Potted bougainvillea: everything you need to know to grow a pretty plant

1Bougainvillea is a plant that is known for its magnificent flowering. It is used very often to embellish facades and gardens. If you want to add color to your monochromatic walls, do not hesitate to plant your bougainvillea in a pot. Do not wait any longer to consult the tips and advice on how to plant and care for this pretty plant.

Page content

Be aware, first of all, that the bougainvillea can be grown as a shrub or a climbing plant. Thus, it can reach 5 meters in height. Note that it needs sun and warmth. So, remember to install the plant in a sunny place and sheltered from the winds. Remember that it requires a lot of humidity. This is why it must be installed outdoors. However, if the temperatures drop below 8°C, it must be brought inside. It is better to do this even before the first autumn frosts. To do this, you should keep it cool, as it is not a houseplant.

Tips and tricks on how to care for a potted bougainvillea

Cutting – bougainvillea

The ideal time to take cuttings for your bougainvillea is at the end of summer (August and September).

The procedure:

1. Cut a branch for cuttings and prune it 10 to 15 cm.
2. Leaf the branch. Don't forget to leave 2-3 leaves on the upper part.
3. Fill a pot (about 12 cm) with cuttings compost.
4. Plant three stems in it.
5. Then, place the pot in a warm and humid place (on a sunny terrace or on the edge of a window. But note that you should avoid places in full sun).
< li>Water so that the soil is slightly moist.

Take into account that rooting takes 2-3 weeks.

Cutting the potted bougainvillea

Tips on how to plant a bougainvillea in a pot

In areas where temperatures drop below 0°C, it is better to plant the bougainvillea in a pot. This way, you can bring it in before the first frosts in autumn. The plan requires a special soil for flowering plants. Remember to put a draining layer of clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot. The latter must be drilled at the bottom and have a diameter and a height of 30 cm.

Fertilizer for bougainvillea

The right fertilizer for bougainvillea is rich in potassium, phosphate and calcium. Being rich in these elements, banana peel is, indeed, a natural fertilizer that can optimize the development of your plant. Note, however, that the bananas must be from organic agricultural production. Wood ash can also be used as a natural fertilizer thanks to the nutritious characteristics it possesses. In addition, the ashes protect the plant from diseases. Also, plant manure and the use of organic compost have benefits for bougainvillea.

Natural Fertilizer Ideas

Repotting – bougainvillea

Consider repotting your plant in the spring in a pot with a larger diameter than the previous one. Thus, the bougainvillea could flourish.

Watering – potted bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is very drought resistant. What's more, the less it is watered, the more it blooms. But, note that during the growth period regular and abundant watering is essential (at least the first two years). Be careful not to flood it anyway. Space out the waterings, because the soil must dry out before doing so. Also note that as soon as flowering ends, the plant should be watered once a month.

How to prune a bougainvillea?

Trimming the plant is not absolutely essential. If you decide to do this, be careful not to prune the bougainvillea too harshly. It is better to opt for a light and progressive pruning over the years. The optimal time for pruning is the end of winter. Trim branches that are too long, giving your plant a bushy shape. Remember to renew the vegetation, removing an old branch each year. Also note that faded flowers should be removed. If you opt for the tree form, you have the option of giving your bougainvillea the bonsai form. To do this, do not hesitate to consult this video for more details how to do it.

Prune the potted bougainvillea to have a pretty tree

Flowering – bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is covered in bright colors from May to November. The foliage of the plant is persistent and the flowering – very varied and abundant – from white and orange to purple, passing through yellow.

How to hang a bougainvillea?

Being, in fact, a vine, the bougainvillea tends to climb. So, it is not difficult to have a facade embellished by this pretty plant. Planted in the ground, it climbs more naturally. But it is possible to make it climb when it is in a pot. All he needs is a support he can climb up against and a large enough pot.

Have a beautiful facade, by hanging the bougainvillea on it

How to keep a bougainvillea in winter?

To protect your bougainvillea from frost and cold, you must provide it with an unheated place where temperatures are above 10°C. The place should be well lit too. Water if the soil is deeply dry.

Why does the bougainvillea lose its leaves?

One of the reasons may be excess water. When bougainvilleas are watered too often or heavily, they begin to shed their foliage. The attack of parasites can prove to be the cause of a loss of the leaves of the plant. A drastic change in exposure or a drafty installation can also cause your bougainvillea to lose its feathers. Note that in winter it is normal if the leaves fall. On the other hand, in summer it can be due to a lack of light. So consider placing the plant in a brighter spot.

How do you know if a bougainvillea is dead?

Even if your plant looks dead, it may not be. You have to observe the stem and the roots to find parts that can be saved. If you find such a cutting or stem, do not delay in taking care of it. Repot the plant, adding fertilizer. Water and wait a few days for the first signs of life.

The right location is vital for the good development of the plant

Bougainvillea in a pot – care and maintenance

This pretty plant loves sun and humidity

The orange bougainvillea in full bloom

The plant offers the colors of the sunset

Bougainvillea in a pot – maintenance