Bougainvillea, with its simple beauty and vibrant colors, is a popular choice for many to decorate their living spaces. However, not everyone knows how to care for it to make it flourish and cover everything from the roots to the treetops. One of the secrets to making bougainvillea bloom evenly and beautifully is to provide it with this special type of water.
1. Rice Water – A Magic Potion for Bougainvillea
Rice water is a natural source of nutrition, packed with vitamins B1 and B2, as well as minerals beneficial to plants. When used to water bougainvillea, it provides supplementary nutrition, helping to boost the blooming process. Additionally, rice water improves the soil by making it more porous and nutrient-rich, creating an ideal environment for root development.
How to Use Rice Water:
- Step 1: Collect rice water from your daily cooking. It is recommended to use the second rinse water to ensure cleanliness and avoid any impurities.
- Step 2: Let the rice water sit overnight to allow sediment to settle and for slight fermentation, which creates better conditions for the plant to absorb the nutrients.
- Step 3: Water the bougainvillea’s roots with rice water in the early morning or cool evening, 2-3 times a week.
2. Banana Peel Water – Stimulates Long-Lasting Blooms
Banana peels are rich in potassium, an essential nutrient that helps bougainvillea produce vibrant and long-lasting blooms. In addition to potassium, banana peels contain other necessary micro-nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which support the plant’s blooming process.
How to Use Banana Peel Water:
- Step 1: After eating a banana, cut the peel into small pieces and soak them in clean water for 1-2 days to extract the nutrients.
- Step 2: Strain the banana peel water and directly water the bougainvillea’s roots with it.
- Step 3: Water the plant with banana peel water once a week to provide sufficient nutrients.
3. Green Tea – The Secret to Keeping Flowers Vibrant
Green tea is not only a healthy drink for humans but also a “magic potion” for bougainvillea. It provides additional amino acids and antioxidants, slowing down the aging process of the flowers and preserving their colors.
How to Use Green Tea:
- Step 1: Brew green tea with boiling water, let it cool, and strain the liquid.
- Step 2: Dilute the green tea with water at a ratio of 1:3, and then evenly water the roots and leaves of the bougainvillea.
- Step 3: Water the plant with green tea once a week to maintain the color and vitality of the flowers.
4. Coconut Water – Enhances Flower Durability
Coconut water is a natural source of potassium and sugar, promoting the vigorous growth of bougainvillea and helping it bloom evenly from the roots to the treetops. It also boosts the plant’s immunity, reducing common diseases associated with bougainvillea.
How to Use Coconut Water:
- Step 1: Choose a fresh coconut, extract the water, and let it sit overnight.
- Step 2: Dilute the coconut water with clean water at a ratio of 1:2, and then water the roots of the bougainvillea.
- Step 3: Use coconut water once a month to provide extra nutrition and help the plant bloom consistently.
5. Things to Keep in Mind When Caring for Bougainvillea
- Light: Bougainvillea needs ample sunlight for photosynthesis and blooming. Place the pot in a spot that receives strong sunlight for at least 6 hours daily.
- Watering: Avoid overwatering as bougainvillea does not like wet soil. Water sufficiently to keep the soil moist, and increase watering during dry seasons.
- Pruning: Regularly prune old and weak branches and leaves to allow the plant to focus its energy on blooming.