Bougainvillea- a small genus of tropical and subtropical plants that came to us from South Africa. Botanists classify 14 species of evergreens in this genus, which are small trees, shrubs or vines with long flexible prickly creeping shoots. Bougainvillea has earned its popularity thanks to its lush, long-lasting flowering, which in its homeland and in countries with a similar climate can last all year.
Bougainvillea leaves can be smooth or pubescent (depending on the type of plant), but they are always characterized by an alternate arrangement on the stem. The flowers are inconspicuous, small, cream-colored, collected in racemes. The main decorative value is represented by the brightly colored perianths, whose texture resembles crumpled paper.
Features of growing bougainvillea
Bougainvillea domestica
When growing bougainvillea, do not forget about its heat-loving nature. In warm countries, the flower pleases with continuous flowering and does not have a dormant period, but it is not able to withstand temperatures below +5 ° C. In the subtropical regions of the Caucasus, the plant can sometimes be kept in open ground throughout the year, but even under these conditions preventive shelter is required.
In the middle zone, bougainvillea is a plant of closed ground and is grown in greenhouses, greenhouses and houses.
The flower adapts well to conditions that differ from natural ones. Indoor bougainvillea has a clearly defined dormant period and is not capable of continuous flowering, but with good care it can please the owner with bright colors several times a year. In summer, bougainvillea will feel great in the garden, on the balcony or terrace.
The plant can be called relatively unpretentious. Bougainvillea does not require special maintenance conditions, but it is necessary to know the rules of flower care in order to achieve maximum decorativeness. Even a novice gardener should not have any difficulty caring for the plant.
Proper planting is the main component of good growth and intensive flowering of bougainvillea.
There are 3 main components that should be considered when planting a plant:
- optimal soil composition;
- choosing the right pot;
- choosing a favorable time.
The most common practice is to plant plants in pots and tubs (depending on size).
When growing in a greenhouse, you can dig in plants with a flowerpot or simply plant them in the ground. In the latter case, bougainvillea grows very intensively for the first few years, but does not bloom.
Priming
To plant a plant, you need a nutritious but light substrate with good water and air permeability. You can simply use a universal soil mixture for flowering plants, which is available in any flower shop. But experienced gardeners prefer to prepare the substrate for planting themselves.
To do this take:
- leaf soil (2 parts);
- turf soil (2 parts);
- coarse sand (1 part);
- humus (1 part).
Important! As additional components, a small amount of vermiculite, clay, chalk, ash or other substances is sometimes added to the soil. Soil pH should be between 5.5 - 6.0.
In nature, bougainvillea often grows in a limited space, between stones, so for planting and subsequent transplants you need to choose a small pot. A spacious flowerpot stimulates intensive growth of shoots and leaf mass to the detriment of flowering, and thin roots cannot always quickly absorb a new volume of soil, which leads to its souring.
The new pot should exceed the diameter of the old one by only a few centimeters. The height of the flowerpot should be greater than the width, and a thick layer of expanded clay should be placed on the bottom.
Transfer time
At the beginning of spring, the plant awakens after the winter dormancy period and is ready to expand its underground and above-ground parts. This time is most favorable for planting and replanting bougainvillea.
Caring for bougainvillea at home
Growing bougainvillea is much easier than it might seem at first glance. The main thing when keeping indoors is to bring the conditions as close as possible to natural ones.
Location and lighting
In nature, bougainvillea grows on rocky slopes and receives a lot of tropical sun, so at home you need to choose a place with maximum lighting, at least 5 hours of directed light per day. Even on sunny days the plant does not need shading. The brightness of the bracts and color saturation depend on the light intensity. Bright lighting is also necessary in winter, despite the dormant period.
ATTENTION! Bougainvillea does not like to be moved, so in an effort to find the best place, you should not move it from one room to another and rotate it around its axis. Try to immediately choose a permanent place for the flower.
Air humidity
It is difficult to create the humidity characteristic of the tropics and subtropics at home, but you need to strive for this. Bougainvillea loves high air humidity and regular spraying., especially in the intervals between flowering. During flowering, spraying can be stopped or done very carefully so that water does not get on the bracts. The plant can be placed on a tray with wet pebbles to increase humidity.
Temperature
Bougainvillea is thermophilic and does not tolerate temperatures below 10 °C. The optimal temperature for summer keeping is considered to be 20-25 °C, winter – 12-16 °C. Lowering the temperature is important for the formation of flower buds and abundant flowering. If bougainvillea is kept in warmer conditions in winter, then it needs to be provided with additional lighting.
Watering
The plant needs abundant watering, especially during the period of active growth. However, you need to maintain a balance between dryness and waterlogging. The earthen ball must be kept moist, but not wet. Bougainvillea stops growing in the fall and prepares for a dormant period, so watering must be reduced and then almost completely stopped. In the autumn-winter period, it is especially important not to over-moisten the substrate and just not allow it to dry out too much.
Feeding
Bougainvillea needs regular feeding with liquid fertilizer from spring to autumn. It is recommended to use fertilizers for flowering and budding as a top dressing, with a reduced nitrogen content and a high content of potassium, phosphorus and iron. Excess nitrogen delays and weakens flowering.
Trimming– one of the most important moments of plant care. Pruning is necessary not only for shaping beautiful plant, but also to stimulate flowering. This procedure is carried out several times a year. In the spring, pruning is carried out to remove shoots that have dried out over the winter and are weak. In summer, inflorescences that have lost their decorative effect are cut off. Autumn pruning is carried out to give shape. The shoots are shortened by a third of the length or more, and the excess ones are cut out.
Shaping allows you to give the plant a certain appearance. It can be formed as a single-trunked tree, in bonsai style, in the form of a multi-trunked bush, or on a support, giving any fancy shapes depending on its configuration.
Several plants of different colors look extremely decorative, planted in one pot, the shoots of which are intertwined as they grow. Multi-colored plants can also be created by grafting onto a standard.
IMPORTANT! When pruning, it is necessary to leave 5-7 cm of the current year's shoot, because Dormant buds on old shoots are very difficult to awaken, and new shoots may not form.
Transfer
When choosing a pot, soil and time for replanting, you must be guided by the same criteria as when planting. The new flowerpot should be only a few centimeters more spacious than the previous one. You should not choose a pot that is too large, because... this negatively affects both flowering and plant health. Thin roots are not able to quickly master the earthen lump and the earth may turn sour.
It is advisable not to damage the roots and the earthen ball, but simply transfer the plant to a larger pot, and free space fill with soil. Transshipment is less traumatic for the roots than replanting, so the plant tolerates this procedure more easily.
The frequency of transplants depends on the age and intensity of plant growth. Young bougainvilleas are recommended to be replanted annually or once every 2 years, adults - once every 3-5 years, or as needed.
ATTENTION! Bougainvillea does not tolerate transplantation well, especially adult specimens. Plants may be sick for a long time, lose leaves and not bloom.
There are three main ways to propagate bougainvillea:
- stem cuttings;
- air layering;
- seeds.
The seed method is the most difficult, since it is almost impossible to obtain seeds in the absence of a pollinator. In the wild, pollinators are hummingbirds, which live only in tropical countries. In temperate climates, the hawk moth can sometimes be a pollinator, but ovary formation occurs very rarely.
Stem cuttings are the most popular and easiest method of propagation. For propagation, summer semi-lignified cuttings cut in June are used. Rooting is carried out at a temperature of 20-25 ° C and high humidity in a mixture of peat and sand. To create optimal conditions, you can use a greenhouse or simply cover the pot with cuttings with a plastic bag. Before planting, it is recommended to treat the cuttings with a growth stimulator. The likelihood of rooting will increase if the container with cuttings is heated from below.
Reproduction by air layering can be carried out at any time of the year. To do this, place a pot with soil mixture next to the plant, bend down a young non-lignified shoot, pin it to the ground and lightly sprinkle it. At the point of contact with the soil, it is necessary to cause slight damage (scratches, cuts) to stimulate the formation of roots. When the shoot takes root, you can separate the young plant.
Reproduction by cuttings and layering makes it possible to preserve the variety of the plant. The probability of rooting of cuttings is higher, but this method allows you to obtain only a few copies. When propagated by cuttings, not all planted plants take root, but this method is quite suitable for mass propagation.
