how do i properly care for bougainvillea's?
Answers:
Climate: Bougainvillea is a warm weather plant; they must be protected from frost. When placed outdoors, spring-fall, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°. When Bougainvillea is exposed to low temperatures they will appear “wiltty” and may drop their leaves. Bougainvillea loves full sun, but protect from the intense late afternoon summer sun. In the winter months it is best kept in a heated greenhouse or in an Eastern/Southern facing window out of cold drafts.
Care: Watering depends on the size of the plant and the pot it is placed in. During the spring-fall months, you may need to water 1-3 times a day. Bougainvillea do not like to be water logged, moist to slightly dry soil is best. In the winter months keep the soil almost dry.
A time release low nitrogen fertilizer is best from early spring-fall, do not fertilize during the winter months.
Pruning and wiring: Bougainvillea takes well to pruning throughout most of the year. Because bougainvillea generally blooms on new growth, each branch, after flowering, should be cut back to a point somewhat shorter than the desired length.
Pruning and wiring: Care should be taken when wiring seasoned branches. Older developed branches of bougainvillea are somewhat brittle and will break if care is not taken; the wiring of young branches is best.
Repotting: A free draining soil is best, 70% organic fibrous material and 30% grit. Repotting should take place during the spring-early summer months. The age, size of the tree and pot deter main the time between repotting, some of Ernie’s plants have been in the same pot for as long as 30 years. The rule of thumb is, repot every 3-5 years and not to root prune to severely without reducing the foliage.
Propagation: Bougainvillea may be grown from air layers, root cuttings and branch cuttings. Cuttings from young shoots, a few inches in length are best. Old wood cuttings, 6” to 12” in length may be rooted from April-June. Air layering should be carried out from April-July.
Pests and disease: Generally, Bougainvillea is pest free; Powdery mildew may affect plants kept indoors if the ventilation is poor. All Bougainvilleas should be inspected regularly for caterpillars, aphids and scale.
Written by: Tony Cronkhite
Other answers:
They like sun. They don't like freezing temperatures. They should be trimmed back or have a very sturdy support system when they get larger. Ask at your garden store. Part of it depends on your particular soils, climate, etc.
They like sun. They don't like freezing temperatures. They should be trimmed back or have a very sturdy support system when they get larger. Ask at your garden store. Part of it depends on your particular soils, climate, etc.
well I have 2 and they have sun in the morning and shade the rest of the day,and they're doing great
Here is a good site for you.
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1553.htm
Spock gave you good advice but he left out that they do not like a lot of water. That is why they do well in Southern California. Plant them in the middle of a sun-drenched patio. They like conditions that kill other plants. Just don't let them freeze.
A LOT OF SUN...is it a bonsai or a normal bougainvillea?