Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea Care

Bougainvillea

What is the plant

This gorgeous and bright plant is called a flowering machine because it grows quickly and produces many flowers. It is perfect for decorating your garden.

Bougainvillea comes from Central and South America, and it's commonly cultivated in South Florida, Arizona, South Texas, and Southern California. Sometimes it's called Paper Flower. We can qualify this beautiful plant as a representative of the Nyctaginaceae family.

Bougainvillea can grow anywhere from 8 to 30 feet (2.5 to 9 meters), depending on the species or variety.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

2°C - 15°C

Hardiness zone

9b - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water the plant when the top layer of soil dries. Bougainvillea likes abundant deep watering; that is, pour water until it flows through the drainage holes.
Pruning
Bougainvillea needs pruning for the best growth, so prune the plant in late winter to give it an attractive shape. You need to remove weak twigs and water shoots. Use only clean garden shears or secateurs for pruning.
Fertilizer
Fertilize Bougainvillea twice a month during the flowering period, choosing a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer mixed with water in a proportion of 1:1.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Bougainvillea likes the sun, so you can grow it outside or in pots on a south-facing windowsill. Ensure the plant receives a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, as more rays mean more blooms.
Soil
Choose well-drained soil that does not contain a lot of peat moss, which holds water; otherwise, root rot can occur. You can use soil for palms or cacti.
Propagation
It is best to do it in the spring. You will need 6 inches (15 cm) long cuttings to propagate the plant. Dip the cut branches in hormone powder for rooting and then in moistened soil. Place the cuttings under bright light and maintain a temperature of 75°F (24°C).

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Temperature
This plant does not tolerate cold well, so ensure the temperature does not drop below 30°F (-1°C). Older Bougainvillea bushes can survive a few nights of light frost but not an extended period.
Container
Choose a container with drain holes, or there is a high risk that your Bougainvillea will die from root rot. Pot material doesn't matter much, but this plant looks beautiful trailing out of a hanging basket. While repotting, be careful with its thing roots.
Fun fact
Bougainvillea means passion in the language of flowers. It also stands for welcoming visitors, peace, and free trade in some countries.