This is how flowering happens
Thanks to its bright and long-lasting flowering, the plant has earned popularity among gardeners. The formation of flower buds occurs in winter, and with the onset of spring, flowers bloom on the plant, the main charm of which lies in the bright bracts.
The duration of flowering at home can be 6-7 months (May-November). In this case, the leaves of the plant can be completely hidden under bright bracts.
The color of the plant's bracts may vary depending on the variety and species. They can be white, yellow, peach, lilac, violet, purple, pink. Particularly beautiful is the terry buggenvillea, whose bracts are arranged in several rows.
The flowers are short-lived, but the bracts decorate the plant for a long time. When the bracts lose their decorative properties, the shoot is cut off, leaving 7-8 buds of the young shoot. This pruning stimulates re-blooming on young shoots.
Among the few species of bougainvillea, only a few can be grown at home. The most commonly found Brazilian species are Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea spectabilis. But the plant varieties are amazing in variety. They differ not only in shape, color, number of bracts, but also in the color of the leaves.
One of the best is considered bougainvillea sanderiana with purple bracts and abundant flowering. The most common varieties include bougainvillea Vera Deep Purple' with large fuchsia-crimson bracts and abundant flowering. Fans of variegated leaves will like bougainvillea ‘Orange Ice’, which amazes not only with the bright orange color of the bracts, but also with variegated variegated leaves. Interesting leaf color is also characteristic of the ‘Mini thai’ variety. Bright green leaf blades are framed by a fugitive border. In addition, the plant is compact and forms a well-leafed crown.
Bougainvillea ‘Double red’ with red flowers looks very impressive thanks to its double bracts. Among the interestingly colored varieties, bougainvillea ‘Snowcap multi’ stands out, the bracts of which are bicolored white and pink.
Diseases and pests
The plant, despite its tropical origin, is resistant to diseases and pests. Most bougainvillea diseases are associated with care errors, due to which the plant loses its decorative effect and sheds its leaves.
The flower is sometimes affected by scale insects, mealybugs and aphids. Measures to combat these pests are the same as in the case of damage to other indoor plants.
Popular questions about the care and problems of maintaining bougainvillea
What is the lifespan of bougainvillea?
When kept at home, life expectancy does not exceed 5-10 years. The plant does not die, but becomes very lignified and stops blooming. In greenhouses, individual specimens can live up to 30 years.
Is the plant poisonous?
Bougainvillea is not a poisonous houseplant and is safe for humans and pets.
Why doesn't bougainvillea bloom?
There are several reasons for the lack of flowering:
- temperature reduction during the rest period is not ensured;
- insufficient lighting;
- excess nitrogen in the soil.
Why do bougainvillea leaves fall?
Leaves may naturally fall off as the plant prepares for winter. In summer, leaf falling may be due to the plant moving from place to place or due to a draft.
Why do the leaves turn yellow (dry)? Yellowing of leaves most often occurs when the plant is flooded.
How does the plant overwinter? In winter, it is recommended to lower the temperature. Bougainvillea partially sheds its leaves and this is normal. During this period, you need to water and spray the plant less.
Bright bougainvillea flowers in the house are a small tropical oasis in the apartment, a luxuriously blooming tropical liana is the pride and envy of the neighbors. There's just one problem. Sometimes the “object of pride” begins to act up and instead of a plant strewn with flowers, it appears as a shabby bush with lonely branches sticking out in different directions. Such an unpleasant metamorphosis sometimes occurs for completely objective biological reasons. Sometimes why bougainvillea dropped its leaves, what to do becomes clear only after long and hard thought.
Reason 1. Conditions of maintenance before purchase
First of all, you need to remember in what condition the plant came to the owner. Whether it was a cutting with a couple of leaves, a flowering bush, or a plant without flowers, you purchased it at a garden center, store, or from the owner. How long was the plant on the road, maybe it was sent by mail.
If the plant bloomed long enough before it came into your home, deprived of its usual dose of chemical stimulants, it may begin to shed its leaves in order to go into a dormant state, and there is no need to disturb it.
Bougainvillea is a rather capricious plant and does not like being transported very much, even if we are talking about moving it from one place in the apartment to another, what to say about longer moves? Perhaps all the leaves and bracts of a flowering plant purchased from the owner or in a store have fallen off precisely because of a sudden change in location. In this case, it is better to leave the flower alone, making sure in advance that the conditions: lighting, air temperature, humidity correspond to the standards, and there are no drafts or cold wind if the flower is standing outside.
Reason 2. After purchasing and moving home
If you have just purchased a plant, it is better to determine the optimal place for it in advance, so as not to walk around the house hugging it. Believe me, bougainvillea responds very well to attentive attention to itself, but joint walks under the slogan: “Where will you, beauty, look better?” can't stand it at all.
Tip: if you want to help the plant quickly survive the stress of moving and not lose its foliage, carefully cut off all flowering stipules. Bougainvillea will not waste energy on flowering, but instead will acclimatize faster.
After purchasing, do not touch the beauty for the first ten days, let her get used to you and understand that she is also happy with you. If your bougainvillea's leaves fall 2-3 days after you've given it a new place to live, try adjusting the conditions.
If the air is dry, place a thin layer of expanded clay or flat stones on the bottom of the pot tray, and pour water into the bottom. This will create the necessary humidity and neutralize the effects of dry air from, for example, batteries. Bougainvillea can be sprayed, but remember that excess moisture is detrimental to it.
The scorching rays of the sun are not the best solution for optimal growth of this tropical plant. The tropics mean a sparse tree crown, good lighting without direct sunlight and fairly high air humidity. Try to create tropical conditions for your beauty, and she will thank you with the growth of new foliage and abundant flowering.
Reason 3. After transplant
Let’s make a reservation right away: bougainvillea does not tolerate replanting in its classical sense; it should not be replanted, but transshipped. If the plant has dropped its leaves after “moving” to a new pot, determine whether you transplanted the flower correctly. For transshipment, you need to prepare a new pot in advance, pour a layer of expanded clay on the bottom (there should be drainage holes in the bottom), add soil on top (so much so that if you insert a lump with a “bug” in it, the root collar will be at a distance of 2-3 cm from the top edge of the pot). After this, carefully turn the pot with bougainvillea upside down, press on the walls and with a gentle push shake out the plant along with the lump into the other palm, holding the stem from below.
Advice: if the roots have grown through the drainage holes of an old pot, or have entwined some materials like polystyrene foam added by a careless manufacturer, do not under any circumstances try to untangle or tear them off. The goal is to preserve the root mass as completely as possible in the form familiar to the plant.
If the plant was transplanted incorrectly or the root system was damaged, the leaves will begin to fall off. In this case, try holding it under a bag, especially if we are talking about a cutting. Insert sticks, such as culinary skewers, along the edges of the pot, and place a transparent plastic bag on top of them. If there is no root nutrition, this will allow the plant not to die from dehydration, but to grow new root mass. Ventilate this “greenhouse” every day, lifting the edge of the bag to avoid mold.
Bougainvillea died?
The fact that a plant sheds its leaves can be influenced by a number of factors: transportation, sudden changes in temperature, previous abundant flowering. The plant may voluntarily request dormancy in the fall and winter. However, it happens that the bush looks completely lifeless, and fear involuntarily appears, or maybe there is no time left and urgent measures need to be taken.
In order to understand whether the plant is still alive, or if nothing will help it, just pick up a sharp knife or pruning shears and cut off a small part of the dried twig. If the internal tissues of the branches have retained a rich green color, there is no reason for concern and you can safely leave the “bug” alone, why bougainvillea sheds its leaves is already understandable. If the wood is dry and blackened, there is little hope of salvation. Check the other branches. If there are no healthy tissues, remove the earthen lump from the pot, determine by eye the condition of the root system, remove rotten places, sprinkle activated carbon, transplant into new soil, identify the plant under the bag, you can water it with a weak solution of “Kornevin”.
By the way, if there are buds on the branches, then you don’t need to do anything from the above list, your bougainvillea just decided to sleep a little before the next period of abundant flowering.
