Why do the colors of bougainvillea flowers fade as they bloom?
A small tip for life: This article introduces the reason why the colors of bougainvillea flowers fade as they bloom and some gardening knowledge about the correct care methods to make bougainvillea flowers more vibrant. Next, let our website editor introduce this to you.
Bougainvillea is a very popular variety of flowers among gardening enthusiasts in recent years. Its flowers are very unique, with petals that resemble leaves in shape, hence it is also known as the "leaf flower." Bougainvillea has a tree-like shape, grows vigorously, and has a particularly strong blooming ability, blooming continuously throughout the year (it needs to be placed in a warm room during winter to bloom). The number of flowers it produces is also very high.
Recently, the platform has received messages from gardening enthusiasts, saying that after their bougainvillea has bloomed a few times, the subsequent flowers have become increasingly lighter in color. Why do the flowers of the same bougainvillea plant fade with each bloom? Let's talk about this issue today.
Reason 1: Insufficient light, only leaves grow without flowers
Bougainvillea is a strong positive flower, which requires a high amount of light, preferably full-day sun exposure throughout the year. Most flowering plants fear high temperatures and strong sunlight and need to be placed in a semi-shaded area for sun protection in summer, or they will get sunburned.
However, the bougainvillea variety is very special. Both the growth of branches and leaves and the development of flower buds require high temperatures and strong sunlight. The hotter the weather and the more intense the sun, the better it grows. If the bougainvillea is placed in a dark area, the plant will not receive enough sunlight and will only grow leaves without flowers, and even if it manages to produce a few flower buds, the color of the flowers will become lighter.
Why do the colors of bougainvillea flowers fade as they bloom?
Solution
Summer is the peak blooming season for bougainvillea, so it is essential to place the pot in a well-lit area. Gardening enthusiasts with conditions should place the pot outdoors for full-day sun exposure. If it can only be kept indoors, then place the pot on a south-facing balcony or windowsill where there is good sunlight, ensuring at least 4 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Reason 2: Insufficient fertilizer
Gardeners who have been growing bougainvillea for a long time know that it grows very fast, with branches that can reach over 2 meters in length and over a hundred flowers when in full bloom. Such rapid growth and large number of flowers require a significant amount of nutrients. Therefore, many gardening enthusiasts have given bougainvillea the nickname "fertilizer basket," which needs continuous fertilization to supplement nutrients to keep it healthy. Once the plant lacks nutrition, the growth rate and number of flowers will decrease immediately, and the flowers that bloom will become lighter due to insufficient nutrient nourishment.
Solution
Before flower buds appear on the bougainvillea branches, use solid fertilizers with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements, such as compound fertilizers or decomposed organic fertilizers. Apply a small amount of fertilizer every 1-2 months, buried in the soil or evenly scattered on the soil surface.