TheNaturePlanet

Gardeners who grow bougainvillea know that once an old bougainvillea plant is well-cared for, it will be in full bloom with flowers all over the branches, which is extremely impressive! However, to make the old plant grow strong and bloom vigorously, details such as light, watering, fertilizing, and pruning must be handled properly, especially pest and disease prevention in advance. Let's talk about it step by step.

**Light and Temperature: The More Sunlight, the More Vigorous It Grows**
Old bougainvillea plants are "sunlight addicts" and need more than 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. If the light is insufficient, the branches and leaves will grow wildly, and there will be no hope of flowering. However, when it is extremely hot in summer, provide a little shade to prevent the leaves from being scorched by the sun. The comfortable temperature for it is 15-30℃. If the temperature is lower than 5℃ in winter, it may be damaged by freezing. Gardeners in the north must move it indoors in winter, while in southern areas with not too low temperatures, it is okay to block the wind a little.

**Watering and Water Control: Water Only When Dry, "Starve" It Before Flowering**
Watering should follow the principle of "water when the soil is dry, and water thoroughly". Wait until the surface of the soil is completely dry, then water thoroughly at one time. Don't be lazy and only water half-heartedly, otherwise the roots will be trapped in the wet soil, and the leaves will fall off in large numbers. To make it bloom more, you have to be "cruel" to control water about 20 days before the flowering period - wait until the leaves are a little wilted before watering, and repeat this 2-3 times, so that a lot of flower buds will emerge. Remember, never water randomly every now and then; the roots of the old plant can't stand折腾.

**Fertilizing and Pruning: Apply the Right Fertilizer and Prune the Right Branches**
During the growing period (spring and summer), apply a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every 10-15 days to make the branches and leaves grow strong. When it is about to bloom, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium to ensure that the flower buds are fully developed. After flowering, quickly cut off the withered flowers and overly dense branches to prevent them from competing for nutrients. Before sprouting in spring, severely prune weak branches and overgrown branches. If you want to shape it, keep the main branches or the crown at the top. Usually, cut off dead branches and thin branches hidden inside. Good ventilation will reduce problems.

**Pest and Disease Control: Detect Early and Take Action Early**
Old plants are prone to aphids and red spiders. If found, wipe the back of the leaves with soapy water or alcohol. For scale insects, first brush them off with a toothbrush, then spray some insecticide. If anthracnose occurs, quickly cut off the diseased leaves and spray some fungicide. Open windows for ventilation as much as possible on weekdays; with good air circulation, insects and bacteria are less likely to come.

**Notes: There Are Tricks for Repotting New Plants**
If you just got a new plant, first cut off all the dead branches and rotten roots, soak them in carbendazim for disinfection, and plant them after drying. The soil must be dry; do not use wet soil, otherwise the roots will easily rot. In the north where the air is dry, cover it with a bag to keep moisture after planting; in the south, put it in a place with scattered light to let it acclimatize, which can greatly improve the survival rate.

In fact, old bougainvillea plants are not that delicate. As long as they get enough light, are not watered randomly, are pruned when necessary, and attention is paid to pests and diseases, they will grow luxuriantly in a short time, with flowers all over the tree when blooming, which is really pleasing to the eye!