Detailed Guide to Softwood Cutting Propagation of Bougainvillea: Easily Master the Propagation Technique

Potted bougainvillea has extremely high ornamental value, and young plants are generally propagated by cuttings. However, bougainvillea cuttings can be taken either as hardwood cuttings or softwood cuttings. In a previous article, the editor shared with you the hardwood cutting technique for bougainvillea. Today, the editor will continue to share with you the softwood cutting method for bougainvillea.

Bougainvillea not only has a wide variety of cultivars, but also features brilliant flowers and green leaves, and is tolerant of drought and high temperatures, so it is very suitable for placement on balconies and other spots with relatively abundant light for care and management. Since bougainvillea propagates easily from cuttings with a high survival rate, we generally use cuttings to propagate it.

I. Cutting Time

Bougainvillea cuttings are generally taken in spring, though of course they can also be taken in summer and autumn, and even in winter. As long as the temperature environment is suitable, cutting propagation can generally be carried out in all four seasons, but spring cuttings give the best results.

II. Preparing the Cuttings

Since bougainvillea branches bear sharp thorns, you should generally wear gloves when cutting branches, but you still need to be careful to avoid pricking your skin. For the cuttings used in softwood propagation, generally cut branches that face the sun, but do not cut those overly tender branches that have just sprouted; semi-lignified branches are better as cuttings.

III. Treating the Cuttings

To increase the survival rate of the cuttings and speed up rooting and sprouting, it is recommended to prepare some rooting powder or rooting solution in advance. If using rooting powder, you can directly dip the end to be planted into the powder; if using rooting solution, you can soak the end to be planted in it for a while. This will greatly improve the branch's sprouting ability and achieve rapid rooting.

IV. Preparing the Substrate

After preparing the flower pot, we also need to prepare the cutting substrate in advance; the original requirement is generally that the substrate be loose, breathable and well-draining. Clean suitable materials, vermiculite, perlite, peat soil, etc. are often used, and even plain sand will do. If you feel there are too many choices and do not know where to start, then it is recommended to use plain sand and perlite.

V. The Cutting Process

First, make a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot, then pour the cutting substrate into the pot, carefully bury the cuttings into the substrate, leaving only the leaves on the cuttings exposed. But if inserting multiple cuttings, be careful to keep distance between them, especially not too dense; the density should be moderate.

After completing the cuttings, to retain moisture, you can cover the pot surface with a layer of plastic film, and be sure to leave holes in the film for ventilation. Finally, place the pot in a spot not exposed to direct sunlight for care and management, and during this period, spray water on the plastic film at appropriate times to retain moisture.

VI. Care and Management

Generally, after about 1 week of care following cutting, you can pull open the plastic wrap to let the bougainvillea cuttings breathe some fresh outside air. At the same time, observe the dry and wet state of the potting soil, give water as appropriate, and you can also mist the cuttings to retain moisture, then cover the plastic film again. Generally after 1 month, we can remove the plastic film, because by then the bougainvillea cuttings have already survived. After that, normal care and management can be resumed.