Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Bougainvillea prefers to dry out slightly between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering significantly in cooler months to encourage dormancy and flowering.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea buttiana) is a vibrant, thorny ornamental vine or shrub celebrated for its colorful bracts that resemble petals, ideal for warm climates.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
50% intensity
Avoid waterlogged conditions; reduce in cooler months.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm to hot
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 20-30°C during the growing season. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Balanced fertilizer during growing season, low-nitrogen preferred for bloom.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic to pets and humans. The thorns can cause minor skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Bougainvillea prefers to dry out slightly between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering significantly in cooler months to encourage dormancy and flowering.
Prune after the main flowering period to shape the plant and remove dead or crossing branches. Heavy pruning in late winter or early spring can encourage vigorous new growth and abundant blooms.
Pinch back new shoots to promote bushiness.
Best propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Select healthy, non-flowering shoots about 10-15 cm long, remove lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant in a well-draining potting mix and keep moist and warm.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably with added grit or perlite. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Repot in early spring before new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea buttiana)
Where Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea buttiana) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Genus | Bougainvillea |
| Species | Bougainvillea buttiana |
Similar in genus Bougainvillea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
