Cultivation methods and common problems of Bougainvillea
This article introduces the knowledge of Bougainvillea cultivation, including its cultivation methods and common problems. Let's take a look together.
Bougainvillea is also known as triangle flower, leaf flower, paperflower, or cardinal flower. The flowering period is from July to October, but it can bloom all year round if the temperature is suitable. The three outer bracts of the Bougainvillea petals are leaf-like. It thrives in a high-humidity and high-temperature natural environment, prefers strong sunlight, and grows best at temperatures between 25-30%.
Bougainvillea flowers are unique and beautiful, covering the branches when in bloom. They require a distinct light source and will wither and drop flowers in semi-shaded conditions, making it suitable only for display on sunny balconies or outdoor shelves.
The following sections will discuss how to cultivate Bougainvillea from aspects such as soil selection, watering methods, fertilizing methods, light and temperature requirements, pruning methods, propagation methods, flowering period control, and common problems.
1. Soil Selection
The cultivation soil for Bougainvillea consists of soil, sheep manure, humus, and sand, with additional bone meal added during planting. Planting should ensure the Bougainvillea is upright, with the cultivation soil filled and watered. During the planting process, it is necessary to pinch the tips frequently to create a bushy and shorter plant shape, and a trellis can be set up to allow the Bougainvillea to climb.
Home cultivation soil recipe for Bougainvillea: Potting soil : Humus : Sand = 5 : 3 : 2; Peat : Humus : Sand : Ceramics = 5 : 2 : 2 : 1.
2. Watering Methods
Bougainvillea requires a large amount of water, especially during the hot summer season. Insufficient water can cause leaf wilt and affect growth and flowering. Therefore, during the summer flowering period, water twice a day, once in the morning and once after 4 PM. After the flowers fade, reduce watering slightly; overly wet soil can cause leaf wilt and root rot. In winter, control watering, and only water when the potting soil is dry. However, 4-5 weeks before flowering, reduce watering, i.e., water only after the leaves or tender leaves are relaxed, which is beneficial for flower bud differentiation and formation.
Bougainvillea prefers humid soil and is afraid of waterlogging. In spring, as the growth momentum accelerates, daily watering is required, and frequently sprinkling water on the leaves and around the plant can increase the humidity of the air. Insufficient humidity can easily cause leaf wilt. With many leaves, the plant consumes a lot of water in summer, so it's best to water once in the morning and once in the evening to keep the soil moist and increase the frequency of sprinkling water on the leaves. In autumn, after the temperature cools down, maintaining the moisture of the potting soil is sufficient. In late autumn, winter, and early spring, when the temperature is low (around 10℃), reduce watering to keep the potting soil slightly dry. However, if the indoor temperature is maintained above 15℃, more watering is needed to keep the soil moist.
3. Fertilizing Methods
Bougainvillea enjoys fertilizer. After the spring weather warms up, apply a base fertilizer every 10-15 days, and during the growing season, apply cake liquid fertilizer once a week, with several phosphorus-potassium fertilizers applied during the flowering period. Reduce the amount of fertilizer after the autumn cooldown, and stop fertilizing in winter. During the hot growing and flowering season, spray 1000 times the concentration of monopotassium phosphate solution 2-3 times or apply 1000 times the concentration of "Flower More" general-purpose fertilizer every 10 days.
Stop fertilizing after the autumn cooldown. In late autumn, winter, and early spring, when the temperature is low, do not fertilize. However, if the temperature is above 15℃, apply liquid fertilizer once a month.
Bougainvillea is sensitive to urea. Improper fertilization can cause lush leaves with few flowers, so caution is needed when applying urea.
In spring, after the flowers fade, it is the nutrient growth period for Bougainvillea, and urea can be applied once every week. This not only compensates for the plant's consumption after flowering but also promotes the growth of new branches, laying a good foundation for reproductive growth.
In summer, apply a thin layer of liquid fertilizer and, if conditions allow, use a 0.2-0.3% monopotassium phosphate solution for leaf fertilization every two weeks. During the early stage of leaf and branch growth, apply urea once to promote growth.
4. Light and Temperature Requirements
Bougainvillea grows well at temperatures between 20-30℃, and it can easily suffer from cold and leaf wilt if the winter temperature is below 5℃.
Bougainvillea enjoys sunlight, and insufficient light during the growing season can cause the plant to weaken and affect flowering. In winter, it should be placed in a bright and sunny location, with at least 8 hours of sunlight a day, or it will easily shed many leaves.
5. Pruning Methods
Bougainvillea sheds many leaves and flowers during the flowering period, so pruning is necessary after flowering. Potted plants are often pruned into a round shape or tied into a design, with many branches and dense flowers to form a colorful plant. For ground planting, a trellis should be set up to allow the plant to climb. New branches should be pinched frequently. After repotting, some dense, blind, dry, and pest-infested branches should be pruned to promote the growth of many new branches. Pinching the tips in July and August can control growth and promote abundant flowering. For stems 5-6 years old, a short cut or heavy pruning should be done once.
6. Propagation Methods
Bougainvillea propagation mainly uses cutting, and for varieties that do not root easily, grafting or high-pressure propagation can be used.
Cutting: Generally, in June and July, after flowering, cut mature semi-woody stems, 10-15 cm long, dip the cutting tip in 20 mg/kg of IBA for an hour, then plant in sand or a misting bed. Under conditions of 21-25℃ and 80-90% humidity, roots will grow in about a month. Cuttings can also be done in a greenhouse from January to March.
7. Flowering Period Control
Mainly adjust the flowering period by controlling water to promote flowering. Select plants with full crowns and moderate growth, apply a growth fertilizer 10-15 days in advance, and then gradually reduce water. Generally, after 2-3 days, the leaves will wither and relax due to lack of water, then water to save the leaves and keep the surface of the potting soil moist. After 2-4 weeks, gradually turn the soil, water, and fertilize, and maintain a moist condition, supplemented by appropriate pruning, to return to normal management. When new branches with thorns and young bracts at the top appear, it is successful. Of course, to keep Bougainvillea flowering for a long time, it is also necessary to adjust sunlight and temperature and apply sufficient fertilizer.
The above is all the content about the cultivation methods and common problems of Bougainvillea. Green plant enthusiasts may refer to this for reference.