How to Fertilize Bougainvillea During Blooming Period
As the most representative ornamental plant in the South China region, bougainvillea's bloom period of up to half a year always brings a visual feast. To extend the blooming period and improve the quality of flowers, scientific fertilization management is particularly crucial. This article will systematically analyze fertilization strategies and fertilizer ratios starting from the law of nutrient supply during the blooming period.
Three Principles of Fertilizing Bougainvillea During Blooming Period
1. Principle of Light and Frequent Fertilization
During the blooming period of bougainvillea, metabolism is vigorous. It is recommended to use a 1:1500 diluted potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, combining foliar spray and root irrigation, and replenishing every 7-10 days. Special attention should be paid to reducing nitrogen fertilizer at the initial stage of flowering (the bud coloring stage) to avoid excessive growth of branches and leaves consuming nutrients.
2. Combination of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers
Completely fermented rice washing water (with a pH of around 6.5) is rich in B vitamins and can be alternated with chemical fertilizers. It needs to be diluted with water at a ratio of 1:5 when used, avoiding irrigation during the high-temperature noon, and not exceeding 2 times per month.
3. Principle of Environmental Adaptation
When the temperature exceeds 35℃ or the humidity is greater than 80%, fertilization should be suspended. For potted plants, it is recommended to use ceramic stones for mulching, which can both retain water and prevent fertilizer damage.
Guide to Using Three Types of Special Fertilizers
Orange Peel Ferment Fertilizer
Chopped fresh orange peels are mixed with water at a ratio of 1:3 and fermented for 15 days to form an acidic liquid fertilizer (pH 5.8-6.2) rich in vitamin C and aromatic substances. Using it in the middle of the blooming period can extend the blooming period of a single flower by 3-5 days. Note that it needs to be filtered and diluted with water by 50% before use.
Golden Ratio of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate
It is recommended to choose food-grade raw materials and configure it at a standard of 1 gram per 1.5 liters of water. When spraying, focus on the back of the leaves, and combining it with a 0.1% boric acid solution (once a month) can enhance the saturation of the flower color.
Microbial Fertilizer
After the blooming period, buried application of EM bacteria-fermented soy cake fertilizer can reserve nutrients for the next blooming. The amount for each pot (with a diameter of 30cm) should be controlled between 100-150 grams, and combined with loose soil to improve fertilizer utilization.
Through scientific fertilization management, bougainvillea can achieve an ornamental effect of over 200 days per year. The key is to grasp the fertilization rhythm of 'supplementing phosphorus before flowering, potassium during flowering, and nitrogen after flowering', and adjust flexibly according to the plant's growth. Properly maintained bougainvillea can maintain an ornamental period of 25-35 days for each inflorescence, truly becoming an 'blooming machine' on the balcony.