The evergreen plant Bougainvillea is known to many for its beautiful bracts, which can be of a wide variety of colors. Bougainvillea in the form of a vine, a large tree or a standard tree can be seen in the resorts of Thailand. South America is considered its homeland. The plant belongs to the Nightflower family and in nature can reach a height of up to five meters. The flower is quite unpretentious and grows well at home.
The plant is distinguished by young flexible shoots that can be attached to a support. If the branches are periodically pruned, the bush can be formed into a geometric figure or a standard tree. On the shoots there are alternately ovoid, wide, dense leaves up to 12 cm long.
Bougainvillea is valued for its beautiful bracts. In the photo you can see that her flowers are small and inconspicuous. But the bracts are bright and expressive. They can be yellow, pink, peach, red, purple, etc.
Another feature of the plant is that there are sharp thorns on its branches. This must be taken into account when caring for the flower to avoid injury.
Signs and meaning of Bougainvillea for the home
The plant is credited with a beneficial effect on attracting customers, prospects profitable investment, financial position. It is considered a symbol of financial wealth. If you grow Bougainvillea in your home or office, it will attract wealth and help you manage it well.
Bougainvillea - cultivation and care
At home, with good care and proper placement, the flower will bloom from April to September. To do this, you need to know and follow all the nuances of its cultivation and care.
Selecting a location
For bougainvillea, you need to choose a sunny place, so western and southern windows are suitable. If direct sunlight begins to burn the leaves, the flower can be shaded with a curtain.
You need to immediately choose a permanent place in the house for the tree, since rearranging it can negatively affect its decorative effect - the leaves and bracts will begin to fly off.
Air temperature
During the growth period, bougainvillea must be grown at an air temperature within +22...+30 degrees. In winter, the flower begins a dormant period, so temperatures of about +12 degrees are enough for it.
Attention! At air temperatures below +4 degrees, the plant may die.
How to care for bougainvillea?
At home, bougainvillea flower care includes watering, spraying, fertilizing and pruning.
Watering and spraying
Bougainvillea is watered as the top layer of the substrate dries. The plant does not tolerate stagnation of water in the roots and complete drying out of the soil. The frequency of watering depends on the room temperature and the size of the plant. Small bushes at average air temperatures are watered once or twice a week. The water from the pan is immediately drained.
During the dormant period, if the flower is grown in a cool room, watering should be rare. It is enough to moisten the soil once every two weeks. If Bougainvillea has dropped its leaves, it should be watered so that the soil does not dry out completely. The leaves will grow back in the spring.
But if bougainvillea is grown in winter at room temperature, then the plant is watered as usual. It is also necessary to spray the leaves every day, which can dry out and fall off when the heating radiators are running.
Feeding bougainvillea
In the spring, when bougainvillea begins to actively grow, it is fed with fertilizers for flowering plants. You can alternate organic and mineral fertilizers. When choosing feed, you need to pay attention to its composition. A large amount of nitrogen in the fertilizer will lead to abundant foliage growth and poor flowering.
Feeding bougainvillea is carried out until autumn once every 10-14 days. In winter, the plant is not fed.
Forming and pruning bougainvillea
In spring and autumn, dried, broken, damaged shoots are cut off from a flower using pruning shears or sharp scissors. Young branches can only be shortened by half, since it is on them that buds will form.
Pruning can turn a bougainvillea into a tree. various shapes. You just need to trim off unnecessary branches. The plant grows quickly, so pruning will need to be done regularly to maintain the required shape.
You can leave several shoots long and send them along a support in the form of a ring or heart. By removing the lower branches and pinching the upper ones, you will get a lush standard tree.
Transplanting and planting bougainvillea
After purchasing the flower in a store, it will need to be transplanted into a new pot and special soil no earlier than 10-14 days later. During this time, the plant will get used to its new home conditions. Even if Bougainvillea is blooming, it is still better to replant it using the transshipment method, since in the store the flowers are sold in shipping pots that are filled with peat.
In the future, when growing bougainvillea, young plants are transplanted into a new pot every year in the spring, and adults - no more than once every 3-5 years or as needed.
The pot for planting bougainvillea must be deep. The diameter of the new container for each transplant should be 2-3 larger than the old pot.
A soil mixture for flowering plants can be purchased at a specialty store or prepared from the following components:
- turf land;
- sand;
- peat;
- humus.
Everything is taken in equal proportions, mixed and poured onto the drainage layer in the pot. After this, you need to remove the pre-watered flower from the old container along with a lump of earth. It is placed on a layer of new soil, the roots are covered with soil and watered. After watering, the soil usually settles, so you can add more soil on top.
For several days after transplantation, keep the flower in the shade, where it will more easily survive stress. Then you can put it in its usual place.
Bougainvillea - propagation
You can propagate a tropical plant in three ways:
- stem cuttings;
- air layering;
- seeds.
Propagation of bougainvillea by cuttings
After pruning bougainvillea in the spring, you can take branches about 10 cm long. The lower leaves are removed from them and an incision is made under the bud. The lower part of the cutting is dipped in a growth stimulator and placed in prepared soil. A rooting mixture can be prepared from sand, sphagnum moss and a small amount of coal.
When planting cuttings, you need to make sure that there are two or three internodes in the soil. The branches should be at an angle of 45%. They are covered with polyethylene on top and placed in a well-lit place with an air temperature of +20...+25 degrees. Caring for cuttings includes daily ventilation and, if necessary, moistening the soil.
If the shoots from above are not covered with a cap, then they will need to be sprayed every day. When the cuttings take root and begin to grow, the cover can be removed.
Reproduction by air layering
This method requires long shoots that can be tilted and attached to the ground. Next to the flower you should place another container with light soil. Several cuts are made on the shoot in different places, after which it is buried in the prepared soil and secured to it with a pin or bent wire.
The shoot is sprinkled with soil on top, which is moistened with a spray bottle. During rooting, you will need to ensure that the soil does not dry out.
When the selected shoot gets stronger and produces roots, it is cut off from the mother plant and transplanted into a pot, the volume of which should correspond to the volume of the roots.
Propagation of bougainvillea by seeds
At home, it is almost impossible to obtain seeds from a plant, since the flowers are not pollinated. And if a hybrid variety of flower grows in the house, then its seeds are not capable of reproduction, since they are sterile. But if you purchased or got good planting material from somewhere else, then you can try to propagate bougainvillea with seeds. To do this you need:
- Fill the container with a mixture prepared from equal amounts of sand and peat.
- Moisten the soil and place the seeds into it at a shallow depth.
- Cover the crops on top with polyethylene and place them in a warm place with an air temperature within +25...+30 degrees. The container should be heated from below, so it can be placed on the battery.
- The crops are ventilated every day and sprayed with water as necessary.
If all conditions are met, seedlings should appear in about two or three months.
Pests and diseases of bougainvillea
Errors in care and unfavorable conditions can cause the flower to be damaged by pests and diseases.
If bougainvillea leaves turn yellow, dry out and fall off, there may be several reasons for this:
- Pests. Examine the leaves carefully, especially on the back side. Dry indoor air contributes to the appearance of spider mites and aphids on them. When the soil is over-moistened, a mealybug that looks like pieces of cotton wool can settle. If there are pests, then the plant is treated with one insecticidal preparation.
- Waterlogging of the soil. All the time, damp soil often causes the development of fungal diseases. In this case, the roots begin to rot, causing the leaves on the bougainvillea to turn yellow and fall off.
- Overdrying of the soil. Rare watering and frequent drying out of the soil in the pot completely are another reason for dry leaves.
- Drafts. Do not place the tree where there are drafts. This causes the soil in the pot and the roots to cool, as a result of which the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off.
- Dry air. In winter, when the heating radiators are turned on, the air in the apartment is dry, which is why the leaves dry out and fly off. The same situation can happen in summer if the room is hot. In these cases, the foliage must be sprayed.
Remember that during the dormant period in winter, when growing a flower in cool conditions, the leaves may fly off. This is a natural process and you don’t need to do anything.
Why doesn't Bougainvillea bloom?
Main reasons:
- insufficient lighting;
- a pot that is too large, in which the plant will first grow foliage for a long time;
- low air temperature during the growth period;
- the flower did not have a dormant period in winter and was kept at high temperatures;
- fertilizing was carried out with fertilizer, which contains a lot of nitrogen.
