does the bougorvillere plant need feeding?

Answer 1

Well Stephen, you've brightened my day! Bougainvillea would definitely appreciate a wee feed during the flowering period. Still keep it cool and increase the temperature and watering when spring arrives. Did you give it a prune in the Autumn, i wonder?

Answer 2

Hi Stephen Bougainvillea will bloom throughout the year. The colorful, papery “blooms” are not flowers; they are bracts, which will appear on the ends of new growth. The true flower is white and trumpet shaped, concealed within the bracts.
Bougainvillea is a warm weather plant; they must be protected from frost. When placed outdoors, spring, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°. When Bougainvillea is exposed to low temperatures they will appear “wiltty” and may drop their leaves. Bougainvillea loves full sun, but protect from the intense late afternoon summer sun. In the winter months it is best kept in a heated greenhouse or in an Eastern/Southern facing window out of cold drafts.
Watering depends on the size of the plant and the pot it is placed in. During the spring months, you may need to water 1-3 times a day. Bougainvillea do not like to be water logged, moist to slightly dry soil (John Innes No3 with added grit) is best. In the winter months keep the soil almost dry.

A time release low nitrogen, high potash fertilizer is best from early spring do not fertilize during the winter months. cheers

Answer 3

Did you mean the bougainvilla, the woody shrubby vine? If so that depends on where you are and where it is planted. In the tropics, it is best planted on the ground and considered a low maintenance plant. It thrives with less water and even without feeding at all. It blooms its best under sunny conditions.

Answer 4

Most all plants require fertiliser of some kind. Its up to you which you prefer to use. You donot say what climate you live in, or if you have it in the ground or in a pot? but in either case you can give it Liquid fertiliser when you water it,( presuming it is not dormant because of your weather)or a slow release fertiliser, or an organic one if its in the ground.
Your plant will show signs if it requires this, it will be stunted, discoloured maybe or flower poorly.

Answer 5

Yes, obviously in its growing season, but just once a week with a good quality plant food like Baby Bio.

They do need lots of water in the summer, and don't like it too cold.

Answer 6

My Cuban friend advised me that this plant needs to be stressed to give vibrant colors. He told me his mother in Cuba used to whip the plant with a belt which later resulted in a beautiful full colored display.....Who knows???

Answer 7

of course not