Bougainvillea Bougainvillea A love blog about bougainvillea.

Bougainvillea Growth cycles

The bougainvillea has two distinct growth cycles:

1. A vegetative growth period for several weeks -- when new leaves and stems grow.  If the plant receives enough sunlight, the plant will form buds during this time. If there is not enough sunlight, the plant will remain in vegetative cycle.

2. A blooming period of several weeks when little or no vegetative growth occurs.  The length of time they will display color is dependent upon the health of the plant and the environment they are in; the more sun and heat, the better. However, long days and short nights (July and August in Florida) limit a bougainvillea's ability to bloom.

Watering bougainvillea is as simple as looking at your plant.

Wilting is the best indicator that watering is needed. No need to check for soil dryness or count the days that you previously watered. Just look at the foliage or bracts...and if they're starting to droop a little, then it's time to water. If you let them droop, then wilt, and then wait a couple more days to water, then it may be too late and the plant will start to drop foliage. Take care not to let your bougainvillea get bone-dry, as this will cause bracts and foliage to drop. When it is time to water, do it thoroughly – making sure that every inch of root gets watered.

The amount of watering needed is directly related to the climate, soil type, plant size and weather conditions. However, there are some guidelines you can use.

Bougainvillea are drought-tolerant plants, and require very little water once established. Bring the soil to visual dryness between waterings.

When choosing an area to plant your bougainvillea, remember that higher ground is best - as this makes water drain AWAY from the roots. Avoid constant, light, and frequent watering as this will promote a weak and shallow root system and prevent any major coloring on your bougainvillea. Be careful not to allow your bougainvillea to sit in water as this may cause bracts to drop or stop blooming altogether.

If your bougainvillea is grown in a pot – make sure drainage holes are unobstructed, and toss that water dish... bougainvillea do not like wet feet!  Also make sure you are using the right fertilizer for your bougainvillea plants.