Bougainvillea can be stimulated to bloom using stressful conditions. To do this, for 2-4 weeks, watering is reduced to a minimum and no fertilizing is introduced at all. After some time, buds should form at the tips of the shoots. After their appearance, normal care is resumed.
The tropical plant Bougainvillea at home requires special, but not very complicated care. If you follow all the rules and recommendations, the flower will thank you with long and lush flowering.
Common flowers for home keeping came to us from tropical, African or Asian countries. Bougainvillea - not an exception. The flower belongs to the tropical and came for romantic reasons after the first French expedition around the world from the Old World. It received its name in honor of its discoverer Louis Antoine de Bougainville.
Bougainvillea - flower of paradise
In South America, the bougainvillea flower grows as a vine or bushy, small tree. Bougainvillea shoots are flexible, clinging and creeping well. The plant blooms with inflorescences similar to triangular-shaped leaves. They can have a variety of colors: from yellow to rich purple tones.
Bougainvillea at home
Bougainvillea belongs to the family of Nictaninaceae (night-flowering) plants. Of the 18 species discovered in the Old World, only a few are suitable for home keeping. The exoticism and exclusivity of bougainvillea attracts gardeners who want to get a piece of paradise from South America at home.
You need to keep bougainvillea at home in well consecrated place. In addition to its home location, the plant takes root well in the southern parts summer cottage, as well as in greenhouses or conservatories. In addition to lighting, the gardener should pay attention to the temperature and humidity of the air, which affect the flowering of the plant. 
The reasons why bougainvillea does not bloom at home may be unsuitable planting conditions, as well as improper care of the flower.
Why bougainvillea does not bloom at home:
- Illiterately organized state of rest;
- Increased air temperature;
- Increased air humidity;
- Adverse weather conditions;
The first thing a gardener should pay attention to at home is: organization of the rest period for bougainvillea. At home, the plant especially needs it. The absence of a rest period for bougainvillea with a decrease in the frequency of care procedures negatively affects the plant.
Increased air temperature , despite the origin of the flower, also negatively affects the flowering of bougainvillea. If the air temperature is above 12° C, then bougainvillea does not bloom at home. This happens because the plant does not lay the foundation for the development of buds in the warmth. In the summer - at the height of flowering - bougainvillea, on the contrary, prefers warmth, so cool and rainy weather negatively affects the volume and duration of flowering.
Lack of lighting causes elongation of shoots in bougainvillea, as well as fading of leaves and loss of crown shape. The problem can be solved by cutting off the damaged parts, as well as increasing the amount of lighting.
How to make bougainvillea bloom at home?
By trying to correct the detected violations in the care of bougainvillea, you can force the plant to bloom at home. If this does not help, you should turn to a special diet for the plant, which promotes the formation of new buds.
How to make bougainvillea bloom:
- Do not feed the plant for 3 weeks;
- Stop or limit watering;
- As soon as the top layer of soil dries, water;
- After the formation of young shoots with flower buds, resume feeding;
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Bougainvillea belongs to the genus of evergreen ornamental flowering shrubs of the Nyctaginaceae family. The plant is also called paper flower.
Bougainvillea is a native of Brazil, but its name is French. Thanks to the navigator from France Louis Antoine de Bougainville, he was able to discover this exotic beauty. Today, there are approximately 14 types of flowers in nature. The domesticated bougainvillea is a flower with French charm and Brazilian temperament. It is unlikely that this plant can leave at least one person indifferent.
A fence, patio or arch decorated with bougainvillea branches looks amazingly original.
Homeland and appearance of bougainvillea
IN natural conditions the flower can be found in the hot and humid tropics of Brazil.
The plant can take the form of a tree, but it is predominantly a shrub, the branches of which, reaching five meters in length, stretch along the support. The stems of the vine become woody over time. A distinctive feature of the plant is its thorns.
The leaves have a smooth surface, oval and slightly pointed shape. Grow along the entire length of the stem.
The flowers of the plant are small and yellow. The bracts, which are very brightly colored, look the most decorative and attractive. Some novice gardeners confuse them with flower petals. The color of the inflorescences is bright crimson. You can also purchase hybrid varieties of bougainvillea with white and red inflorescences.
Despite the fact that bougainvillea is grown in gardens, it is primarily a houseplant or greenhouse plant. This beauty can be grown in any place where the air temperature throughout the year does not fall below +5 degrees.
Watering mode
During the period of growth and flowering, bougainvillea must be watered abundantly, but between waterings the soil should dry out a few centimeters. It is important to avoid both stagnation of water and overdrying of the earthen clod. If the plant does not receive enough water, the buds begin to fall off.
During the dormant period, watering is reduced, but care is taken to ensure that the soil does not become too dry.
Lighting requirements
Bougainvillea feels best in conditions of bright, but diffused light. You can also plant shrubs in partial shade. This lighting regime is necessary for the plant throughout spring and summer. During the dormant period, the shrub needs five hours of daylight.
To grow bougainvillea at home, choose south or west windows. Be sure to take the flowerpot with shrubs out into the fresh air so that the plant receives a sufficient amount of oxygen and sunlight.
Note: it is necessary to protect the plant from direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf burn.
Temperature
The optimal temperature for bougainvillea is considered to be between +22-+30 degrees. During the rest period, the temperature must be reduced to +5-+7 degrees. This rather extreme air temperature provokes the shedding of leaves, but this is a natural process due to which the shrub is covered with new, fresh leaves and flowers the following spring.
Note: temperatures below +4 degrees lead to the death of the plant.
Air humidity
In summer, on hot days, bougainvillea must be sprayed regularly. It is better to carry out water procedures in the morning, so that by the evening the flower has time to dry well.
Feeding and fertilizer
From spring to autumn, it is necessary to fertilize the soil every two weeks. Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers are used as top dressing.
During the dormant period, the plant does not need additional nutrition.
There may be several reasons for replanting a plant:
- The soil in the flowerpot is depleted;
- The plant is too large for the flowerpot (this can be determined by the roots that are visible from the bottom of the container).
- Young plants at home are replanted once every two years.
The optimal soil composition for bougainvillea is as follows:
- Turf land;
- Humus;
- Peat;
- Sand.
All components are mixed in equal parts. In flower shops you can purchase a special substrate for bougainvillea.
The shape of the pot should be deep enough to allow the roots to develop.
It is better to start replanting in the spring. First, the soil in the pot must be well watered. Pour a good layer of drainage and a small layer of soil mixture based on turf soil into a new container. To painlessly and carefully remove the shrub from the pot, you first need to loosen the soil along the edge of the flowerpot, and then, holding the plant by the stems and top part, pull it out.
After this, you should inspect the plant and its root system, carefully clearing it of soil.
If you plan to plant the plant in the same pot, you need to wash it thoroughly and trim the roots a little so that their size matches the volume of the pot.
Place the plant vertically in the center of the pot, sprinkle with new soil mixture and press down the soil.
The most effective, fast and reliable way to propagate bougainvillea is using cuttings. It is best to start the procedure in the spring.
For rooting, cut a cutting with one bud. The bottom pair of leaves must be cut off.
Then the cuttings are planted in a substrate that consists of equal parts of sand and peat.
Young plants should be grown in a well-lit place at high temperatures. The best option is a small greenhouse with bottom heating. The air temperature should be within +25-+30 degrees.
The plant can be replanted into a separate pot only after the roots have appeared and become stronger. In order for the bougainvillea crown to branch well, choose a rather cramped pot and then transplant it into a more spacious one.
Cuttings are cut in the second half of May or early June. The length of each cutting is 10 centimeters. The shoots should be placed in a container with warm water for several hours, then the cut should be treated with a stimulant and planted in the ground. At first, the cuttings are covered with glass or polyethylene until the young plant takes root.
To propagate by layering, you need to select semi-lignified shoots, cut them in several places and pin them to the ground. It is important that the cut sections of the stem are in contact with the ground. You can separate new plants from mature shrubs next year - in spring or autumn.
Under natural conditions, flowering can be observed all year round. If the plant is grown at home or in the garden, bougainvillea blooms several times a year. At the same time, the shrub has a pronounced dormant period when the foliage actively falls.
