Bougainvillea, also known as paper flowers, are a popular choice for many gardeners. These vibrant blooms are often grown in front of houses, on balconies, or potted as indoor plants. They are loved for their bright colors and easy maintenance.
Having bougainvillea bloom during the Tet holiday not only adds a splash of color to your living space but also symbolizes abundance and good luck for the new year. To time their blooming just right, try these simple tips below.
Provide Extra Nutrition
It is recommended to supplement the plant’s diet with nutrients to boost its immunity and overall health. Mix 2/3 of a rice bowl’s worth of NPK fertilizer with 20 liters of clean water and generously water the plant with this solution.
After 2-3 days, when the potting soil has dried, resume watering with clean water to balance the fertilizer concentration in the pot. Repeat this process twice, spacing each watering session 7-10 days apart.
– Water Restriction for Bougainvillea
An important step to encourage blooming during Tet is to restrict water intake. This means reducing the amount of water and temporarily stopping watering for a period to induce bud formation.
About 7-10 days after the second application of NPK fertilizer, you can begin water restriction, as the plant should now have sufficient nutrients.
Stop watering until the soil is completely dry and the leaves begin to wilt, but the stems remain firm. If you notice flower drop, immediately provide a small amount of water to help the plant recover, being careful not to overwater and shock the plant.
Once the leaves start to fall off with a gentle shake, and flower buds appear evenly on all sides, resume watering gradually, starting with a moderate amount and increasing it over time.
Once the plant is in full bloom, avoid water restriction, as this may cause flower drop. When you first resume watering, some leaf drop may occur, but these will mostly be older, yellowing leaves. After the water restriction period, additional nutrients are not necessary. However, you can use diluted fermented rice water to nourish the plant, promoting larger and more vibrant flowers.
Note: Do not perform water restriction on young or weak plants.