Ever Wondered How To Get Bougainvillea To Bloom? Here Are Tips From Seasoned Gardeners
What's your favourite bunga kertas colour?
By Laila Zain — 23 Feb 2024, 03:32 PM
My bougainvillea, or bunga kertas, sat in a large pot for years, looking mostly like a stick insect with a few sparse leaves
Bougainvillea is said to be one of the easier plants to care for, especially in our climate.
However, if you're anything like me, you may have found yours lacks the vibrant blooms that the plant is named after. Perhaps, you only have lush leaves but few to no flowers.
If your bougainvillea is in a similar situation, or you're planning on adding this plant to your collection, here are tips we've gathered from seasoned gardeners on how to ensure abundant blooms:
1. Make sure the bougainvillea is planted directly in the ground
Bougainvillea thrives in dry environments, and doesn't do as well if an area has a lot of moisture. When planting directly into the ground, dig a hole that matches the depth of the bougainvillea's root ball.
If you intend for your bougainvillea to climb a trellis or wall, ensure you plant it next to the structure from the beginning. This will make it easier for the plant to grow onto it later.
"While it can grow well in pots, planting bougainvillea directly in the soil allows for maximum root growth and stability. That's what I prefer to do for my clients."
- Vella, 62, gardener
2. Choose well-draining soil to avoid root rot
Opt for well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure good drainage by incorporating organic matter like compost or perlite into the soil. This will promote healthy root growth and blooming potential.
"Pokok House is a local brand that offers a fantastic aroid premium mix. I also recommend trying out Projek Pokok!"
- Aqila, 35, home gardening enthusiast
3. Provide direct sunlight throughout the day
Bougainvilleas thrive in full sunlight, so ensure your plant receives direct sunlight throughout the day. Keep them away from shady areas in the garden, whether it's from trees or walls.
Find a spot that is bright for at least six to eight hours of the day or more.
"Malaysia is hot hot hot. Always bright. No excuse to not have bunga kertas. I recommend planting yours outside your house gate, if there's a small plot of land. Generally, it will be undisturbed and very bright outside, so your bunga can berbunga. Or, you plant next to your garden fence."
- Uncle William, 58, landscaper
4. Fertilise every four to six weeks to promote healthy growth
Bougainvilleas are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilisation. Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser that is formulated for flowering plants, and apply according to the manufacturer's instructions.
This will help sustain lush growth and vibrant blooms.
"Fertiliser is very important for bunga kertas. I give them a healthy amount every two to three weeks, along with water."
- Mahindra, 49, gardener
5. Regular pruning is essential
Regularly prune your bougainvillea, trimming back branches to around 60cm from the main stem to encourage new growth and flowering. This helps to shape the plant and remove dead or excessive growth, stimulating new shoots and enhancing flowering.
Just be sure not to over-prune at the risk of removing flower buds.
"Bougainvillea have a 'bloom cycle'. The flowers will bloom for a month or so, then they will drop off. Don't be worried when this happens, it's normal. When the blooms drop is the best time to prune. Cut the dead twigs and branches, and shape the plant the way you want it to grow. The more you cut, the more it will bud. You will get more flowers in the next bloom cycle."
- Tang, 56, home gardener
6. Watch how you water them
While bougainvilleas are drought-tolerant once established, they still require regular watering, especially during the hot, dry season. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.
As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to make sure your plant is watered once or twice a week. Some believe the best time to water is during the hottest time of the day, while others say to do it in the morning to allow the soil to dry throughout the day.
You want the soil to remain moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be dry before nightfall to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
"Some people say to keep your bunga kertas thirsty, that way you get more flowers. If you water too much, you only get leaves. Don't water every day. If you're not sure if it's too much or too little water, just look at the leaves. If the leaves start to curl, then the plant is very thirsty."
- Jay, 62, gardening enthusiast
7. Get support structures ready
Bougainvilleas are vigorous climbers and benefit from support structures such as trellises, arbors, or fences. Provide sturdy support for the vines to climb, and train them to grow upward for better air circulation and more abundant blooms.
"I buy my supports from Shopee, it's very easy to do! Just click only. Can get very cheap and sturdy stake supports, small trellises, everything also got. From a small plant, just add support stakes so they can grow upwards later. They'll be very strong afterwards!"
- Faeezah, 70, home gardener