Today, thanks to the work of breeders, a large number of bougainvillea varieties and hybrids have been developed. Each plant has its own individual qualities and distinctive features. The color range of selected varieties of bougainvillea is especially diverse: purple, pink, lilac, brick shades.
The beauty of the flower is that regular pruning of the branches allows you to grow a bush of any shape. The main thing is to show imagination and avoid mistakes when pruning the plant.
It is better to start trimming the stems in February. In this way, you can direct the forces of the flower in the right direction, that is, into the growth of a lush crown and the formation of buds. After pruning, the length of the new growth should not exceed 7 centimeters.
Old side shoots that slow down the growth and flowering of bougainvillea can be cut off completely. If there are young shoots, you can leave one leaf. When pruning the main branches, it is important to leave one leaf and one leaf bud.
Diseases and pests
In general, the plant is quite resistant to diseases and pests. However, in some cases, aphids, mealybugs and spider mites may appear on bougainvillea.
To promptly detect insects on plants, it is necessary to regularly inspect the stems and leaves of bougainvillea. At the slightest sign of damage, control measures must be taken. As a rule, special chemicals are used to kill insects.
As a preventive measure, it is necessary to monitor the hygiene of the flower, regularly wipe off dust, and remove dry leaves and inflorescences.
Note to the florist
Why doesn't bougainvillea bloom?
There may be several reasons for this:
- Lack of fresh air;
- Not enough light;
- Excess moisture.
The solution to the problem is to eliminate the cause of the lack of buds: it is enough to place the plant in a bright place, regularly take it out onto the balcony or into the garden, it is also necessary to adjust the watering regime, and let the soil dry out a little.
It is also important to know that at home, buds do not appear on old shoots that have already become woody.
Video on caring for bougainvillea at home
Today bougainvillea is a very famous and beloved plant. Many gardeners grow this shrub due to its long flowering period. The plant is quite unpretentious, loves bright sun, and is resistant to temperature changes. Watering must be done carefully so that the soil can dry out a little between waterings. If you provide the flower with proper care, trim it in a timely manner and organize support for the stems, it will certainly reward you with lush, abundant flowering.
www.jflorist.ru
Description of the bougainvillea flower and its photo
Choosing suitable “inhabitants” for your home is not easy.
It is important to take into account the existing growing conditions and the rules for the necessary care of various representatives of the tropical flora. Next, we offer a description of the bougainvillea flower and its photo, which demonstrate the brightness of the color of the petals and the variety of growth forms. The plant is a woody vine that, if all growth conditions are met, can grow up to twelve meters in height. The trunks have prickly spines from which a black waxy substance is obtained. 
Depending on the habitat, the bougainvillea flower can be evergreen (where there is constantly high humidity and large amounts of precipitation) and deciduous (in dry habitat areas or in hot weather). The pointed leaves are no more than 13 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide. There are spines on the reverse side. The bush itself is small, but each cluster on it consists of three flowers, surrounded by 3 or 6 bracts with picturesque flowers, from which one voluminous bush is obtained in pink, purple, red, orange, yellow or white shades.
The bougainvillea flower is sometimes called a "paper flower" because its thin bracts closely resemble a thin sheet of paper. The fruit of the plant is a narrow achene consisting of five lobes of approximately the same size. Since the root system is rather weak, a good and stable root ball cannot be obtained. Look at the photo of bougainvillea in various options disembarkation and arrangement: 
Rules for caring for bougainvillea at home
In nature, bougainvillea grows best in regions with warm climates, although some varieties planted in northern regions can bloom in low temperatures. The flower loves tropical and subtropical climates and grows in dense gardens, where it can grab and cling to other plants to reach the sun. The rules for caring for bougainvillea at home are quite simple, but they require strict adherence.
indoors, the flower is most often planted in a pot or placed in a hanging basket. Survival and existence at low temperatures in our region for bougainvillea seems to be the exception rather than the rule - in most cases they die at the first sign of frost. Therefore, if you decide to grow it at home, you must take care in advance that the temperature in the room is not below 22 degrees in summer and 12 in winter. For the same purpose, in the summer the plant is placed on the south side of the window so that it receives as much light and heat as possible during the growth process. The flowers of the plant change during the process of growth and development. Caring for bougainvillea begins from the moment the planting material is planted. The soil in which the young shoot is going to be planted should correspond as closely as possible to the soil in its natural habitat. Rocky soil with good drainage in the open sun is ideal so that the flower is constantly warm and can fully develop. It does not tolerate swampy areas, as it can live peacefully with only a small amount of water (and even then not for long). Bougainvillea will grow well in any soil, but if you prepare a substrate of peat, quartz, as well as turf and leaf soil, then the chances of getting a bright, fully bloomed flower will be much higher. When planting in a pot, it is recommended to sprinkle the soil around the flower with sand. 
When caring for bougainvillea at home, you need to pay close attention to the quality and quantity of watering. The flower needs constant watering, but it is worth knowing when to stop - the bottom of it is equally badly affected by the drying out of the coma and stagnation of moisture at the rhizome. The ideal option is to water immediately after the soil begins to dry out. It is very hot in summer, so bougainvillea needs an additional source of moisture - you can spray it with a spray bottle a couple of times a week. During the growing season, feed the plant about once a week with mineral fertilizers, and for larger ones - twice. In winter, it does not need an additional power source.
Propagation and planting of bougainvillea
The main method of propagation is cuttings from stem shoots and aerial green layering. The most suitable time for the procedure is late spring - mid-summer. They are cut off directly under the bud, the lower leaves are torn off and immediately planted in the root-forming mixture. The soil for the new shoot should consist of equal proportions of peat and sand. Propagation of bougainvillea using seeds does not proceed as smoothly as with cuttings, so this method is used very rarely. It is necessary to carry out the procedure of pruning bougainvillea regularly - first of all, dead branches are removed, and the full procedure is carried out only in the fall. These are relatively pest-free plants, but can suffer from worms, snails and aphids. The larvae of some lepidopteran species also use them as food plants, for example the giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia). Planting bougainvillea is described in general terms above. But let us recall the basic rules of this procedure. First you need to prepare planting material - cuttings. They take root in water at room temperature. Before starting this procedure, you can treat with a product that enhances the formation of the root system (for example, “Kornevin”). After the roots appear, bougainvillea is planted in soil prepared in advance with a sufficient layer of expanded clay drainage installed at the bottom of the pot (the layer should be at least 5 cm).
Bougainvillea varieties and their photos
There are various varieties that have been bred through selective breeding. Every year, breeders show new colors and decorative forms at exhibitions. Next, you can read the descriptions and look at the photo of bougainvillea varieties for indoor floriculture.
Bougainvillea buttiana
Bougainvillea buttiana is an artificially created hybrid of bougainvillea glabra and bougainvillea peruviana. An evergreen vine with thorny stems and tiny, white, trumpet-shaped flowers. They typically come in clusters surrounded by three showy but thin bracts in a vibrant purple-pink hue. The dark green leaves are ovoid in shape. 
Bougainvillea naked
Bougainvillea glabra is one of the most common bougainvillea species used for bonsai. It is an evergreen shrub with thorny stems up to four meters in height (and sometimes they can reach nine meters). Small white flowers usually appear in groups surrounded by brightly colored bracts. The dark green leaves can reach 10 centimeters in length. It is resistant to frost and cold, and also tolerates drought well. The method of propagation is cuttings. To grow well it needs full sun, a warm room and well-drained soil. Look at the photo of naked bougainvillea in the form of an indoor bonsai: 
Why doesn't bougainvillea bloom?
The plant stops blooming if it is in unfavorable conditions or has not been properly cared for. For example, she may not have enough light (it should be enough even during wintering - in autumn and winter). If necessary, include additional tint. In summer, in order for the petals to have a bright color, it is recommended to take the flower out into the open air, but protect it from winds and drafts. 
But there are other reasons why bougainvillea does not bloom: for example, if the plant grows well, but the flowers never appear, you should limit its watering and refuse to fertilize.
cvetoshki.ru
Description of bougainvillea
Bougainvillea belongs to the Nectaginaceae family. This plant has a second name: “paper flower”. Despite the fact that the culture grows naturally in Brazil, it is characterized by the presence of a French name. This is explained by the fact that it was the Frenchman who first discovered this plant in nature.
