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IntroCare Instructions

Intro

The Bougainvillea is a flamboyant flowering bonsai species known for its vivid bracts that appear in shades of magenta, purple, red, orange, or white. Native to South America, this woody vine produces twisting trunks, papery blooms, and striking color displays in warmer months. As a bonsai, it combines visual drama with a fast growth rate, making it a favorite for tropical and subtropical growers who want both color and texture.

Care Instructions

Light

  • Requires full sun for at least 6 hours a day to flower profusely.
  • Inadequate light leads to poor blooming and leggy growth.
  • Best suited for outdoor placement in warm climates or indoor placement near a bright south-facing window if grown indoors temporarily.

Watering

  • Likes to dry out slightly between waterings.
  • Water thoroughly when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
  • Overwatering can lead to root rot and reduced flowering.

Temperature & Climate

  • Best grown in warm, frost-free climates (USDA Zones 9–11).
  • Sensitive to cold—must be protected or brought indoors if temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F).
  • Evergreen in warm zones; semi-deciduous or dormant in cooler seasons.

Pruning

  • Prune aggressively after flowering to shape and control growth.
  • Shoots can be cut back to 2–3 nodes to encourage branching.
  • Handle carefully—Bougainvillea has brittle wood and spines along some stems.

Repotting

  • Repot every 2–3 years in early spring before new growth begins.
  • Prefers to be slightly root-bound to encourage flowering.
  • Use a well-draining soil mix, with sandy or coarse texture to prevent excess moisture retention.

Seasonal Tips

  • Spring: Begin fertilizing and repot if needed. Prune for structure and flowering.
  • Summer: Peak flowering season; provide consistent sunlight and reduce nitrogen-heavy feeds.
  • Autumn: Trim lightly after flowering flush. Begin reducing watering if temperatures drop.
  • Winter: Reduce watering and protect from cold. Keep in a bright, frost-free space if temperatures fall below 5°C.

Companion Moss & Plants

  • Avoid heavy moss that holds moisture—light sheet moss or fine gravel mulch is ideal.
  • Pairs well with succulent accents like miniature echeveria or dwarf sedum.
  • Keep base open to promote air circulation and root health.

Display Suggestions

  • Looks excellent in glazed oval or drum pots in complementary colors (deep blue, pale green, cream).
  • Suited to informal upright, semi-cascade, or twisting vine-like styles.
  • Best displayed during blooming season, either solo or alongside neutral companions that emphasize its colorful bracts.
  • Ideal for patios, sunrooms, or seasonal outdoor bonsai displays in warm climates.