What to Do If Bougainvillea Only Grows Leaves but No Flowers
Bougainvillea is loved for its brilliant flower display, but many gardening enthusiasts often face the problem of lush foliage with no blooming. This phenomenon is closely related to the details of daily maintenance. This article will systematically analyze from light management to pruning techniques to help you recreate a vibrant sea of flowers.
I. Light Control Solutions
1.1 The Impact of Insufficient Light
Bougainvillea is a typical positive plant, and less than 6 hours of daily sunlight can lead to excessive leaf growth and the inability to form flower buds. Experimental data shows that under 25°C conditions, a continuous period of overcast and rainy weather for more than 10 days can reduce the flowering rate by 60%.
1.2 Scientific Supplemental Lighting Methods
Ensure full sunlight in spring and summer, and 8 hours of direct sunlight in autumn and winter. For north-facing balconies, it is recommended to install supplemental lights, with a distance of 50cm from the plant and exposure for 4 hours/day. Be careful to avoid scorching the tender leaves with strong midday sunlight.
II. Root System Maintenance System
2.1 Judging the Timing for Repotting
Repotting is needed when the roots extend out of the drainage hole or the potting soil dries out within 3 days. Use a ceramic pot with a diameter 5cm larger than the original one, and the survival rate can reach 95% when repotting in spring.
2.2 Optimization of Substrate Formula
Prepare a mixture of decomposed leaf soil, coarse sand, and perlite in a ratio of 5:3:2, and add 5g of bone meal per liter of soil. After repotting, water thoroughly to settle the roots and place the plant in a scattered light area for 7 days to recover.
III. Water and Fertilizer协同 Management
3.1 Techniques for Water Control to Promote Flowering
Implement a dry-wet cycle during the flower bud differentiation period (45 days before budding): water thoroughly after the leaves slightly wilt, and repeat 3 times. Combined with spraying 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, the flower quantity can be increased by 40%.
3.2 Precision Fertilizing Plan
Apply a compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (15-30-15) at 2g/pot during the growing period, and switch to high-phosphorus fertilizer before the flowering period. Avoid using uncomposted organic fertilizer to prevent root burning.
IV. Systematic Pruning Strategies
4.1 Seasonal Pruning
Keep 3-5 main branches in spring, leaving 2-3 buds on each branch; after flowering, cut off the 3 nodes below the remaining flowers. Use a 45-degree oblique cutting method, with the cut edge 0.5cm away from the bud.
4.2 Key Points for Shaping Pruning
Perform reduction pruning on the overly long branches to maintain good ventilation and light penetration. Renew 1/3 of the old branches every year, which can double the density of flowering.
By following the above four-dimensional maintenance methods and combining them with regular observations, over 90% of bougainvilleas can rebloom within 60 days. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, recording data such as light duration and fertilizing cycles, to gradually form a personalized maintenance plan.