Bougainvillea is a vibrant flowering plant that is a favorite among many gardeners. It is a vine that can be trained into various shapes. This plant blooms year-round and is adaptable to different environments.
Many believe that bougainvillea flowers naturally without knowing that we can completely control the timing of its blooms. To make it flower for the Lunar New Year, extra care is needed.
An important rule to make bougainvillea bloom for the holiday is the “one-more, one-less” rule.
One More: Provide Extra Nutrition
Bougainvillea needs a boost of nutrition before each flowering cycle to increase its resistance and overall health. Fertilize the plant with NPK fertilizer, with a quantity of about 2/3 of a rice bowl diluted in 20 liters of clean water. Water the plant generously with this solution. The amount of fertilizer can be adjusted according to the size of the plant. Then, stop watering.
After 2-3 days, when the soil around the roots feels dry, water it again with clean water to balance the fertilizer applied.
After 7-10 days, repeat the fertilization process once more.
Just these two fertilizing sessions will provide enough nutrients for the plant to prepare for a new flowering cycle.
To make bougainvillea bloom for the Lunar New Year, special measures are required.
One Less: Withhold Water
An important secret to making bougainvillea bloom on cue is to withhold water. This involves stopping irrigation, which dries out the soil. The plant will respond to this sudden change in water supply by quickly sprouting and budding.
After the second fertilization, wait for 7-10 days, and then you can start withholding water. At this stage, the plant has stored enough nutrients and can withstand the lack of water.
Do not water the plant for 10-15 days continuously. If you see buds appearing, it means the water withholding was successful.
Note that during this period, if the plant shows signs of leaf yellowing but the flower stems remain firm, do not water it immediately. If the plant starts to drop flowers, give it a small amount of water to help it recover gradually. Do not overwater at this point, as it may shock the plant.
When you notice leaf drop, where leaves come off easily when lifted, and buds are appearing evenly on all sides, resume normal watering.
When you start watering again, the discolored and yellow leaves will fall off.
During the flowering phase, do not withhold water, as it will cause the flowers to drop.
After the water withholding period, there is no need to add more fertilizer. However, to promote stronger and more vibrant flowers, you can use rice water to irrigate the plant.
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