How to Take Cuttings From Bougainvillea Vines

Grow bougainvillea as a vine or shrub.

Bougainvilleas thrive in warm climates, producing an endless display of color. What appear to be the plaint's flowers are actually modified leaves or bracts, which surround the tiny blossoms. Start a new bougainvillea plant by taking a cutting from an existing or parent plant, rooting the cutting and eventually planting the cutting in soil. When taking a cutting from an existing plant, always use sanitized blades, to avoid spreading plant diseases or infections.

Things You'll Need

• 5-inch pot with drainage hole
• Vermiculite
• Rooting hormone
• Knife

Instructions

1. Fill the pot with coarse vermiculite.

2. Cut a 4- to 6-inch stem tip from the bougainvillea plant with a clean blade. Select a healthy stem from the current year's growth. Take the cutting during the summer.

3. Remove leaves from the lower half of the stem.

4. Dip the trimmed end of the cutting in rooting medium, to encourage root growth.

5. Insert the cut end of the stem into the vermiculite at a slight angle, several inches deep.

6. Water the container, and keep it slightly moist. The cutting needs a warm environment to survive.

References

• "Flowering Shrubs"; James Crockett; 1972
• Clemson University Extension: Bougainvillea
• University of Florida Extension: Bougainvillea--A Robust and Spectacular Climbing Vine
• University of California at Davis Extension: Growing Bougainvillea as a Flowering Pot Plant