Enhance Your Bougainvillea with This Favorite Liquid
Experienced gardeners swear by a familiar liquid to nurture their bougainvillea – rice water. Used correctly, a weekly dose is all it takes to stimulate growth, with vibrant blooms and healthy foliage as a result.
Why is Rice Water Beneficial?
Rice water is slightly acidic, which improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and encourages root development. The starch, protein, and vitamins released during the rinsing process provide a nutritional boost. Additionally, the rich micronutrient content can substitute for fertilizer, promoting darker leaves and reducing leaf yellowing and shedding. When mildly fermented, rice water also stimulates bougainvillea to produce more buds and vibrant blooms.
The Right Way to Use Rice Water
While beneficial, improper use of rice water can harm your plant. Here are some guidelines to follow:
– Use only first or second rinse water: This water has a mild acidity suitable for plants. Subsequent rinses tend to be alkaline, which can compact the soil and harm roots.
– Ferment before use: Pour rice water into a sealed container and let it sit in a cool, ventilated area for 2-3 days until it develops a mild sour smell.
– Dilute before watering: Mix one part fermented rice water with ten parts clean water to avoid root burn, especially in hot weather.
– Water periodically every 7 days: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and nutrient imbalances.
Also Read: Bougainvillea Brings Luck and Happiness, But Beware: These Four Types Shouldn’t Plant It
Three Types of Water to Avoid When Caring for Your Bougainvillea
– Untreated Kitchen Wastewater
Some gardeners reuse rice washing water, vegetable washing water, and meat washing water, believing they are rich in nutrients. However, when untreated, these waters continue to decompose in the soil, generating heat and gases that create an ideal environment for mosquitoes and mold. This process can also cause root heat shock, severely affecting nutrient absorption.
If chemical residues like dishwashing liquid are present, they can burn the roots. To use this water safely, let it ferment for 2-3 days and dilute it at a ratio of 1:50 before watering. This method is safer and facilitates better nutrient absorption.
– Unused Tea or Tea Leaves (Not Fermented)
For tea drinkers, it’s common to pour leftover tea or tea leaves into the bougainvillea pot. While tea is thought to benefit the soil and conserve water, untreated tea poses several risks. Daily tea pouring keeps the soil constantly moist, preventing root aeration and leading to root rot and wilt. Additionally, tea is alkaline, while bougainvillea prefers slightly acidic soil. Prolonged use can cause alkalization, reducing the root’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Properly fermented tea leaves, on the other hand, make excellent fertilizer. After fermentation, the alkalinity disappears, and the tea becomes slightly acidic, ideal for bougainvillea. In addition to providing nutrients, fermented tea leaves improve soil structure, enhance drainage, and reduce soil compaction.
– Contaminated, Oily, or Chemical-Based Water
Water containing laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, or oily residues can severely damage roots due to its high alkalinity. Oily water creates a film in the soil, reducing air circulation and leading to root asphyxiation and rot. It also makes the soil hydrophobic, impeding water absorption even with ample watering.
Stick to clean water for your bougainvillea, watering only when the soil feels dry. To encourage blooming, dilute a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer in your watering can. During flowering, refrain from fertilizing and maintain moderate watering to prolong the blooms.
In addition to proper watering, remember that bougainvillea thrives in sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of sun daily. After each flowering cycle, prune old branches to encourage new growth and future blooms.
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