Bougainvillea is naturally free-flowering and low-maintenance, but many gardeners end up with lush foliage and few blooms. If your bougainvillea is healthy and leafy but lacks flowers, don’t worry; it’s not a male plant, as some believe. It simply needs to be encouraged to channel its energy into flowering rather than foliage. To achieve this, try the following techniques:
Ring barking to reduce leaf-feeding nutrients
When a bougainvillea puts all its energy into leaves, it needs a reminder to focus on flowering. Ring barking involves using a sharp knife to cut away a ring of bark near the base of the plant, reducing the flow of nutrients to the leaves. This will cause some leaves to drop, encouraging the plant to divert its energy into producing blooms. This technique is often used by gardeners to encourage fruit trees to flower out of season. After ring barking, you can also apply KNO3 (100g per 10 liters of water) to further encourage early flowering. Always ensure you have the right tools and knowledge before attempting any pruning or cutting techniques.
Bougainvillea with excessive foliage due to incorrect care
Leaf stripping and reduced watering
Leaf stripping is another method to encourage your bougainvillea to channel its energy into flowering. By removing some leaves, you signal the plant to focus on blooming. Combine this with reduced watering, and your bougainvillea will respond with increased flowering. You can also use a knife to carefully cut some roots near the base of the plant, reducing the nutrient supply to the leaves. Bougainvilleas thrive in slightly harsh conditions and don’t require overly rich soil, so this technique encourages the growth of new roots and redirects nutrients away from leaf production.
Bougainvillea thrives in sunny conditions
Relocate to a sunnier spot
Bougainvilleas are sun-loving plants, especially in warmer climates, so ensure yours is positioned in the sunniest spot possible. They originate from tropical regions and can tolerate heat, drought, and sun, so don’t be afraid to give them plenty of sunlight. Avoid shaded areas like blocked balconies, indoor spaces, or stairwells.
Well-drained soil is essential
Bougainvilleas are not demanding when it comes to soil nutrition, and they can adapt to various soil types. However, for optimal growth and flowering, there are a few things to consider: Bougainvilleas are positively phototropic, favoring warm environments with optimal temperatures between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. Choose slightly acidic garden soil mixed with well-rotted manure, leaf mold, or pine needle soil for best results.
When planting in a pot, ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the root system, promoting a healthy plant with abundant flowers.
Bougainvillea doesn’t require excessive nutrition
Proper watering techniques
Bougainvilleas don’t need daily watering, so avoid overdoing it. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. When you do water, ensure the soil gets thoroughly soaked, and then allow it to drain freely. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen-rich fertilizers. For potted plants, ensure the soil is completely dry before watering again, and don’t let water stagnate in the pot. If you’re planting bougainvillea directly into the ground, create drainage channels or plant on slightly elevated ground if the area receives heavy rainfall during the summer.
When fertilizing, use a balanced fertilizer once a month for in-ground plants, and during the flowering period, switch to a potassium-rich fertilizer or a phosphorus-potassium blend.
For potted bougainvilleas, dilute the fertilizer to at least 500 times its concentration, as higher concentrations can burn the roots. Regular feeding with diluted fertilizer will promote healthy growth.
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