How to properly care for bougainvillea and what precautions should be taken
An introduction to the green plant and flower care aspects of how to properly care for bougainvillea and the tricks to make it bloom frequently, with the editor introducing the following information to netizens.
Bougainvillea is a woody vine-like shrub of the Nyctaginaceae family, also known as paper flower, cardinal climber, nineveh, three-leaf rose, Chinese paper flower, bougainvillea, triangle flower, etc. The flowering period can last from November to June of the following year. In the cities of South and Southwest China, bougainvillea is an important ornamental tree for urban greening, usually planted along walls for climbing growth. In the transition from winter to spring, the hanging branches of bougainvillea produce beautiful red and purple flowers, which are very beautiful. Additionally, bougainvillea can be cultivated as a flowering hedge, which is also very quaint. Bougainvillea comes in various colors such as bright red, orange, purple, and white, with high ornamental value. What issues should be considered when caring for bougainvillea? However, bougainvillea requires proper care to thrive and produce beautiful, vibrant flowers. In this article, we will explore the issues to be aware of when caring for bougainvillea, including fertilization, watering, pruning, and lighting.
Firstly, the selection of the pot for planting bougainvillea: you need to prepare a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot of the bougainvillea. Bougainvillea grows vigorously and requires a wide planting pot, as its roots quickly fill the entire pot. Therefore, pots with a diameter of 27 centimeters or more are usually used for potted bougainvillea. Terra cotta pots are best for growing bougainvillea, while ceramic pots can only be used as outer pots. Soak the pot in clean water for 24 hours before use to let the pot absorb enough water.
Secondly, pay attention to the selection and preparation of the potting soil for bougainvillea. The soil for bougainvillea should be loose, with good drainage and water retention. The potting soil for potted bougainvillea is made up of 50% decomposed leaf soil or peat soil, 25% garden soil, and 25% sand.
How to properly care for bougainvillea and what precautions should be taken
Thirdly, issues to consider when potting: first, place broken tiles at the bottom of the pot to filter water, then add a layer of potting soil, mix in an appropriate amount of bone meal and decomposed cake fertilizer, then place the rooted cuttings of bougainvillea in the center of the pot, ensuring the roots are spread out. Fill the soil to half the pot, gently shake the plant to settle the soil, and avoid planting too deep. Keeping the rootstock level with the pot opening is sufficient. Planting too shallowly affects survival, and too deeply affects the growth of bougainvillea after transplanting. After planting, water thoroughly. After planting, care for the plant in a shaded environment for a week, then move it to a sunny location once the roots have recovered.
Fourthly, fertilization is key to the healthy growth of bougainvillea. During the growing season, bougainvillea requires a lot of nutrition to support its rapid growth. Therefore, we need to fertilize it regularly. Generally, apply nitrogen fertilizer once a week during the growing season and add 2-3 times of phosphorus fertilizer during the flowering period. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers, which can delay the compaction of the potting soil.
Fifthly, watering is another important aspect of caring for bougainvillea. We need to maintain the moisture of the soil but not overwater. If the soil is too moist, it can cause root rot, affecting the growth of bougainvillea. Therefore, we need to master the right watering technique. Bougainvillea requires a lot of water, especially in summer. Insufficient water supply can cause leaf drop, so water in the morning and evening. In spring and autumn, water when the soil is dry in the afternoon. In winter, when the plant is dormant, control watering. After flowering, reduce watering to prevent leaf drop and root rot.
Sixthly, lighting is another key factor for the healthy growth of bougainvillea. It needs plenty of sunlight to synthesize the nutrients it needs. Therefore, we need to place it in a sunny location to ensure it gets enough light. However, also be careful to avoid direct strong sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
Seventhly, pruning is necessary every year. Potted bougainvillea is usually pruned into a dome shape, with many branches and dense flowers to form a full canopy. After the flowering period and before new growth, pruning can be done to remove dense branches, inner branches, and suckers.
Eighthly, repotting is necessary as bougainvillea grows vigorously. The plant should be repotted every 1-2 years to create a good potting environment for its continuous growth. As the roots quickly fill the pot, the soil becomes compacted, and the nutrients in the soil are largely depleted, causing the flowers to become smaller and fewer. To avoid affecting the growth and development of the plant, potted bougainvillea usually needs to be repotted every year. This involves replacing the small pot with a larger one and replacing the old, nutrient-depleted soil with fresh, nutrient-rich soil. The purpose of repotting is to create a good potting environment for continuous growth, which helps maintain soil aeration, drainage, water retention, and nutrient retention to meet the nutrient needs of bougainvillea for growth and flowering.
In summary, there are many issues to consider when caring for bougainvillea, including fertilization, watering, pruning, and lighting. We need to master the correct methods to make the plant thrive. I hope this article can help readers care for their own bougainvillea better.
The specific introduction to how to properly care for bougainvillea and the tricks to make it bloom frequently shared above is for reference by netizens.