As beautiful as a terrace wall covered in colorful bougainvillea would be, we can hardly cultivate the Andean plant outdoors. But the flower-loving gardener doesn't have to go without them - this article shows you how successful pot cultivation works.
How to cultivate bougainvillea in a pot?
Successful pot cultivation of bougainvillea includes selecting a small pot, nutrient-rich and permeable substrate, a sunny location and regular watering without causing waterlogging. This is how you promote lush blooms and enjoy blooms all year round.
Why bougainvillea doesn't like our climate
Bougainvillea is native to a relatively small Andean region in South America, which has a subtropical climate. So she is naturally used to getting a lot of sun and warmth. In addition, their bursty vegetation phases are strongly dependent on the water supply, which takes place in a very clearly structured manner in their home area.
It is therefore less able to cope with our seasonal rhythm, rather fluctuating rainfall and a lack of sunlight. In the Mediterranean region, bougainvillea can thrive on sunny house walls - in our case, pot cultivation is optimal.
Growing bougainvillea in a pot – the advantages
The advantage of growing bougainvilleas in pots: they are mobile in the pot and can be relocated if necessary. If the site conditions are not pleasant, they can be changed quickly - this is particularly worthwhile for bougainvillea beginners who first have to test out the ideal location for their new gardener.
But mobility is of course also essential for successful wintering. So you can enjoy the flowery beauty on the terrace in summer and in the room in winter.
What a lush abundance of flowers there must be in the pot
Even if you may feel at a disadvantage compared to your fellow Mediterranean gardeners when it comes to red or purple bougainvillea, there are also some tricky advantages to be gained from pot cultivation. In the pot you can provide your bougainvillea with flowering-promoting conditions in a very controlled manner.
First of all, this includes choosing the pot size: a tight root ball produces a more lush flower in relation to the leaf mass - so place your specimen in a rather small pot.
The substrate should be permeable to protect against waterlogging and contain valuable nutrients such as minerals.
Sun plenty and water regularly
A location that is as sunny as possible goes without saying. Even the frost-free wintering location should be bright. Regular watering while meticulously avoiding waterlogging is also a must.
The pot cultivation of bougainvillea at a glance:
- Beneficial for year-round blooms outside and inside
- simple location test through mobility
- Controlled promotion of flower formation through nutrient-rich, permeable substrate and small pot
