Can I fertilize during the blooming period of bougainvillea?
Bougainvillea, with its brilliant blooming period, has become a favorite of gardening enthusiasts, but the management of water and fertilizer during the blooming period directly affects the quality and观赏周期 of the flowers. Mastering scientific maintenance methods can bring out the best in bougainvillea during the blooming period.
I. Complete Guide to Fertilizing Bougainvillea During Blooming
1.1 Analysis of the Necessity of Fertilizing During the Blooming Period
Bougainvillea, although a plant that can tolerate poor soil, will consume a large amount of nutrients when continuously blooming. Experimental data show that the phosphorus and potassium elements consumed by a single bougainvillea plant during the blooming period are 2-3 times more than during the growing period. Scientific fertilization can extend the blooming period by 15-20 days.
1.2 Fertilizer Selection and Proportioning Plan
It is recommended to use a diluted potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (once a week) or decomposed rice washing water (once every 10 days), with an EC value controlled between 0.8-1.2 mS/cm. Avoid using fertilizers with high nitrogen content to prevent excessive leaf growth competing for nutrients.
1.3 Techniques for Handling Special Circumstances
When flower buds turn yellow and fall off, a 0.2% borax solution can be sprayed for emergency treatment. When applying solid fertilizers, they should be buried shallowly along the edge of the pot and away from the roots to avoid fertilizer damage.
II. Key Points for Water Management of Bougainvillea During Blooming
2.1 Criteria for Determining Watering Frequency
Use the "three-finger test": Insert the second phalanx of your finger into the soil, if the palm of your finger is not moist, then water. During the blooming period, maintain soil moisture between 40-60%, and it is recommended to keep the air humidity between 55%-65%.
2.2 Scientific Watering Operation Standards
Water in the early morning (6-8 a.m.) or in the evening (5-7 p.m.) during summer, with the water temperature difference from the ambient temperature not exceeding 5°C. Using the immersion pot method can avoid water冲击 flowers, and water thoroughly until water comes out of the bottom drainage hole of the pot.
2.3 Environmental Humidity Control Plan
Place a humidity meter next to the pot, when RH is less than 50%, an ultrasonic humidifier can be used to increase humidity. Keep the flower buds dry, and when spraying water, avoid the flowers and spray upwards at a 45-degree angle.
III. Comprehensive Maintenance Suggestions During the Blooming Period
Combine light and temperature management to maintain at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and a nighttime temperature not lower than 15°C. Timely pruning of spent flowers can save nutrients, and regular pot rotation ensures even light exposure. Through the coordinated management of water and fertilizer, the blooming period of bougainvillea can be extended to over 90 days.