Today's Houseplant - Bougainvillea

Native to South America, Bougainvillea are vigorous-growing subtropical plants that may be grown outdoors in frost-free climates (hardiness zones 9 to 11); elsewhere, they can be grown as house plants.

The colorful bracts are borne from March through October and beyond. Individual bracts may last on the plant for three or more weeks. In colder climates, bougainvillea can be grown outdoors in the summer, but need to be moved to a sunny indoor location before the temperatures drop below 50 degrees F.

Bougainvillea plant care tips:

• Placement
To encourage it to re-bloom it will need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight every day during the spring and summer. In the fall and winter, bright, indirect light is best. Normal room temperatures are suitable during the spring and summer or active growth period. During the winter rest period it should be kept cool, but not below 50 degrees F.

• Watering
Water actively growing plants moderately, providing enough to water moisten the soil thoroughly. Allow the soil in the pot to partially dry out between watering. During the winter rest period, water amounts should be reduced. The potting soil should not dry out completely, but should not be wet. In the spring, as active growth begins, resume watering more regularly.

• Fertilizing
Begin applications of flowering-houseplant fertilizer as soon as growth starts in early spring, and continue once every two weeks throughout the flowering period.

• Repotting
Repot in Spring. Do not prune the roots too severely.

Last tip
Bougainvillea often lose some or all of their leaves for a short period in the winter. And when conditions are not right for them indoors, leaf loss is likely to occur at any time. This is not cause for alarm. They will set flowers and re-grow these leaves when the brighter days of early spring arrive.