Bougainvillea Plant Care: How To Grow These Flowering Vines

With some of the most beautiful spring flowers, the Bougainvillea plant is a showstopper when it comes to spring gardening. The vibrant and woody flowering vines of the Bougainvillea plant can be a great addition to any vertical garden. Though prominent in spring, this beautiful and exotic plant can bloom for most of the year based on your local climate.

Moreover, growing this colorful plant is easy as Bougainvillea plant care is pretty basic, and with the right care instructions you can grow this gorgeous plant easily in your garden. So let’s dive into the world of flora and learn how to grow and care for the amazing Bougainvillea plant.

What Is The Bougainvillea Plant?

The Bougainvillea plant is a beautiful woody and thorny flowering vine, but depending on the variety this plant can be in containers, as ground covers, in tree-like form, and even as bonsai. This plant is known for its papery, bright bracts that surround a cluster of tiny flowers and blend well with its dark green leaves. Moreover, these vibrant flowers come in a variety of colors such as pink, purple, apricot, yellow, red, and more.

Frost-free conditions are perfect for Bougainvillea plant care, therefore, this plant is a common site in hot countries. Native to Brazil it is commonly sold as houseplants, however, different varieties of Bougainvillea can be grown as bushes. This plant can grow up to 2 metres in height but you can opt for some dwarf varieties as well that can grow well as potted plants.

Bougainvillea Plant Care

Growing and caring for the Bougainvillea plant is easy as long as you can provide the plant with these basic needs –

Watering

The Bougainvillea plant can’t tolerate being in standing water. Nonetheless, this plant needs a moderate amount of water to produce its vibrant blooms. And once established this plant is fairly drought-tolerant. A well-draining soil can help prevent common problems such as root rot.

Therefore, for better Bougainvillea plant care, it is recommended to water the plant regularly until it is established (that can take 1-2 years).

Light

Bougainvillea is a full-sun-loving plant as it is necessary for the production of its showy flowers. At least 6 hours of daily sunlight is recommended for this beautiful plant. Growing this plant against a warm wall can keep heat away from your house and will also benefit the plant as it loves heat.

Soil

Since this plant is susceptible to root rot, for better Bougainvillea plant care use a well-draining soil. The preferred soil types for this plant are sandy or loamy, however, this plant can tolerate a variety of soil types. A slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.0 can be beneficial. Moreover, to avoid your plants being in standing water plant them at a height.

Temperature & Humidity

The Bougainvillea plant thrives in warm environments as it is native to Southern America. Therefore, if grown in pots it is recommended to bring these plants indoors in winter. As for the humidity, keeping the Bougainvillea plant on the drier side is ideal. The major concern for this plant is the amount of rain it receives, therefore using well-draining soil can’t be emphasized enough.

Fertilizing

The large production of blooms makes Bougainvillea heavy feeders and if your soil isn’t rich in nutrients it is preferred to fertilize the plant regularly. Use a fertilizer suitable for flowering shrubs and apply it twice a year to keep your Bougainvillea plant healthy and happy.

Pruning

For better Bougainvillea plant care pruning is a necessary task. To keep your plant’s growth in check it is necessary to prune them. Prune your Bougainvillea plant by trimming dead or damaged branches. Protect yourself from the sharp thorns of this woody vine by wearing gloves.

Use sharp pruning tools to remove branches that have grown too long and far out. Pruning the plant promotes more blooms as the Bougainvillea flowers on new growth. Also, make sure to clean and remove all the dead branches that have been trimmed after pruning to prevent diseases and pests.

Repotting

Here are the steps that you can follow to repot your Bougainvillea plant –

• While repotting your Bougainvillea plant make sure to use well-draining and nutrient-rich soil and a container that is slightly larger than the old one and with drainage holes.
• Remove the plant gently from its pot and make sure not to damage the roots, loosen the roots first. And place it in a new pot with the same level of soil as the old one.
• Fill the gap around the root ball by adding a fresh potting mix.
• Water the plant thoroughly after repotting to help it get settled in its new pot.

Propagating Bougainvillea Plant

This plant can be propagated through cutting. However, propagating some varieties of Bougainvillea is illegal. So make sure to double-check that before propagating. Once that cleared up, propagating this plant is easy –

• Select a healthy branch (at least 6-8 inches long) with several nodes. And cut it using a sharp and clean tool. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the branch.
• Apply rooting hormone to the cut and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Make sure to bury the stem at least 2 nodes deep.
• Water the soil thoroughly but avoid over-watering and place the plant in a warm and bright place away from direct sunlight.
• You can cover the plant with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Also, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist.
• Check for root growth after a few weeks. Once the roots have developed you can shift the cutting into a larger pot or directly to the garden.

Common Problems With Bougainvillea Plant

Even though this plant is quite hardy and easy to grow, there are some common problems with it that you must know about –

• Lack of Blooms – The Bougainvillea plant may lack blooms if it is not receiving enough water or sunlight. So make sure to provide the right amount of both and pruning can also encourage more flowers.
• Wilting and Yellowing – Wilting of leaves can be caused by either over or under-watering and yellowing of leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiency.
• Pests – Many common plant pests such as aphids and whiteflies can affect this plant. Therefore, for better Bougainvillea plant care regularly check the plant for any signs of pest infestation and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of pests.
• Diseases – Bougainvillea is also susceptible to some common plant diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Both can be avoided by not overwatering the plant and keeping the humidity levels to a minimum. Moreover, fungicides can be used to treat such diseases in plants.

Conclusion

Bougainvillea plant care is fairly easy when you know the basic needs of the plant. Growing this beautiful plant in your garden or home can add a splash of colors, possibly all year round. The Bougainvillea plant is available in many varieties and you can select from the one that is well-suited for you. To know more about plant care and how to grow different varieties of plants, download the Plantora app and explore the world of plants. With Plantora you can easily identify and grow a variety of plants at home.

FAQs

How can I get my Bougainvillea to flower more?

Lots of sunlight and the right amount of water will result in more blooms in your Bougainvillea plant. Moreover, feed the plant regularly with a balanced and nutrition-rich fertilizer.

Can I grow Bougainvillea in pots?

Yes, you can grow the Bougainvillea plant in pots as this plant enjoys crowded roots, so there is a better chance of it thriving in pots.

How do I keep Bougainvillea blooming?

Consistent care such as regular watering, daily sunlight, occasional pruning, and feeding can keep your Bougainvillea blooming all year long.