Fertilizing a bougainvillea is not only recommended for stronger growth and lush flowering. You should also regularly provide the beautiful climbing plant with some extra food. We'll explain the how and why.
How often and when should you fertilize bougainvillea?
Bougainvillea should be fertilized every one to two weeks during the light half of the year, its natural vegetation phase. Use universal fertilizer for strong growth and flower pot plant fertilizer in the flowering phases. Stop fertilizing when the autumn light fades.
The Vegetative Basics
Since the bougainvillea comes from subtropical South America, it is naturally used to a corresponding seasonal rhythm. Its vegetation character has adapted to the clearly differentiated dry and rainy seasons of its homeland: when there is a lot of heat, light and moisture, it sprouts vigorously, and when there is a lack of light and drought, it quickly sheds its leaves.
When and how often should you fertilize?
For us, their main vegetation phase is in the light half of the year over the summer. Here you can/should play free rider and support them with fertilizer. From the first burst of new growth after overwintering, it is recommended to add fertilizer every one to two weeks. Of course, regular watering is also mandatory in order to support the natural vegetation conditions. If the availability of light noticeably decreases towards October, you should stop fertilizing. Otherwise you will create a mismatch between the plant's resting phase due to lack of light and the supply of nutrients.
So let’s hold on:
- It makes sense to fertilize bougainvilleas during their natural vegetation phase in the light half of the year
- then universal fertilizer every one to two weeks, and flower pot plant fertilizer in the flowering phases
- Adjust fertilization to match the autumn light loss
Which fertilizer to use?
To fertilize for strong growth, you can use a simple universal liquid fertilizer (€18.00 on Amazon). It gives the plant basic nutrients to develop and strengthen its overall substance. During the flowering phases, you can also use a special fertilizer for flowering potted plants, which is enriched with approximately equal proportions of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. These substances are essential and promote flower formation and keep the plant he althy.
What else you can do
A little tip: Apart from giving your bougainvillea a suitable, permeable and mineral-rich substrate, you can also provide it with permanent nutrients at the base. To do this, simply add a small amount of horn shavings to the soil. They provide the plant with basic nutrients throughout the entire potting phase. When repotting you can simply replace the addition.
