Is bougainvillea really suitable for growing in the north?
1. Reasons
Bougainvillea originates from Africa and is a plant that loves light and warmth; it can withstand high temperatures but not cold. North of the Qinling Mountains, bougainvillea must be cared for by hand, and it is best to keep it above 8-10°C. Below 8°C, without sufficient sunlight, it is difficult for it to survive. In places with a suitable climate, such as Hainan and Guangzhou, bougainvillea can be seen everywhere along the streets.
2. Planting methods
When planting in summer, you can wait until the potting soil is dry or the leaves wilt before watering; after repeating this for half a month to a month, normal watering is fine. Its suitable growing temperature is 15-30°C; if the high temperature exceeds 35°C, spray water or ventilate promptly. For winter cultivation, place it at a south-facing window indoors and ensure about 8 hours of light.
3. Precautions
When fertilizing, do not use only nitrogen fertilizer; applying more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can promote flowering and prevent excessive vegetative growth. Potted plants should be pruned regularly; before the flowering season each year, you can carry out three-way pruning, and the more side branches there are, the more flowers will bloom.