For most hobby gardeners, the main reason for cultivating a bougainvillea is probably its magnificent flowers. If this does not want to adjust, that is of course a problem. Read below what the reasons could be - and how you can fix them.

If the bougainvillea does not bloom, there can be various reasons

The peculiarities of bougainvillea flowers

Bougainvilleas are also called triplets - the three bracts that surround the actual, rather inconspicuous flowers are responsible for the intense, magnificent spectacle of colors in red, violet, orange or white, which makes the climbing plant from the Andes so popular. As decorative as these structures are, they are also demanding. In order to lure them out, they need a lot of light and warmth, in accordance with their subtropical homeland. But the right substrate at their base can also be decisive for their willingness to flower.

So you have to keep in mind:

  • Bougainvillea flowers are generally demanding
  • They are very hungry for heat and light
  • A species-appropriate nutrient supply is a basic requirement for their formation

Is the location sunny and warm enough?

In view of the bougainvillea's great need for light and warmth, you should first check the site conditions if it does not flower. Does he make full use of the sun's supply? If possible, place your bougainvillea in a south-facing spot, preferably in a conservatory with panoramic sun exposure. Sun alone is often not enough for the beauty of the Andes - warmth is at least as important for the formation of flowers. So give it as warm an ambient temperature as possible, not only during the day but also at night.

Is the substrate put together appropriately?

The soil in which you place your bougainvillea is also essential for it to thrive and develop flowers. A peat-free potting soil is best, which you can enrich with permeability-promoting substances. This can be, for example, quartz sand (€15.85) or lava granules (€13.99). You can also add a small amount of horn shavings (€32.93) to give the substrate a permanent nutrient base. Clay can also be good for the base.

Fertilizing can help

If all the basic requirements are right, you can provide your bougainvillea with extra bloom-promoting fertilizer. Basically, you should give it a fertilizer containing phosphate every 2 weeks from spring to late summer.

Don't water too much

If the bougainvillea doesn't want to flower, don't try to water more - you risk waterlogging, which is more of a hindrance to the plant's overall growth. Of course, the base must not be dried out either. In this case, watering can of course be helpful.

Delayed budding after hibernation?

If you watch your bougainvillea expectantly in spring and it just doesn't want to give you the flowers you are looking for, the past hibernation can also be responsible for your hesitation. If the bougainvillea had too little light in its winter quarters, budding can be delayed in the following vegetation phase. So here you have to be patient - just give your climbing beauty even more time and continue to take care of her preferred environmental conditions.

Category:

Indoor plants