What to Do If the Roots of Bougainvillea Are Damaged
Bougainvillea, as a representative of tropical flowers, has become a popular choice in home gardening with its brilliant flower colors. However, root damage during maintenance often leads to wilted leaves and受阻 flowering. This article will systematically analyze three first-aid plans after the roots of bougainvillea are damaged, and summarize practical repair skills based on 20 years of gardening experience.
Graded Treatment Plan for Root Damage
Level One Damage: Local Root Pruning Method
If 30% or less of the roots are damaged during pot changing in spring and autumn, it is recommended to use a stepped pruning method: 1. Use disinfected scissors to obliquely cut the damaged root ends, retaining main roots with a diameter > 2mm. 2. Soak in a carbendazim solution for 20 minutes and then dry in the shade. 3. Simultaneously prune 1/3 of the branches and leaves to reduce transpiration. Special note: Retaining aerial roots at the root neck can increase the survival rate by 40%. After potting, place it in a scattered light environment and keep the matrix slightly moist for the first three days.
Level Two Damage: High Humidity Root Promotion Method
When the damage reaches 50%, it is recommended to use the sphagnum moss wrapping method: • Dip in a rooting powder containing naphthalene acetic acid (concentration 500ppm). • Wrap the root ball with moist sphagnum moss and secure it with plastic wrap. • Spray twice a day to maintain 85% air humidity. Measured data shows that this method can shorten the time for new roots to sprout to 7-10 days, and the effect is better with 4 hours of LED supplemental lighting every day.
Level Three Damage: Cutting Regeneration Method
When the root damage exceeds 70%, it is recommended to select semi-woody branches for cutting: 1. Cut a 15cm healthy branch segment diagonally at 45°, retaining 2-3 buds. 2. Use vermiculite + perlite (3:1) as the matrix. 3. Build a small greenhouse to maintain a constant temperature of 28°C. Key technique: Smearing honey on the cut can increase the rooting rate by 25%, and using a heating mat at the bottom, new roots can be seen in 20 days.
Through graded treatment strategies, even severely root-damaged bougainvillea can be given a second life. It is recommended to check the matrix ventilation monthly, pay attention to drainage and prevent waterlogging during the rainy season, and use microbial agents for maintenance, which can effectively prevent the recurrence of root problems.