Today there are more than 14 types of flowers. Under natural conditions, the crop most often grows in the form of a shrub. The length of the branches can reach a height of 5 meters. Mature vines are characterized by the presence of woody branches. The culture is characterized by the presence of thorns. The foliage of the plant is characterized by a smooth surface and slightly pointed ends.
The culture is characterized by the presence of small yellow flowers. The bracts are brightly colored, which gives the plant an attractive appearance. At home, smooth bougainvillea, which is characterized by its low height, is most often grown. The cultivation and maintenance of the plant can be carried out in various areas characterized by temperatures of more than +5 degrees.
Plant varieties
Bougainvillea is characterized by the presence of several varieties. Below you can find information about the most popular bougainvillea varieties:
- Astra Gold. This variety is characterized by the presence of double bracts. During the flowering period, they have an orange tint, and after a certain time - salmon.
- Astra pink. This variety has coral-pink bracts and is characterized by abundant flowering.
- Vlak India Ed. This crop is characterized by dark green leaves. It also has crimson-purple bracts.
- California Gold. This culture has large and non-double bracts. Initially they have a bright yellow color, which becomes lighter after a certain time.
Due to the presence of a large number of bougainvillea varieties, the gardener has the opportunity to choose the most suitable option for the gardener.
Growing conditions
| Conditions | Requirements |
| Lighting | Culture loves bright but diffused light. It is also possible to plant the flower in partial shade. This lighting mode must be provided in the spring and summer. During the dormant period, the plant is provided with five hours of daylight. Growing the crop is best done on southern or western windows. To receive sufficient sunlight and air, it is recommended to take the plant outside in the summer. To avoid burns on the leaves, it is necessary to limit the possibility of direct sunlight hitting the plant. |
| Temperature | Growing and maintaining bougainvillea should be carried out at an optimal temperature, which is 22-30 degrees. During rest, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 5-7 degrees. Against this background, the plant’s leaves begin to fall, which is a natural process. That is why the next year new leaves appear on the bush. At temperatures below 4 degrees, the death of the culture is observed. |
| Humidity | The plant does not like too much high temperatures. That is why in the summer it is recommended to regularly spray the flower. Carrying out water procedures is recommended in the morning. |
Subject to the conditions of proper maintenance and care of bougainvillea in the apartment, the plant will delight you with its beauty.
Planting and transplanting
It is recommended to replant bougainvillea when the soil in the flowerpot becomes thin or there is not enough space. Under such conditions, transplantation as an element of care is irreplaceable. Young crops should be replanted every two years. Before planting, it is recommended to prepare a soil mixture from:
- Peat;
- Sand;
- Sod land;
- Humus.
All components are taken in equal quantities and mixed thoroughly. Also for this purpose, the use of a special substrate is permitted. To ensure normal development of the root system, it is recommended to select a deep pot.
Important! Bougainvillea should be replanted in the spring.
- Initially, high-quality watering of the soil in the pot is carried out.
- Drainage made of broken brick, expanded clay or coarse sand is poured into the bottom of the new container.
- A small amount of substrate is poured on top.
- The soil is loosened along the edge of the flowerpot, which will allow you to more accurately remove the flower from it.
- The roots of the plant are cleared of soil and carefully inspected.
- The plant is installed in a vertical position.
- The root system of bougainvillea is sprinkled with soil mixture.
Care and cultivation at home
In order to ensure normal growth and abundant flowering of bougainvillea, it must be cared for at home. For this purpose, it is recommended to follow several specific rules.
Video: caring for bougainvillea at home.
Watering and fertilizing
During plant growth, the plant needs abundant watering. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the bougainvillea soil dries out a few centimeters.
The culture does not tolerate not only stagnation of water, but also drought. In the latter case, the buds will fall off. During the dormant period, it is correct to water bougainvillea in a smaller volume. But the soil should not be overly dry.
Bloom
Bougainvillea blooms a few years after planting. Quite often, flower growers are faced with a lack of flowering on a crop. Why doesn't bougainvillea bloom at home? With large flower sizes, the absence of flowers is quite often observed. If the rest period is improperly organized or absent, this problem can also occur. That is why it is necessary to ensure a temperature in the room of 5-12 degrees.
If there are low temperatures or rain in the summer, this may lead to a lack of flowering. In this case, there is a need for additional heating. To ensure flowering of the crop, it is necessary to completely stop feeding for several weeks and reduce watering.
Wintering
There are certain nuances in caring for bougainvillea at home in winter:
- In winter, it is necessary to reduce the frequency of watering. It is recommended to ensure that the earthen ball does not dry out excessively.
- The flower also needs to lower the temperature to 5-12 degrees.
- Lighting in winter should be dimmer than in summer.
If you follow these tips, wintering your bougainvillea will be hassle-free.
Pruning and crown formation
Pruning bougainvillea directly affects the appearance of the flower. To stimulate flowering of the crop, the procedure should be carried out in autumn and spring. In summer, cosmetic pruning is recommended. In autumn, it is recommended to trim only the tips of the bougainvillea stems.
During the pre-growing season, selective pruning is recommended. The place of formation of flower buds is young and short shoots. In order to stimulate side shoots, it is necessary to cut off the old branches by about half.
Diseases and pests
If bougainvillea is not properly cared for at home, it can develop a variety of diseases and pests:
| Name | Features of development |
| Mold | It is characterized by the appearance of soft white spots on the foliage. The appearance of the disease is observed with excessive humidity and poor ventilation. In this case, it is necessary to move the flower into a room that is well ventilated. |
| Aphid | The appearance of aphids on bougainvillea is observed on the underside of the leaf. In this case, discoloration, curling and falling of leaves are observed. The flower must be washed with soapy water and treated with an insecticide. The ideal option in this case is Actellik. |
| Mealybug | Damage to pedicels, buds and flowers is observed. These small, sedentary insects lead to a slowdown in crop growth. If accumulations of pests are noticeable, they must be removed with a soap solution in which the sponge is pre-wetted. If they are observed in a hard-to-reach place, then treatment is carried out with gauze, which is wrapped on a stick and pre-moistened in alcohol. It is also recommended to trim off damaged parts of the flower. |
Reanimation
To save bougainvillea with damaged roots, you need to carefully remove the plant from the pot and wash it. Damaged plant roots are cut off and sprinkled with wood ash. Thus, the resuscitation of bougainvillea occurs.
If the bougainvillea accidentally breaks, then you need to carefully trim it. Over time, it will sprout new shoots.
There are three ways to propagate bougainvillea:
- Seeds;
- Cuttings;
- By layering.
Propagation by seeds
The first method of propagating bougainvillea is quite difficult, since not every gardener can get seeds from warm countries.
If you have bougainvillea seeds, you need to carry them out correct disembarkation at home. For this purpose, loose soil or peat tablets are used. After planting, the container with the seeds should be kept in a room with a temperature of 25 to 28 degrees. The emergence of seedlings is quite slow.
Propagation by cuttings
Bougainvillea is propagated by cuttings in the spring. Flower growers plant strong and healthy semi-lignified apical cuttings, the length of which ranges from 7 to 10 centimeters.
How to propagate bougainvillea from cuttings?
- After removing the leaves from the cutting, it must be soaked in a special solution that will promote the formation of the root system.
- After half an hour, the cuttings are planted in the ground. Peat tablets can also be used for this purpose.
- After the roots have formed, after several months, the cuttings are planted in separate pots.
Video: bougainvillea cuttings.
Reproduction by layering
In the autumn, layering is used to propagate bougainvillea. Thanks to the elastic branches of the plant, it can be easily bent to the soil. The layer is secured with a metal pin. After the roots appear, the cuttings are cut off from the main plant and transplanted into another pot.
Video: how best to propagate bougainvillea - in water or soil.
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Features of growing bougainvillea
When growing bougainvillea, do not forget about its heat-loving nature. In warm countries, the flower pleases with continuous flowering and does not have a dormant period, but it is not able to withstand temperatures below +5 ° C. In the subtropical regions of the Caucasus, the plant can sometimes be kept in open ground throughout the year, but even under these conditions preventive shelter is required.
