The little internet star of the gardening world—Bougainvillea, aren't you captivated by its brilliant flowers? To make this "paper flower" even more beautiful under your care, fertilization is key! Today, let me give you a detailed explanation on how to fertilize Bougainvillea, so that your Bougainvillea can bloom all year round with lush green leaves!
I. The "Golden Rule" for Fertilizing Bougainvillea
1. Spring Flower Induction: Spring is the golden period for Bougainvillea growth, and its flowers begin to bloom. Starting from the end of March, begin to apply phosphate-based fertilizers, such as monopotassium phosphate or Hua Duo Duo No. 2, to make the flowers more vibrant. Remember, ensure sufficient sunlight while fertilizing for even more brilliant blooms!
2. Autumn Flower Induction: By August, Bougainvillea is ready to bloom again. At this time, you can control watering for 2 weeks, then start fertilizing. Again, use monopotassium phosphate or Hua Duo Duo No. 2, applying it every 7-10 days. In about 2 weeks, you will see flower buds!
3. Winter Flower Induction: Although Bougainvillea is semi-dormant in winter, if you have indoor heating and the temperature is above 10°C, you can still fertilize normally. At this time, you can continue to use monopotassium phosphate or Hua Duo Duo No. 2, ensuring sufficient light, and it can even bloom in winter!
II. The "Three Treasures" for Fertilizing Bougainvillea
1. Base Fertilizer: Base fertilizer is the foundation of Bougainvillea's growth, applied during planting or repotting to provide continuous nutrients for its long-term development. There are two common types of base fertilizer: organic fertilizer and slow-release fertilizer.
- Organic Fertilizer: Well-rotted chicken, sheep, or cow manure are excellent choices. Apply 3-5 kilograms per square meter, evenly spreading it at the bottom of the planting hole and thoroughly mixing it with the soil. These fertilizers not only provide comprehensive nutrition for Bougainvillea but also make the soil richer and more breathable.
- Slow-Release Fertilizer: Slow-release fertilizer can gradually release nutrients over a long period, meeting the needs of Bougainvillea in its initial growth stage. When planting, apply an appropriate amount of slow-release fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 14-14-14 into the soil according to the instructions, using 10-20 grams per plant.
2. Growth Fertilizer: During the initial and vigorous growth stages of Bougainvillea, the focus is on branch and leaf growth, so more nitrogen fertilizer is needed to promote lush foliage.
- Urea: Urea is a high-purity nitrogen fertilizer with a high nitrogen content, which can promote the growth of Bougainvillea's branches and leaves. You can dilute urea into a 0.1%-0.2% solution for foliar spraying, or bury urea granules in the soil 10-15 cm away from the plant roots at a rate of 5-10 grams per plant, applying it once or twice a month.
- Compound Fertilizer: Compound fertilizer contains multiple nutrient elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, providing comprehensive nutrition to promote the vegetative growth of Bougainvillea and making the plant more vigorous.
3. Flower Bud Differentiation Fertilizer: During the flower bud differentiation stage of Bougainvillea, it is necessary to increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
- Monopotassium Phosphate: Monopotassium phosphate is a high-quality phosphorus and potassium fertilizer with high phosphorus and potassium content. It can be mixed with water to create a 0.2% solution for watering.
III. "Precautions" for Fertilizing Bougainvillea
1. Fertilization Time: Applying fast-acting fertilizer one month before the flowering period is more conducive to blooming. Stop all fertilization once flower buds appear.
2. Fertilization Amount: Bougainvillea mainly requires phosphate fertilizer. If the nitrogen content is too high, it will affect its flowering. The amount of fertilizer should be adjusted according to the plant size and growth stage.
3. Fertilization Method: After fertilizing, water the plant promptly to maintain sufficient moisture in the soil, which can help the plant's roots quickly absorb nutrients from the soil.
4. Light: Bougainvillea loves sunlight. Insufficient light during the growing season can lead to weak plant growth, affecting bud formation and flowering. Therefore, except for newly potted seedlings which should be placed in partial shade initially, the plant should receive ample light all year round.
5. Temperature: In winter, Bougainvillea should be placed in front of a south-facing window, and the light duration must not be less than 8 hours, otherwise it is prone to heavy leaf drop.
After all this, have you learned it? As long as you follow these methods, your Bougainvillea will become more and more beautiful! Come and give it a try, and let your Bougainvillea become a bright and beautiful sight in your home!