous, has strong sprouting ability, and is especially tolerant of pruning. Regular pruning and shaping can make its branches numerous and flowers abundant. It should be noted that it has the unusual habit of first sprouting buds and growing branches and roots. When repotting and pruning the roots of old potted plants, do not water immediately; water thoroughly once two days later. After that, keep it moderately moist. After the new buds and stems have basically grown out, gradually switch to normal watering and place it in a spot with ample sunlight at a temperature of about 25°C.

3. Overwintering requires heat preservation and water control: Bougainvillea likes warmth, is not cold-tolerant, and avoids waterlogging, so attention must be paid to winter heat preservation and water control. In winter, keep the temperature above 7°C, otherwise it will freeze and die. Once the temperature drops sharply, the plant will shed a large number of leaves; at this time, do not water too much. It should be placed in an environment of 10°C to 15°C and watered about once every 10 days. Wait until next spring when buds sprout and leaves grow, then gradually increase the amount of watering. Otherwise, it will cause root rot and death.

3. Precautions for Cultivating Bougainvillea

1. Bougainvillea is a light-loving plant. Whether potted or planted in the ground, it needs ample sunlight. Plants treated with strong sunlight have shorter internodes, fuller growth, more flowers, deeper flower color, and a longer flowering period. Insufficient light will cause new branches to grow weakly, leaves to become dull, and few or no flowers.

2. For bougainvillea bonsai, rectangular or oval purple clay pottery pots or glazed pottery pots are often chosen. The color should not be too dark, so as to set off the brilliance of the bougainvillea bracts. The potting soil should be nutrient soil rich in humus, loose, and well-drained. Choose a period in spring when the temperature is relatively stable for potting.

3. After the autumn temperature becomes cool, reduce the supply of water and fertilizer, just keep the potting soil moist, and ensure sufficient light. When the temperature drops to about 10°C, it should be moved promptly indoors to a sunny place or to a sunny spot on an enclosed balcony for cultivation. Because indoor air humidity is relatively low, spray water on its leaves and surroundings frequently to increase air humidity.

4. Bougainvillea is not cold-tolerant, and when the winter temperature is below about 7°C, it will shed leaves. However, if leaves fall in winter, after the spring temperature rises, it will sprout leaves and grow again, but the growth will not be good. Therefore, the winter room temperature is best kept at about 10°C. In winter, bougainvillea should be placed by a windowsill with ample light, and different water and fertilizer management should be carried out according to different temperatures. Spray water on its surroundings several times a day to increase air humidity.