The flower adapts well to conditions that differ from natural ones. Indoor bougainvillea has a clearly defined dormant period and is not capable of continuous flowering, but with good care it can please the owner with bright colors several times a year. In summer, bougainvillea will feel great in the garden, on the balcony or terrace.
The plant can be called relatively unpretentious. Bougainvillea does not require special maintenance conditions, but it is necessary to know the rules of flower care in order to achieve maximum decorativeness. Even a novice gardener should not have any difficulty caring for the plant.
Proper planting is the main component of good growth and intensive flowering of bougainvillea.
There are 3 main components that should be considered when planting a plant:
- optimal soil composition;
- choosing the right pot;
- choosing a favorable time.
The most common practice is to plant plants in pots and tubs (depending on size).
Priming
To plant a plant, you need a nutritious but light substrate with good water and air permeability. You can simply use a universal soil mixture for flowering plants, which is available in any flower shop. But experienced gardeners prefer to prepare the substrate for planting themselves.
To do this take:
- leaf soil (2 parts);
- turf soil (2 parts);
- coarse sand (1 part);
- humus (1 part).
In nature, bougainvillea often grows in a limited space, between stones, so for planting and subsequent transplants you need to choose a small pot. A spacious flowerpot stimulates intensive growth of shoots and leaf mass to the detriment of flowering, and thin roots cannot always quickly absorb a new volume of soil, which leads to its souring.
The new pot should exceed the diameter of the old one by only a few centimeters. The height of the flowerpot should be greater than the width, and a thick layer of expanded clay should be placed on the bottom.
Transfer time
At the beginning of spring, the plant awakens after the winter dormancy period and is ready to expand its underground and above-ground parts. This time is most favorable for planting and replanting bougainvillea.
Caring for bougainvillea at home
Growing bougainvillea is much easier than it might seem at first glance. The main thing when keeping indoors is to bring the conditions as close as possible to natural ones.
Location and lighting
In nature, bougainvillea grows on rocky slopes and receives a lot of tropical sun, so at home you need to choose a place with maximum lighting, at least 5 hours of directed light per day. Even on sunny days the plant does not need shading. The brightness of the bracts and color saturation depend on the light intensity. Bright lighting is also necessary in winter, despite the dormant period.
Air humidity
It is difficult to create the humidity characteristic of the tropics and subtropics at home, but you need to strive for this. Bougainvillea loves high air humidity and regular spraying., especially in the intervals between flowering. During flowering, spraying can be stopped or done very carefully so that water does not get on the bracts. The plant can be placed on a tray with wet pebbles to increase humidity.
Temperature
Bougainvillea is thermophilic and does not tolerate temperatures below 10 °C. The optimal temperature for summer keeping is considered to be 20-25 °C, winter – 12-16 °C. Lowering the temperature is important for the formation of flower buds and abundant flowering. If bougainvillea is kept in warmer conditions in winter, then it needs to be provided with additional lighting.
Watering
The plant needs abundant watering, especially during the period of active growth. However, you need to maintain a balance between dryness and waterlogging. The earthen ball must be kept moist, but not wet. Bougainvillea stops growing in the fall and prepares for a dormant period, so watering must be reduced and then almost completely stopped. In the autumn-winter period, it is especially important not to over-moisten the substrate and just not allow it to dry out too much.
Feeding
Bougainvillea needs regular feeding with liquid fertilizer from spring to autumn. It is recommended to use fertilizers for flowering and budding as a top dressing, with a reduced nitrogen content and a high content of potassium, phosphorus and iron. Excess nitrogen delays and weakens flowering.
Trimming– one of the most important moments of plant care. Pruning is necessary not only to form a beautiful plant, but also to stimulate flowering. This procedure is carried out several times a year. In the spring, pruning is carried out to remove shoots that have dried out over the winter and are weak. In summer, inflorescences that have lost their decorative effect are cut off. Autumn pruning is carried out to give shape. The shoots are shortened by a third of the length or more, and the excess ones are cut out.
Shaping allows you to give the plant a certain appearance. It can be formed as a single-trunked tree, in bonsai style, in the form of a multi-trunked bush, or on a support, giving any fancy shapes depending on its configuration.
Several plants of different colors look extremely decorative, planted in one pot, the shoots of which are intertwined as they grow. Multi-colored plants can also be created by grafting onto a standard.
Transfer
When choosing a pot, soil and time for replanting, you must be guided by the same criteria as when planting. The new flowerpot should be only a few centimeters more spacious than the previous one. You should not choose a pot that is too large, because... this negatively affects both flowering and plant health. Thin roots are not able to quickly master the earthen lump and the earth may turn sour.
It is advisable not to damage the roots and the earthen ball, but simply transfer the plant into a larger pot and fill the free space with soil. Transshipment is less traumatic for the roots than replanting, so the plant tolerates this procedure more easily.
The frequency of transplants depends on the age and intensity of plant growth. Young bougainvilleas are recommended to be replanted annually or once every 2 years, adults - once every 3-5 years, or as needed.
There are three main ways to propagate bougainvillea:
- stem cuttings;
- air layering;
- seeds.
The seed method is the most difficult, since it is almost impossible to obtain seeds in the absence of a pollinator. In the wild, pollinators are hummingbirds, which live only in tropical countries. In temperate climates, the hawk moth can sometimes be a pollinator, but ovary formation occurs very rarely.
Stem cuttings are the most popular and easiest method of propagation. For propagation, summer semi-lignified cuttings cut in June are used. Rooting is carried out at a temperature of 20-25 ° C and high humidity in a mixture of peat and sand. To create optimal conditions, you can use a greenhouse or simply cover the pot with cuttings with a plastic bag. Before planting, it is recommended to treat the cuttings with a growth stimulator. The likelihood of rooting will increase if the container with cuttings is heated from below.
Reproduction by air layering can be carried out at any time of the year. To do this, place a pot with soil mixture next to the plant, bend down a young non-lignified shoot, pin it to the ground and lightly sprinkle it. At the point of contact with the soil, it is necessary to cause slight damage (scratches, cuts) to stimulate the formation of roots. When the shoot takes root, you can separate the young plant.
Reproduction by cuttings and layering makes it possible to preserve the variety of the plant. The probability of rooting of cuttings is higher, but this method allows you to obtain only a few copies. When propagated by cuttings, not all planted plants take root, but this method is quite suitable for mass propagation.
Thanks to its bright and long-lasting flowering, the plant has earned popularity among gardeners. The formation of flower buds occurs in winter, and with the onset of spring, flowers bloom on the plant, the main charm of which lies in the bright bracts.
The color of the plant's bracts may vary depending on the variety and species. They can be white, yellow, peach, lilac, violet, purple, pink. Particularly beautiful is the terry buggenvillea, whose bracts are arranged in several rows.
The flowers are short-lived, but the bracts decorate the plant for a long time. When the bracts lose their decorative properties, the shoot is cut off, leaving 7-8 buds of the young shoot. This pruning stimulates re-blooming on young shoots.
Among the few species of bougainvillea, only a few can be grown at home. The most commonly found Brazilian species are Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea spectabilis. But the plant varieties are amazing in variety. They differ not only in shape, color, number of bracts, but also in the color of the leaves.
Bougainvillea sanderiana with purple bracts and abundant flowering is considered one of the best. The most common varieties include bougainvillea Vera Deep Purple' with large fuchsia-crimson bracts and abundant flowering. Fans of variegated leaves will like bougainvillea ‘Orange Ice’, which amazes not only with the bright orange color of the bracts, but also with variegated variegated leaves. Interesting leaf color is also characteristic of the ‘Mini thai’ variety. Bright green leaf blades are framed by a fugitive border. In addition, the plant is compact and forms a well-leafed crown.
Bougainvillea ‘Double red’ with red flowers looks very impressive thanks to its double bracts. Among the interestingly colored varieties, bougainvillea ‘Snowcap multi’ stands out, the bracts of which are bicolored white and pink.
Diseases and pests
The plant, despite its tropical origin, is resistant to diseases and pests. Most bougainvillea diseases are associated with care errors, due to which the plant loses its decorative effect and sheds its leaves.
