How do bougainvillea get through the winter?
Bougainvillea, known as the "tropical queen of flowers," is deeply loved by flower friends for its colorful bracts and tenacious vitality. But when cold winter comes, this tropical flower will face a severe test. Mastering scientific overwintering management skills will allow your bougainvillea to regain its full bloom in the spring of the coming year. 1. Preparation and temperature control before winter 1.1 Controlling the temperature critical point When the temperature continues to fall below 8℃, bougainvillea will enter a dormant state. It is recommended to complete the basin transfer before the first frost. The northern region needs to enter the house before mid-October, and the southern region can adjust according to the actual temperature. It is recommended to maintain the indoor maintenance temperature at 12-18℃, and the temperature difference between day and night should not exceed 5℃. 1.2 Special cold-proof measures For courtyard plants that cannot be transplanted, triple protection can be adopted: the outer layer is wrapped in a non-woven insulation sleeve, the middle layer is filled with straw, and the inner layer is wrapped with cold-proof film. Select a period of high noon temperatures to remove the outer layer for ventilation for 2 hours every week to avoid excessive humidity causing mildew. 2. Scientific management of lighting and ventilation 2.1 Daylighting optimization plan should ensure 4-6 hours of direct light per day in winter. It is recommended to place it in a south-facing bay window or closed balcony. Using a reflector can increase the light utilization rate by 30%, and turning the flowerpot 180 degrees every two weeks to ensure uniform light reception. 2.2 Air circulation control selects windows for ventilation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on clear weather, and opens windows for 30-45 minutes each time. When using a circulating fan, set a low speed gear and keep a distance of more than 1 meter away from the plant to avoid direct cold air blowing. 3. Advanced skills in water and fertilizer management 3.1 The precise water control method adopts the "knuckle detection method": insert the index finger into the second knuckle of the soil. If it feels moist, there is no need to water it. In winter, the watering frequency should be controlled at 15-20 days per time, and the water temperature should be consistent with the ambient temperature. It is recommended to use dried tap water. 3.2 Nutrient replenishment strategy completely stops fertilization from December to February of the following year, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1000-fold dilution) can be applied for recovery stimulation in early March. It is particularly recommended to add decomposed sheep manure organic fertilizer, which can not only provide slow-release nutrients, but also improve soil structure. 4. Response plans for special circumstances do not panic if leaf falls occur. This is the plant's self-protection mechanism. Falling leaves should be cleaned up in time to check whether the root system is rotten. For frozen plants, gradually warm up the temperature and spray brassinolide (0.01% concentration) to promote recovery.
Through careful management of temperature, light, water and fertilizer, and regular observation of plant conditions, even zero-basic flower friends can allow bougainvillea to survive the winter safely. Remember that moderate "cold exercise"(maintaining at around 10℃ for 1-2 weeks) can actually enhance plant resistance and lay the foundation for blooming in the coming year.