Caring for bougainvillea is truly a delightful experience! Its vibrant, colorful flowers and evergreen leaves make it an excellent choice for home decoration. However, to keep your bougainvillea in its best condition and ensure continuous blooming, fertilization is absolutely key. So, what kind of fertilizer is best for bougainvillea? Let me reveal the details for you!
1. Bougainvillea's Nutritional Requirements
Bougainvillea, a beauty from the tropical rainforest, has high nutritional needs! It requires sufficient nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow lush and bloom profusely. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, phosphorus is crucial for flower bud differentiation and blooming, and potassium enhances the plant's disease resistance and flower quality.
2. The Best Fertilizer Types for Bougainvillea
1. Organic Fertilizers: This is a favorite for bougainvillea! Well-rotted chicken manure, sheep manure, cow manure, and other farmyard manures are excellent choices. They are rich in various nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and can also improve soil structure and fertility. Remember to apply 3-5 kilograms per square meter, evenly spreading it at the bottom of the planting hole and thoroughly mixing it with the soil.
2. Slow-Release Fertilizer: This type of fertilizer slowly releases nutrients over an extended period, meeting the needs of bougainvillea during its initial growth stage. A slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 14-14-14 is suitable, applying 10-20 grams per plant. The amount can be adjusted according to the plant's size and the size of the planting container.
3. Inorganic Fertilizers: Inorganic fertilizers such as compound fertilizers, urea, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate contain high concentrations of nutrients and have a fast-acting effect, but their duration is relatively shorter. When using them, be sure to control the application rate to avoid over-fertilization, which can burn the roots.
4. Specialized Fertilizers: There are also specialized fertilizers on the market specifically for bougainvillea and other flowering plants. They contain balanced amounts of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, have a moderate effect, and are easy to use.
3. How to Apply Fertilizer Correctly
1. Timing: The fertilization schedule for bougainvillea should be determined by its growth stage and seasonal changes. During the growing season, apply fertilizer every 15-20 days. During the blooming period, increase the amount of phosphorus fertilizer. During the winter dormant period, reduce the amount of fertilizer or stop fertilizing altogether.
2. Amount: The amount of fertilizer should be adjusted according to the plant's size, growth condition, and the type of fertilizer.
3. Method: When applying fertilizer, do not place it directly on the roots. You can dilute it with water and apply it along the edge of the pot. Applying it too close to the roots can cause root burn.
4. Special Precautions for Fertilizing Bougainvillea1. Timing: Applying fast-acting fertilizer one month before the blooming period is more beneficial for flowering. Stop all fertilization once flower buds appear.
2. Fertilizer Choice: Bougainvillea mainly requires phosphorus. Too much nitrogen can affect its ability to bloom.
3. Frequency: To encourage more blooms, it is essential to fertilize correctly and frequently.
4. Method: Fertilize when the potting soil is dry. Do not fertilize when the temperature is too high, and especially avoid it during strong midday sun.
5. Misconceptions: Bougainvillea is prone to leggy growth and can also tolerate poor soil. Some people believe that over-fertilizing leads to leggy growth and difficulty in blooming, or that because it can tolerate poor soil, it requires little or no fertilizer. This is a misconception. Bougainvillea is quite tolerant of fertilization and has high demands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Fertilizing is the key to successfully growing bougainvillea. I hope this article helps you better understand how to fertilize your bougainvillea, so it can be covered in flowers and become a beautiful addition to your home!