How to Care for a Bougainvillea Tropical Plant

Bougainvillea in Bloom

The bougainvillea is a flowering spiny bushy plant that can grow as high as 13 feet. A native of coastal Brazil, it is tropical, drought tolerant and grows well in poor soil. Bougainvillea thrives outdoors in areas with low rainfall and intense heat. It can be planted in gardens or kept in containers or pots. The plant should not be overwatered. With a thin and delicate root system, it is important to carefully monitor water intake for maximum plant health and to avoid root rot.

Things You'll Need

• Plant fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Plant or place potted bougainvillea in full sunlight. At least five hours of direct sunlight daily is needed for maximum bloom of flowers.

2. Water thoroughly when soil is visibly dry. Wilting and drooping foliage indicates that the plant is too dry and needs watering.

3. Fertilize regularly during the flowering season, which is usually in the cooler months. A fertilizer high in iron is recommended as the mineral strengthens roots and encourages blooms.

4. Prune with pruning shears for maximum blooming. Bougainvilleas need a hardy cut after a flowering cycle or at the start of the area's rainy season.

5. Remove soft tips of young stems. Use fingers to pinch off approximately 1/2-inch of new growth. This will enable multiple new stems to grow and encourages fuller plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove any trays or saucers from pots or containers so plants don't sit in standing water. Potted bougainvilleas need to have unobstructed drainage holes so that the water can drain away from the roots. Cover garden bougainvillea with sheets or blankets and bring potted bougainvillea inside during cold weather. Frost can severely damage or kill the plants.

• Do not plant or keep bougainvillea in water retaining soil as it can cause root rot. Caterpillars are attracted to new growth on bougainvillea. See your local gardening center expert for the proper way to rid the plants of the pests, if necessary.

References

• Bougainvillea Growers International
• University of Florida

Resources

• HortChat.com
• PlantCare.com