The flower is sometimes affected by scale insects, mealybugs and aphids. Measures to combat these pests are the same as in the case of damage to other indoor plants.
Popular questions about the care and problems of maintaining bougainvillea
What is the lifespan of bougainvillea?
When kept at home, life expectancy does not exceed 5-10 years. The plant does not die, but becomes very lignified and stops blooming. In greenhouses, individual specimens can live up to 30 years.
Is the plant poisonous?
Bougainvillea is not a poisonous houseplant and is safe for humans and pets.
Why doesn't bougainvillea bloom?
There are several reasons for the lack of flowering:
- temperature reduction during the rest period is not ensured;
- insufficient lighting;
- excess nitrogen in the soil.
Why do bougainvillea leaves fall?
Leaves may naturally fall off as the plant prepares for winter. In summer, leaf falling may be due to the plant moving from place to place or due to a draft.
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Description of the plant
Bougainvillea is an ornamental, evergreen shrub of the Niktaginaceae family. It is also known as paper tree. And all because the bright bracts, mistaken by many for flowers, look like a transparent, crumpled sheet of parchment.
The plant received its name in honor of the French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who discovered this wonderful flower. Its homeland is considered to be Brazil with its humid tropics and subtropics. Today there are 14 species existing in nature.
Bougainvillea looks exotic, which attracts the attention of flora lovers. Basically, it is a shrub with branches in the form of vines, reaching a length of about 5 meters. There are also plants in the form of a tree with a woody trunk and formed branches.
Bougainvillea is distinguished by the presence of thorns along the entire length of the vines or branches. The flowers of the plant are also surprising: inconspicuous, tubular inflorescences of beige color, and around them there are bright modified leaves - inflorescences. In nature, the color of the shrub is mainly bright pink with all sorts of shades. Hybrid varieties have white, pink, red and mixed colors.
In apartment conditions, the type of bougainvillea smooth is used for cultivation - a compact shrub. In our climate, this is mainly a greenhouse or indoor plant, but there are also garden specimens.
Conditions for abundant flowering
Bougainvillea at home will bloom only if you follow certain rules and conditions for its maintenance.
Watering mode
An important factor is watering the plant. During the active period of growth and budding, the bush must be watered abundantly with warm water (+20..+25 degrees Celsius), previously settled. Cold water damages the root system of your pet, and it can actively shed leaves and refuse to form flower stalks.
Excessive moisture is equally harmful to it, since the roots do not have time to absorb moisture, and stagnation of water in the pan can lead to irreparable consequences. The plant begins to rot, the leaves turn yellow and fall off, and the branches, in turn, become excessively elongated.
Overdrying of the earthen clod also has a detrimental effect on flowering. This leads to disruption of metabolic processes and death. Between waterings, you need to ensure that the soil dries out a few centimeters. If the soil has become dry by 2-3 cm, then it is worth watering again. During the dormant and wintering periods, the procedure is reduced to a minimum so as not to ruin the plant. It is necessary to spray the plant in the hot summer period with water at room temperature. It is advisable to do this in the morning, so that by the end of the day the bush has time to dry.
Temperature
Since the shrub comes from humid and warm tropics, temperature conditions are important for successful growth and bud formation. Bougainvillea does not tolerate drafts and sudden changes in location. Favorable temperatures for bougainvillea start from plus 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Of course, the humidity under the same conditions must be appropriate.
Dry, hot air that comes from the heating system in the winter months is also destructive for shrubs. By winter, bougainvillea begins a dormant period and it is recommended to move it to a room where the readings on the thermometer do not exceed plus 12 - 15 degrees Celsius.
This difference is due to the fact that active fall of foliage begins and in early spring new shoots are formed and buds of flower stalks are laid. This is a completely natural process. But it is worth remembering that if the temperature drops below, this leads to inevitable death.
In order for the bush to bloom and delight its owners with its beauty, it needs to be given a special place in the house. The fact is that bougainvillea is very capricious in this matter and does not like constant traveling from one place to another. For this reason, when bringing a new pet into your home, you should immediately determine a place for it. Choose southern and western windows with bright lighting for the shrub. The flower is not afraid of the sun; in nature it grows on slopes in open areas and without any shade. The brightness of the color of the bracts depends on the saturation of the sun.
Soil and pot selection
A very important factor for the flowering of a bush is the correct choice of flowerpot and soil mixture. The pot for bougainvillea is not too spacious. The fact is that if you plant it in a spacious growing container, it will use all its strength to fill the earthen coma with the root system. This promotes abundant formation of new shoots and green mass, but not flowering.
As you know, plants bloom when they are crowded and all efforts go only to abundant budding. The size of the flowerpot should be a couple of centimeters larger than the previous one and the depth should be sufficient to form a strong root system.
According to all the rules of flower maintenance, you should compose the soil yourself, but this is a complex process in some ways. A universal mixture for shrubs can also be purchased at a flower shop.
Experienced flower growers advise adding simple components to it:
- rotted humus or humus;
- coarse sand;
- turf and leaf soil.
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Why does bougainvillea lose its leaves?
In addition to changing location, drafts become a reason for the deterioration of the well-being of indoor culture. Bougainvillea reacts sharply to the movement of cold air currents. This applies to:
- wind blowing on a flower located in the garden, on a balcony or on a loggia in the summer;
- situations when bougainvillea at home ends up near an open window or under a transom.
Moving the pot to another window, as well as turning the container with the plant preparing to bloom, can also encourage the shedding of leaves.
Violation of the watering regime is no less dangerous for bougainvillea.
It is important to remember that warm weather and an active growing season require maintaining constant soil moisture. Equally dangerous is the drying out of the root system and its flooding, when moisture stagnates in the tray and soil inside the pot.
Since bougainvilleas need less moisture at this time, watering in winter needs to be more sparing and infrequent. If the plant is regularly flooded, answer the question: “How much? at Is the boogervillea shedding its leaves? very simple. The root system does not have time to absorb incoming moisture, metabolic processes are disrupted. The result is yellowing and wilting foliage on a recently green plant.
Similar processes occur if the crop does not receive enough water. When food is limited, bougainvillea leaves turn green. The same fate awaits the bracts covering the ends of the branches.
Like cold drafts, dry hot air coming from heating appliances is dangerous for bougainvillea at home. Dry air has an extremely negative effect on the tender shoots that form in early spring. Even on the remaining living branches, deformed, defective bracts and leaves are formed.
Like other indoor crops, bougainvillea is affected by sucking insect pests that weaken the plant. Spider mites pose a particular danger; when air humidity is low, they attack flowers indoors. When kept in a garden, scale insects, aphids, green-eating caterpillars and whiteflies are dangerous for the plant.
E If the plant is taken out onto the loggia or into the garden in the summer, you need to carefully monitor fluctuations in night temperatures. In August and September, when the air cools to +5 °C, bougainvillea may freeze and lose not only its foliage, but also some of its young shoots.
Why doesn't bougainvillea bloom at home?
A green specimen of bougainvillea can also cause alarm to the grower due to the lack of flowering or its scarcity. Keeping a plant in a small pot encourages it to produce buds, while a bulky container “for growth” causes a healthy flower to “get fat” and refuse to bloom.
The reason why bougainvillea does not bloom indoors may be an improperly organized dormant period or its complete absence. Being in a room where it is warmer than 10–12 °C, bougainvillea is reluctant to lay the rudiments of buds, so you should not expect beautiful flowering next season.
Likewise, cool, rainy weather during the summer has a negative effect on flowering quality. Moreover, even the bracts that form have a more faded color than usual.
In addition to the fading of the bracts, the lack of light causes the shoots to stretch and the plant to lose its shape, which is carefully maintained by pruning. This circumstance becomes especially unpleasant for owners of bonsai grown on the basis of bougainvillea.
Sometimes the reason why bougainvillea does not bloom at home remains unknown. But you can activate the formation of buds if you give the flower a small “diet”. Depending on the condition of the plant and its size, stop feeding and limit watering for 2–4 weeks. A portion of water is given to the plant only after the top layer of soil has dried. The signal that bougainvillea is ready to bloom is the formation of young shoots with flower buds at the ends. After this, fertilizing and watering are resumed according to the previous regime.
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