Bougainvilleas can present a wonderful color spectacle on balcony railings and garden walls with their rich bract colors. However, in order to ensure good growth and a full flower yield from the tropical climbing plant, careful pot management including regular repotting is necessary.
How often and when should you repot a bougainvillea?
Bougainvillea should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, preferably in spring. Use a pot just slightly larger to encourage flower production. Handle the delicate root ball carefully to avoid damage.
Reasons for repotting bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is considered relatively difficult to cultivate, not only because of its decorative but delicate bracts. Its base is also rather delicate and sensitive and perfects the somewhat diva-like character of the Andean plant. The right pot size and the right substrate are therefore essential to really enjoy the bougainvillea. You should carry out a pot check approximately every 2 to 3 years in order to ensure optimal growth and flower formation.
So let’s hold on:
- rather sensitive root ball of bougainvillea needs to be cared for
- Regular repotting promotes good growth
- appropriate pot size promotes flower formation
- Repot about every 2 to 3 years
Repot regularly until the desired growth size is achieved
In general, the 2 to 3 year repotting frequency applies to the growth phase of the plant. If your bougainvillea has reached the desired size or does not want to get any bigger, you can also check on its root ball at these intervals - but then you only need to give it a rejuvenation treatment in the form of a little pruning with a knife, but you do need it not to be placed in a larger pot.
Repotting is best done in spring
Not only the frequency, but of course also the time of year must be taken into account for the successful, profitable repotting of the bougainvillea. If you notice that your Andean plant is becoming too cramped in the pot, consider repotting it next spring. Then, when more light is available again, it easily enters a vigorous vegetation phase, which a fresh treatment at the base can only provide the best boost.
Tight pot size for more flower joy
Basically, it is recommended to keep the root ball tight with a rather small pot in order to stimulate flower formation. If there is too much room in the root ball, the bougainvillea will focus more on its growth and work diligently on its base. If you want more of its rich blooms, give it less room for root development. Then she focuses more on producing the colorful flowers. When repotting, the new pot shouldn't be too much bigger than the old one.
Proceed carefully
As in all other care areas, the bougainvillea is also rather sensitive when repotting. It forms a rather loosely connected, not particularly robust root ball that should be avoided if possible. If it has already grown a little on the inside of the pot, still avoid rough approaches. If in doubt, instead of impatiently tugging at the bale, you should cut up the pot orbreak. The bougainvillea can bear a severe grudge against a root injury due to reduced growth and weak flowers.
