Plant diseases are certainly one of the most unpleasant chapters for every gardener - especially with such beautiful flower wonders as bougainvillea. You can find out what illness risks you have to expect in the following article.
What diseases can occur with a bougainvillea?
Bougainvillea can be attacked by pests such as scale insects or mites as well as mildew, among other things. To keep them he althy, ensure there is sufficient water supply, light, nutrients and avoid waterlogging. Treat infestations with appropriate control products.
Basically no major risk of illness
Even if the bougainvillea is generally considered a plant that requires a bit of care and is only suitable for beginners to a limited extent, the difficulties in cultivating it do not lie in the area of diseases. The bougainvillea owner has a lot more to do with fine-tuning their location requirements, which require a lot of sunlight and warmth. Due to the bougainvillea's subtropical origin, watering also requires a little effort in order to avoid drought and waterlogging. However, the bougainvillea is not completely immune to diseases.
General to remember:
- Main topic with bougainvillea: correct location conditions with lots of light and warmth
- Watering practice is also important for plant he alth
- Illnesses are rather a secondary topic
What diseases can occur?
If the bougainvillea shows unhe althy symptoms such as yellow or brown-edged leaves, massive loss of leaves or flowers or tough leaf development, diseases can still be the cause.
Scale insects or mites
These pests are a problem for many potted plants and occur again and again. If your bougainvillea has caught these annoying parasites, there can be several reasons. Basically, it will simply be weakened by a lack of water or prolonged periods of heat. But a lack of food can also make them more susceptible to the infestation. So always make sure you have enough water, enough light in advance and avoid frying in the heat in a closed winter garden during hot summer periods.
Mildew
Sometimes bougainvillea can also get powdery mildew. In this case, too much water is usually the cause. Basically, the southern plant simply cannot tolerate waterlogging at all. So avoid water remaining in the saucer for a longer period of time and the bougainvillea having wet feet for too long.
What you can do
In the event of an infestation with parasites such as scale insects or spider mites, you can use a universal pesticide. However, do not spray the bougainvillea with it, as the leaves and flowers do not tolerate it well. Instead, add the product to the irrigation water. In the case of powdery mildew, you should act as early as possible and remove the parts of the plant affected by the fungus. However, prevention is the best medicine here.
