Bougainvilleas do very well in pots due to their favorable drainage conditions, and with proper care they can grow and flourish for many years.
Plant bougainvillea in clay, terracotta, or ceramic containers at least 12 inches wide, and use a mix that is 80 % fertilizer and 20 % sand to ensure good drainage.
When planting bougainvillea, do not pack the soil down too firmly, as this forces out air and makes the growing medium less porous, which can cause it to hold too much moisture.
Always water your bougainvillea well after planting or transplanting, as this can help mitigate the shock of transplanting. In climates with higher humidity or rainfall, the importance of a well-drained sandy soil mix increases, as bougainvilleas prefer the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.
– Irrigation
Water bougainvilleas thoroughly so that excess water drips from the bottom of the pot to ensure moisture reaches the roots. Let the soil dry out before watering again. Typically water once a week in spring and summer, and every 2-3 weeks in fall and winter for optimum moisture balance.
– Pruning
As the bougainvillea is a flowering vine, it requires support with a stake until it reaches a certain size in order to grow tall and prevent it from falling over.
Prune new growth in early spring to keep potted bougainvilleas compact and promote new flower formation.
– Flowering
The key to increasing flowering is to plant the bougainvillea in a pot that slightly restricts the roots, in full sunlight, and to avoid overwatering. Bougainvillea bloom best when their roots are somewhat attached to the pot and when they are watered infrequently.
If the plant has high humidity, a large pot for roots to grow in, and plenty of nutrients in the form of fertilizer, then the bougainvillea tends to redirect its energy toward growth and development of the root system and foliage rather than prioritizing plant growth. its bracts and flowers.
– Fertilization
The most important soil characteristic when growing bougainvillea is that the soil is well draining rather than very fertile. If there is too much nitrogen in the soil, more leaves and fewer flowers grow. Fertilizer can help energize potted bougainvillea that have depleted available nutrients.
It is important to stop feeding in summer, as the fertilizer can encourage softer, more luxuriant growth that is particularly susceptible to cold damage.
