A broken branch of bougainvillea by the roadside can be grown into bloom the next year

Bougainvillea, commonly known as paperflower, is widely cultivated in China. In the south it is mostly planted in courtyards or parks, while in the north it is mainly kept indoors. It is a very beautiful ornamental plant.

If you are planning to get a pot, you might as well learn now how to care for it.

1. Propagation method

Cuttage is a common propagation method for bougainvillea, and it roots very easily. In May and June, you can cut a 20cm-long woody branch from a friend's plant, insert it into a sand pot, cover it with glass, and keep it moist; it will take root and sprout within a month, and bloom the next year.

2. Soil conditions

Bougainvillea is afraid of waterlogging and is not tolerant of waterlogged conditions, so the growing medium should be a well-drained soil. Generally, households can use the following soil formulas: garden soil : leaf mold : sand = 5:3:2; peat soil : leaf mold : sand : perlite = 5:2:2:1.

3. Watering

During the flowering period, bougainvillea has a high demand for water; lack of water can easily cause leaf drop and affect flowering and growth. So in summer during the flowering period, you can spray water in the morning and water in the afternoon and evening, but at the same time the potting soil must not be too wet, to avoid root rot. In winter, control watering; do not water if the potting soil is not dry.

4. Fertilizing

During the growing period, bougainvillea needs fertilizer to supplement nutrients, so as not to affect normal growth. Generally, in May-June, apply 10%-15% cake fertilizer solution twice a month to promote the growth of spring shoots; in July-August, apply 10% cake fertilizer solution once every 2-3 weeks along with a small amount of superphosphate or a small amount of compound fertilizer solution. After the autumn temperature turns cooler, fertilization should be stopped.

5. Temperature

The optimum growing temperature for bougainvillea is 15-30 degrees; it is relatively tolerant of high temperatures in summer and not tolerant of cold in winter. When the summer temperature exceeds 35 degrees, cooling measures such as shading and spraying water should be taken; in winter it is recommended to move potted plants indoors and keep the temperature above 10 degrees for safe overwintering.

6. Light

Bougainvillea is a sun-loving flower and likes sunlight; during the growing period it should be ensured sufficient light, otherwise flowering will be affected. Try to give as much light as possible every day, keeping it above 8 hours.

7. Pruning

Bougainvillea grows branches and leaves relatively quickly, so it is necessary to prune it every year. The pruning time is generally chosen after flowering; promptly cut off spent flowers, dense branches, dry and dead branches, and diseased or weak branches, so as to encourage new buds.

Don't be afraid when you run into problems growing flowers. That tool where a person stands next to the globe, search for "Liuyi Potted Plants" and it will teach you how to grow flowers, so you can grow any flower!