Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea requires a bright location, preferably in full sun, a key requirement for abundant flowering and compact growth. During the warm season, it has to be grown outdoors, where it benefits from light and warmth. In areas with harsh winters, however, it is necessary to protect it from the cold by placing it in a heated greenhouse, as it is sensitive to low temperatures and frost.

The common rule of watering whenever the soil feels dry to the touch is also ideal for the Bouganviella, but bear in mind that in hotter periods and in strong winds, you will need to water more frequently. In fact, in these cases, the soil often risks becoming completely dry. It is also important to bear in mind that both a lack of water and excess water can cause serious damage to the plant. More specifically, a lack of water causes the leaves to wilt and stunted growth, while excess water causes the tips of the leaves to turn black.

Repotting is generally done every two or three years, preferably in spring, when the plant resumes its vegetative growth. Bougainvillea adapts to various types of substrate, as long as it is well-draining and allows the roots to develop without waterlogging. During repotting, you can perform a light pruning of the root system, which helps maintain the plant's balance and suitability for bonsai cultivation.

Main pruning is performed after flowering, usually between June and July, when the branches have grown significantly. Since the flowers develop at the tips of the shoots, it is important to shorten the branches, leaving about three internodes. This stimulates the formation of new shoots and promotes more compact branching, improving both the aesthetic appearance and future flower production.

During the growing season, pinning is used to control growth and encourage the development of lateral branches. The most vigorous apical shoots can be shortened to stimulate the formation of new branches, which will later produce flowers. It is important to avoid pruning the weakest branches, which are often the ones destined to produce flowers the following season.

Wiring with wire must be done carefully, as bougainvillea wood is quite fragile and tends to break easily. For this reason, wire is best applied to young, still flexible shoots, when it is possible to direct their growth without risking damage to the plant. Wiring helps guide the branch structure and enhance the natural movement of the trunk.

Because it is a vigorous-growing species characterized by abundant flowering, bougainvillea requires regular fertilization during the growing season. During the months of peak activity, the plant consumes a lot of energy and benefits from balanced fertilization that supports both branch growth and flower formation. Adequate nutrition also helps keep the bonsai healthy and vigorous.

The diseases to which azaleas are most frequently susceptible are: scale insects, aphids, mites, red spider mites, and sooty mold. To prevent these pests from attacking the plant, simply follow the correct maintenance rules, especially with regard to exposure and watering. However, if they do appear, they can be easily eradicated by applying specific products. However, to avoid having to treat the plant once it has already been attacked, it is advisable to carry out appropriate preventive treatments periodically.