“The Best Water for Bougainvillea Plants”
The Right Watering Technique for Bougainvillea Plants
Bougainvillea plants are quite drought-tolerant, but they still require proper care to ensure abundant flowering. While regular watering with tap water is common, it may not be sufficient. Tap water alone does not provide the necessary nutrients for the plant’s optimal growth and flowering.
To enhance the nutrition of your bougainvillea, consider creating a special watering mixture using soybeans. This organic, natural fertilizer is an excellent source of nutrients for your plants, and it’s environmentally friendly and safe for users’ health.
To make this soybean water, soak a handful of dry soybeans overnight until they expand. Then, boil them until soft and fully cooked. Allow the beans and the water to cool completely.
Transfer the beans and water into a jar and let it sit for about two weeks to ferment. Once the soybean water is ready, dilute it with clean water. The minimum ratio is 1 part soybean water to 5 parts clean water, but you can further dilute it if needed.
Soybean water is rich in nitrogen, essential for plant growth, and also contains phosphorus and potassium, vital for root development and bud differentiation. Use this mixture to water the base of your bougainvillea plant, alternating with clean water to avoid over-fertilization.
Tips for Abundant Bougainvillea Flowering
– Increase Sunlight Exposure
For potted bougainvillea, ensure they are placed in areas with ample natural light to encourage strong growth of stems, leaves, and flowers. Bougainvilleas thrive in sunny conditions, so insufficient light may result in weak, flowerless plants.
– Water Generously
Spring is a crucial time for plant growth, and adequate water is essential. Do not let your bougainvillea suffer from water deficiency during this period of active growth.
– Prune the Branches
In spring, consider pruning small, weak, or diseased branches, as well as spent flowers, to promote air circulation and reduce nutrient wastage. By doing so, you direct the plant’s energy towards healthier branches and more abundant flowering.