How to Grow Bougainvillea? A Complete Guide to Care Methods

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

Soil: The soil for growing bougainvillea can be made by mixing leaf mold, garden soil and sand at a ratio of 4:4:2; Light: It needs plenty of light during the growing season, and at least 8 hours of light in winter; Temperature: 15-30°C, not lower than 5°C in winter; Water: Do not water until the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do, begin restricting water from September; Fertilizing: Fertilize once every half month during the flowering period.

1. Soil

Bougainvillea needs loose, well-draining soil, and the soil should be loosened continuously during the growing period to prevent it from caking. It struggles to survive in alkaline, sticky soil, so a mix of leaf mold, garden soil and sand at a ratio of 4:4:2 is generally used for cultivation, or dried pond mud with some coal briquette cinders added as a growing medium. Its root system is well developed, so repotting once a year is recommended.

2. Light

Bougainvillea originates from Africa and is a light-loving plant, requiring plenty of light during the growing season, otherwise the plant will grow weak. In winter it should be placed at a south-facing window with at least 8 hours of light, otherwise it tends to drop its leaves. During the winter dormant period it is not sensitive to light, so light can be reduced.

3. Temperature

Bougainvillea likes warmth and light, with an optimal growing temperature of 15-30°C. In summer it can tolerate high temperatures of around 35°C, but when the temperature is too high, water should be sprayed and ventilation provided promptly. In winter it should be kept no lower than 5°C, otherwise it will be forced into dormancy.

4. Water

When watering, "do not water until the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do." Water should be restricted before flowering; begin controlling watering from September, and wait until the soil in the pot is dry and the branches and leaves droop softly before watering, then resume normal watering after half a month. During the water-restriction period, do not fertilize.

5. Fertilizing

During the peak growing season from April to July, fertilize once every 7-10 days, using 10-20% decomposed soybean cake or rapeseed cake water, or diluted human waste water. After August, use mainly phosphorus fertilizer, applying once every 10 days, with 20% decomposed chicken, duck or pigeon manure and fish scraps as liquid fertilizer. From the flowering period in October onward, fertilize once every half month.