Dear fellow gardener, is your bougainvillea already in full bloom, so beautiful it takes your breath away? But did you know that to keep your bougainvillea in its best condition during the flowering period, watering is a crucial detail? Today, let me explain in detail how to water your bougainvillea while it's flowering, to help it bloom even more spectacularly!
1. During the flowering season, water moderately
During the flowering period, bougainvillea's demand for water is indeed higher than usual. At this time, you should give it a bit more water. But remember, "a bit more" doesn't mean flooding the pot with all the water at once. Instead, keep the soil slightly more moist than usual, maintaining a state of slight dampness.
2. Watering frequency, a gradual approach
Although bougainvillea needs more water when flowering, the watering frequency should also be adjusted gradually. For example, you can water every five days before the flower buds show color. Once the buds begin to show color, you can water every four days. This way, you can meet the needs of the flower's growth without causing root rot from overwatering.
3. Are flower buds falling off due to too much or too little water?
Dear fellow gardener, if your bougainvillea is dropping flower buds during its flowering period, you should check if there's a problem with your watering. If it's due to underwatering, the soil will become very dry, and the bougainvillea will shed its buds to protect itself. If it's due to overwatering, the soil will become too wet, leading to root hypoxia. This weakens the roots' ability to absorb nutrients and water, which also causes flower and bud drop.
4. Ventilation and moisture evaporation are importantTo prevent flower and bud drop after blooming, in addition to regular watering, remember to ensure good ventilation after each watering. Allow excess moisture in the soil to evaporate for at least three hours to promote healthy growth of the bougainvillea.
5. For indoor care, stop mistingIf your bougainvillea is kept indoors, you should stop misting the leaves once the flower buds begin to show color. Lingering water droplets on the buds and flowers can cause them to wilt prematurely. If the air in your area is very dry, you can mist the surrounding area, but try to avoid leaving water droplets on the buds and flowers.
6. For outdoor bougainvillea, be careful on rainy daysIf your bougainvillea is grown outdoors, occasional rain is fine. However, during prolonged periods of rainy weather, it's best to move it to a sheltered place where it won't get drenched. This is especially true for double-petaled varieties, as the buds and flowers are prone to rotting after being rained on, which severely impacts their ornamental value.
Dear fellow gardener, there's quite a bit to learn about watering bougainvillea during its flowering season! Master these few tips, and I'm sure your bougainvillea will bloom even more brilliantly, taking your breath away! Give them a try and let your bougainvillea become a stunning centerpiece in your home!