Bougainvillea, scientifically known as Bougainvillea spectabilis, is a creeping, evergreen tree that is native to South America. However, its crimson and pink-tinged flowers have made it popular across the world. Bougainvillea blooms in a wide variety of colors and shapes, including white, red, pink, and yellow, and has two types of petal arrangements: single and double. The flowers are densely held at the tips of all the branches of the tree, making it a beautiful mixture of flowers and leaves that can enhance the beauty of any home decor or home.
If you plant Bougainvillea directly in the ground, it does not require special care. However, taking care of Bougainvillea in pots is a little different. Let’s find out more about it.
Bougainvillea is a plant that thrives in sunny weather. Therefore, it is important to carefully select the right place and soil before planting it. Make sure to choose a location that receives sunlight throughout the day, as the more sun the plant gets, the better it will flower. Bougainvillea is particularly well-suited for growing on rooftops, as it loves the sun very much. If you plan to grow it in your balcony, ensure to place it in an area where it receives at least 4-5 hours of sunlight a day to enjoy its beautiful flowers.
2. Pot Selection:
When transplanting a plant into a pot, the first step is to choose the right size pot. Small plants should be planted in 8-inch pots, but after one and a half to two years, they should be moved to 12-inch or larger pots. It’s essential to check the drainage system to prevent water accumulation at the base of the plant. If there is no hole, make one, and ensure the soil is prepared to avoid water standing on the ground.
3. Soil preparation:
For Bougainvillea plants, soil preparation is crucial when transplanting them into pots. These plants can grow in almost any type of soil, but it’s best to use fertile loamy soil. Take two parts fertile loamy soil from the garden, one part cow dung (at least 6 months old) or 1-year-old leaf compost or vermicompost, a handful of crushed bones, a handful of horn shavings, and a spoonful of neemhol. Mix it with a little water and cover it with polythene for fifteen days. After 15 days, remove the soil from the polythene, dry it, and then use it.
4. Water Application:
Watering is essential for Bougainvillea plants. During the growth period (August-October), water should be given continuously, as this is when the tree starts spreading more leaves and branches. However, during the flowering period (January-July), water consumption should be moderate. Wet soil of garden luxuriant plants means that you will not see flowers like that. The best way to get plants to flower is to create a water deficit. So wait until the soil of the plant is completely dry and the leaves are drooping. In this way, if the plant is not stressed, it will flower. If you do this for 7 to 10 days, you will see that all the leaves of the tree have fallen and the tree is full of flowers. The tree should be watered regularly when the buds begin to appear, but only enough to keep it alive.
5. Temperature:
Bougainvillea is a plant that thrives in warm climates. It needs at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight a day to produce abundant flowers. However, in the late afternoon, the plant may not like the harsh light as it can match the petals. Extreme cold can also hinder the growth of this plant. Therefore, the ideal temperature for bougainvillea is 30 degrees Celsius.
6. Fertilizer application:
It is essential to fertilize bougainvillea plants once a month to promote abundant blooms. You can use organic manure or dry dung soaked in water and applied in liquid form. Two handfuls of cow dung, leaf compost, or vermicompost, a handful of crushed bones, a handful of horn shavings, a spoonful of nimkhal, and a spoonful of almond shells should be mixed and given at the base of the plant after removing all the leaves from the tree. Apply one spoon of urea after the plant has finished flowering. Repeat this process every 45 days.
For chemical fertilizers, mix TSP/DAP and MOP fertilizers with one teaspoon of fertilizer and water around the pot. Before winter, reduce the watering of the plant and mix dry neem shell powder and phosphate. Give this mixture in a small amount in the pot of the plant or around the soil.
7. Pest Control:
Bougainvillea is attacked by two types of insects, needleworm and greenfly. Spray soapy water on both sides of the leaves every 2/3 days until the insect is gone. If you see any insects, remove or kill them by hand-picking. To maintain a good tree, spray any insecticide once in 15 days and any fungicide once in 15 days during monsoon.
8. Pinching:
Pinching is essential to bring out the beauty of bougainvillea plants. When the plant starts growing in the tub, pinch its head as soon as the new branches are six to seven inches. This will make the plant bushier and increase the number of flowers.
9. Trimming:
Bougainvillea branches are decumbent, which means they lean downwards if not pruned. To keep this tree small or big, you can trim it regularly as needed. After two months, cut the branches of the tree to give it a beautiful shape. You can easily give this tree a beautiful shape with stainless wire.
10. Change the Soil:
When it comes to growing bougainvillea plants, it’s important to keep in mind a few key factors. Firstly, you should repot or change the soil of your plant every one and a half to two years. The ideal time for this is between July and August. During the repotting process, make sure to keep 75% of the tree’s roots intact while cutting away the remaining 25%. Be sure to cut any thick and long roots, but leave the smaller ones. You should also trim the thick branches of the tree after the monsoon season.
11. Breeding:
If you want to propagate your bougainvillea plant, cuttings can be taken from the trunk side of the plant between April and June. These cuttings should be larger than finger size (4/6 inch) and treated with root hormone before being planted in soil and covered with polythene. The cuttings should be transplanted into a tub after 1.5 to 2 months once they have taken root. Flowers will bloom on the plant about a year after planting.
Conclusion
Overall, bougainvillea plants are known for their beautiful and ornamental flowers that attract everyone’s attention. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your bougainvillea plant thrives and continues to provide stunning blooms.
