If your bougainvillea sheds leaves, that's not a problem to some extent - but if the leaf loss is massive, it is. Read here what the plant may be missing and what measures you can take.
Why is my bougainvillea losing leaves and what can I do?
If a bougainvillea loses leaves, it may be due to insufficient light, warmth, lack of nutrition, improper water supply, damaged roots or pests. To resolve the problem, move the plant to a warmer, brighter location, fertilize, check watering, and check for pests.
What bougainvillea needs for he althy growth
As a child of the subtropical Andean region between Ecuador and Brazil, the bougainvillea is an incredibly light and heat-hungry creature. It is also used to a constant change between dry and rainy seasons and therefore reacts sensitively to watering. Basically, even in pot culture in our latitudes, it needs as much sun, light and careful water supply as possible, which avoids both waterlogging and long periods of drought.
Basically don't forget:
- Bougainvillea wants a lot of sun and warmth
- Watering carefully, avoiding drying out and waterlogging
What can lead to critical leaf loss
Too cool and too dark?
If your bougainvillea sheds its leaves excessively, it is usually due to too little light and warmth. In the fall, it's completely normal and not bad if it loses its leaves - it's actually good for the winter, as it should ultimately reduce its vitality into rest mode. However, if the climbing plant shows massive leaf loss during the vegetation phase, a location that is too dark or too cool may be to blame.
Too dry or too wet?
Also check that the root ball is always moist and that the water does not stand in the saucer. In both cases, the bougainvillea can actually protest permanently.
Food shortage?
With the loss of leaves, the bougainvillea can also simply indicate a lack of food - treat it to a little fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon).
pot too narrow/damaged roots?
Of course, a pot that has become too narrow also inhibits the growth of the bougainvillea. Repotting and more space for root formation and universal substance build-up can be helpful if leaves are lost. But be careful with the somewhat sensitive root ball when repotting - damaged roots can also cause serious damage to the plant.
Diseases/Pests
In general, bougainvillea is rather insensitive to pest infestation. However, in prolonged drought or extreme heat and even in winter quarters, it can get spider mites, scale insects or mildew. In this case, the reason for the leaf loss should be clear - then treat the plant with a product that you add to the irrigation water.
