Species originating from South America, belonging to the Fagaceae family.
The Bougainvillea is a fast-growing Bonsai, very resilient and well adapted to Mediterranean and mild climates where it produces flowers almost all year round. There are 2 most common varieties in Bonsai, with slight differences between them, the Glabra and the Spectabilis.
The Bougainvillea Bonsai is an Outdoor plant.
Common Name: Bougainvillea
Scientific Name: Bougainvillea Glabra and Bougainvillea spectabilis
Description: Originating from South America, it belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family.
It has marcescent leaves when grown in mild climates and deciduous leaves where it is colder. It is a fast-growing plant, with flowers ranging from shades of pink to red, depending on the variety. Currently, there are varieties in yellow and even white.
The coloration we appreciate so much is actually not from the flower, but from 3 bracts (modified leaves) that protect the true flower; the small yellow tubes found inside the flower are the actual flowers.
There are 2 varieties that are transformed into Bonsai:
Bougainvillea Glabra grows more like a "climber," making very strong shoots and emitting many thorns to attach itself. Its leaves are slightly larger, pale green, with a different tone between the upper and lower parts of the leaf. It produces abundant flowering as "clusters" at the tips of the branches in shades of pink-fuchsia-purple.
Bougainvillea Spectabilis has a more shrubby behavior, smaller dark green leaves, more compact, slower growth, and with far fewer thorns. It produces smaller flowers, grouped and closer to the canopy. This variety is slightly more cold-resistant.
Location: In Mediterranean and mild climates, it should live outdoors year-round as long as it is protected from strong winds and frost. It needs at least 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight and should be rotated 180° weekly.
In areas with harsher winters, it is advisable to protect it during winter in an indoor area without any type of air conditioning (e.g., a sunroom), near a window well exposed to the sun with a minimum of 2 to 3 hours of sunlight. It should be rotated 180° weekly.
Watering: Water the soil abundantly until plenty of water flows out of the drainage holes to evenly moisten the soil, always from above and never by immersion, using a watering can with fine holes.
For watering tips, consult the watering technical sheet.
Let the surface layer of the soil dry slightly between each watering (to check if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers).
If you have a tray under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to avoid root rot).
There is no advantage to misting the leaves; only do so on days when you fertilize and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by night to prevent fungi.
Nutrition: From February to October/November, follow a basic plan composed of a complete fertilizer Fertil Bonsai Humic, or Green & Gold Bonsai Organic or Biogold, and a biostimulant (Bio Bonsai Activ), which can also be combined with other products from our range.
Detailed information on how to combine these products with others from our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan, consult the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.
Pruning: Do not let the shoots grow too long unless you want to form new branches. This way, you can control that the flowers appearing at the top of the branch stay close to the tree. Let it grow 4 to 5 leaves and prune at the 2nd leaf as a good guideline.
For pruning tips, consult the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.
Repotting: With Leafy Bonsai Soil in February/March, with strong partial defoliation.
Details about repotting, post-repotting care, and specific fortifiers you can use are available in the repotting technical sheet.
Wiring: Can be wired all year round.
Guidelines on wiring, consult the wiring technical sheet.
