Bougainvillea Bonsai Care is something that you need to know if you want to keep your plant healthy and happy. This article will teach you everything there is to know about this beautiful flowering plant, including how it grows, the different varieties of plants available, and the best way to care for it. You’ll also find helpful tips on where to buy a bougainvillea bonsai tree online!
Bougainvillea Bonsai Care
What is a Bougainvillea Bonsai?
A bougainvillea bonsai is a plant that has been trained to grow into the shape of a tree, much like traditional Japanese bonsai trees. A true Bonsai must be grown in a shallow pot so it can easily be manipulated by its gardener. Bougainvilleas are tropical plants and require warmth throughout the year and lots of sunlight. Therefore, they can only be grown indoors or in a greenhouse where the temperature is controlled for their continual growth cycle.
What Does a Bougainvillea Bonsai Tree Look Like?
Bougainvilleas come in many different sizes and colors, including pink, white, red, purple, and yellow! Their leaves are typically long and pointed, and their branches can be quite thorny. The flowers of a bougainvillea tree grow in clusters at the end of each branch and are very colorful (hence the name “bougainvillea”).
What Are the Different Varieties of Bougainvilleas?
There are several varieties available:
Nuda: This is the most commonly grown variety, and has dark green leaves and pink flowers.
Glabra: This variety has a more upright growth habit than Nuda, with light green leaves and white or pale pink flowers.
Robusta: This variety is the hardiest of all bougainvilleas, with dark green leaves and dark pink flowers.
Variegata: This variety has leaves that are white or cream with pale green margins, making it a very colorful addition to any garden!
How Do You Care for Bougainvillea Bonsai Trees?
Light
Bougainvillea bonsai trees need lots of bright light. They are especially fond of full sun, but they should be shielded from harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates to prevent leaf burn.
Watering
Keep the soil moist at all times by watering daily or every other day during spring and summer (depending on how hot your climate is). In the winter, you can water less frequently, but make sure the soil never dries out.
Tips on how to water properly:
- Water your bonsai in the morning so it has all day to dry.
- Use a watering can with a fine nozzle so you don’t wet the leaves and cause them to rot.
- Make sure the soil is moist but not soaking wet – you should be able to squeeze water out of the soil easily.
Fertilizing
Bougainvillea bonsai trees need regular fertilization to maintain their healthy growth. Feed them with a balanced fertilizer every month from March through October.
Fertilizing Tips:
- Look for a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).
- Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package.
- Water the plant well after fertilizing to help it absorb the nutrients.
- Apply at half the manufacturer’s suggested rate until your bougainvillea shows signs of growth. Then slowly increase to full-rate over six months or more for best results.
Pruning
Prune your bougainvillea bonsai at least once a year to keep their shape and encourage new growth.
Pruning Tips:
- Pinch out the new growth at the end of each branch to promote a more compact shape.
- Cut off any dead or diseased branches, leaves, and flowers on your bougainvillea bonsai.
- Prune back long shoots that will become full-size branches on your tree if you want to maintain a smaller size for this flowering plant.
Repotting
Bougainvillea bonsai trees usually only need to be repotted every other year, but make sure you never put them in a pot that is too small for the root system! Instead of repotting your plant annually, root prunes them in the early spring and top-dresses them with fresh soil.
How to Repot a Bougainvillea Bonsai?
The best time to repot a bougainvillea is in early spring, just as new growth begins. You’ll need:
- A pot that is one size larger than the current pot
- Potting soil for bonsai trees
- A chopstick or other sharp object
Start by gently removing your plant from its current pot. If the roots are tightly bound, use a chopstick or other sharp object to loosen them up. Trim away any dead or damaged roots before repotting your plant in fresh soil. Place your bougainvillea in the new pot and fill it around the root system with more potting soil. Tamp it down to remove any air pockets and water thoroughly.
Placement
Keep your bougainvillea tree indoors or in a greenhouse where it can receive plenty of light. Temperatures should be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius) during the day and below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius) at night.
Pests
Bougainvilleas are susceptible to mealybugs, whiteflies, root rot, and spider mites. If you notice any of these pests on your tree, treat it with an appropriate insecticide or miticide.
What are the signs of an infestation?
- Look for a sticky residue on the leaves. This is most likely caused by mealybugs.
- Check the undersides of the leaves for small, white insects. These are probably whiteflies.
- Notice any wilting or browning of the leaves? This could be a sign of root rot or spider mites.
If you see any of these signs, take action and treat your bonsai accordingly.
Where Can I Buy a Bougainvillea Bonsai Tree?
Bougainvillea bonsai trees can be purchased from most garden centers or online retailers. Be sure to ask the retailer about the specific variety you are purchasing, as well as how to care for it properly.
- Bonsai Boy: This company sells a variety of bougainvillea plants and trees. They also offer online gardening advice!
- Amazon: You can find several different varieties of Bougainvillea here that make great bonsai trees! Reviews are available for each product to help you make your decision.
- Home Depot: This retailer offers a wide variety of bonsai trees, including the Bougainvillea Robusta. They also have an online guide on how to care for your new tree!
Final Thought
The bougainvillea is a beautiful flowering plant that would make an excellent addition to any indoor or outdoor space. With a little bit of care, this versatile tree can be enjoyed for years to come.
Therefore, it is important to understand the proper way to care for a bougainvillea bonsai tree to maintain its beautiful appearance. By following these simple tips, you can create a thriving and healthy plant that will surely impress your friends and family!
Other posts:
Jacaranda Bonsai Care | Helpful Tips & Insight
