Why the leaves of Bougainvillea are wilted
Bougainvillea, as a highly ornamental tropical flower, often puzzles gardening enthusiasts when its leaves suddenly wilt and fall off. This article will analyze four typical causes from a professional perspective, along with corresponding rescue solutions, to help your Bougainvillea recover its lush vitality.
One: Leaf drop caused by water imbalance
Symptoms of water deficiency
When the potting soil is in a dry state for a long time, Bougainvillea will activate its self-protection mechanism, giving priority to the water supply of the main stem, which is manifested by the lower leaves turning yellow and curling first, and falling off when touched. Prolonged water deficiency can lead to the shedding of all leaves, but the branches remain fresh.
Scientific watering plan
Use the pot immersion method to allow the soil to absorb water completely, and then maintain the soil moisture at around 60%. Water every 3-5 days in spring and autumn, twice a day in summer morning and evening, and control water to once every 10 days in winter. It is recommended to use an intelligent pot with a humidity meter for real-time monitoring.
Two: Yellow leaves caused by insufficient light
Light environment requirements
Bougainvillea is a strong positive plant that requires more than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Long-term placement in a shaded environment can lead to thin and brittle leaves, hinder the synthesis of chlorophyll, and cause extensive yellowing and shedding, especially more obvious in seasons with large temperature differences.
Light adjustment skills
In spring, autumn, and winter, full-day exposure is possible, while in summer, 30% shading is required at noon. It is recommended to use a rotating flower stand to adjust the light angle regularly, and the use of plant growth lights can effectively improve the quality of light in winter.
Three: Root burn treatment due to excessive fertilization
Identification of fertilizer injury characteristics
Excessive fertilization can lead to an excessive EC value in the soil, causing brown rot spots on the roots, initially manifested as leaf margin burn and then the whole leaf wilting and falling off. Unripe organic fertilizer can produce harmful gases such as methane, accelerating leaf shedding.
Root repair steps
Immediately remove the pot and rinse the roots, prune the blackened and rotten parts, and soak in a solution of carbendazim for disinfection. Use a new mixture of vermiculite + perlite (3:1) as the growing medium, stop fertilizing during the slow seedling period, and apply a 2000-fold diluted liquid seaweed fertilizer after new buds sprout.
Four: Emergency treatment for sudden temperature changes
Temperature sensitive period
When the day and night temperature difference exceeds 10℃ or encounters a low temperature below 5℃, the plant will have a stress response, manifested as sudden leaf wilting and shedding. The period before and after heating in winter in the northern region is a high-incidence period of leaf shedding.
Environmental regulation plan
Keep the maintenance environment temperature between 15-28℃, use foam boxes to wrap the pots for insulation, and monitor with a temperature and humidity meter. Avoid frequent changes in plant position during the transition season and adapt to the environment through progressive relocation.
By scientifically diagnosing the cause of leaf shedding in Bougainvillea and taking targeted measures, combined with regular pruning, reasonable fertilization, and other daily maintenance, your Bougainvillea will sprout new buds within 1-2 months. It is recommended to use a leaf moisture meter every month to check the plant's condition, discover and intervene early, and keep this tropical charm in your home.