How to make bougainvillea bloom in winter
This article provides insights into the experience of nurturing bougainvillea to bloom profusely in winter and the techniques for caring for bougainvillea in bloom during the winter season. Please refer to the detailed introduction below.
Bougainvillea, native to Brazil, was introduced to China in the last century. Its flowers are very unique, with petals that resemble leaves in shape, hence also known as leaf flowers. Bougainvillea not only grows vigorously but also has excellent blooming capabilities, capable of blooming repeatedly in multiple seasons. The blooming quantity is also substantial; just one bougainvillea plant can yield a sea of flowers, making it highly favored by flower enthusiasts.
Bougainvillea has good resistance and rarely gets sick, making it an easy-care lazy person's flower. However, since bougainvillea is a warm-loving plant, considerable effort is needed to achieve a blooming explosion in indoor bougainvillea during winter. After entering winter, learning to prune correctly is the first step in caring for bougainvillea, followed by aspects like lighting and watering. If pruning is not done properly, even the best daily care will not yield flowers.
Bring indoors as soon as possible
Bougainvillea is native to the warm regions of Brazil and does not tolerate cold well. Apart from the special hot regions like Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan, bougainvillea in most areas cannot survive outdoors during winter. When the temperature approaches 10 degrees, it is essential to bring the outdoor bougainvillea indoors to avoid frost damage to its branches. Now, with the beginning of November and the start of the winter solstice, temperatures are already very low, so those who haven't brought their bougainvillea indoors should do so immediately.
Because bougainvillea is sensitive to low temperatures, watering after entering winter should also be cautious. Water from the tap should not be used immediately; let it sit for a while until the water temperature matches the room temperature before watering. The best time to water is at noon when the temperature is higher.
How to make bougainvillea bloom in winter
How to prune bougainvillea?
Caring for bougainvillea after entering winter involves knowing how to 'cut' before 'caring.' The answer to how to prune bougainvillea is not universal. We prune to help the plant grow and bloom, but the growth status of bougainvillea varies from one enthusiast to another. Different pruning methods apply to different growth stages.
Bougainvillea bought online
Many enthusiasts now prefer to buy bougainvillea online. With the relatively low temperatures in autumn and winter, it's convenient to buy and then repot at home. The young plants bought online may sustain some damage to their branches and leaves during transportation, and they need time to adapt to the new environment upon arrival, which can affect later growth if not pruned.
For these online-purchased young plants, we should inspect them as a whole. Remove damaged branches, withered flowers, and残叶. Then, proceed with repotting and care.
Pruning before bringing indoors
Before bringing the outdoor bougainvillea indoors, a simple pruning is also needed. Remove yellow leaves, sick leaves, dead branches, and weak branches. Long branches should be shortened, and dense branches thinned out.