Bougainvillea thrives with consistent moisture during its active growing and blooming periods, but dislikes constantly wet feet. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering significantly during cooler, less active periods or in winter to encourage blooming and prevent fungal issues. Overwatering can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers.

Pruning is essential for shaping bougainvillea, encouraging branching, and promoting abundant blooms. Perform major pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to establish desired size. Throughout the growing season, light pruning after each flush of flowers helps remove spent bracts and encourages new blooms. This practice maintains plant vigor and aesthetic appeal.

Bougainvillea can be propagated effectively from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Select healthy, non-flowering stems about 10-15 cm long. Remove lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining, sterile potting mix. Provide consistent warmth (around 20-25°C) and high humidity, perhaps using a propagation dome, to encourage successful rooting, which typically occurs within 4-8 weeks.

Bougainvillea generally prefers to be somewhat pot-bound, as this can stimulate more prolific flowering. Repot only when the plant has significantly outgrown its container, typically every 2-3 years, or when roots are circling excessively. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering issues. Repot in spring, disturbing the root ball as little as possible, and ensure the new container has excellent drainage holes.