Off-white Bougainvillea full busy in 12 inch black nursery pot

🌿 Care Tips

1. Light:

   • Full sun (6–8 hours/day) for best flowering.

   • Tolerates light shade but blooms less.

2. Watering:

   • Deeply soak once the top 2 inches of soil dry out.

   • Avoid overwatering—bougainvillea prefers a slightly dry root zone.

3. Soil:

   • Very well‑draining mix (sandy loam or cactus mix).

   • pH slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–6.5).

4. Fertilizer:

   • High‑phosphorus bloom booster every 4–6 weeks in growing season (spring–summer).

   • Reduce feeding in fall/winter.

5. Pruning:

   • Prune immediately after a flowering cycle to shape and encourage new growth.

   • Watch for thorny stems—wear gloves and long sleeves.

6. Temperature & Humidity:

   • Optimal 65–95 °F (18–35 °C).

   • Frost‑tender—bring container plants indoors if temps dip below 40 °F (4 °C).

7. Support & Training:

   • Provide a trellis, fence, or arbor for climbing varieties.

   • Use soft ties to guide long canes.

🌸 Benefits

• Spectacular Blooms: Striking bract colors (magenta, purple, orange, white) create instant curb appeal.

• Drought Tolerance: Once established, thrives with minimal water.

• Fast Grower: Quickly covers walls, pergolas, or hanging baskets.

• Attracts Wildlife: Pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies love the nectar.

• Low Maintenance: Aside from sun and good drainage, it’s fairly carefree.

⚠️ Mandatory “Must‑Know” Info

1. Thorns:

   • Many varieties have sharp thorns—wear protective gloves and eyewear when pruning or handling.

2. Toxicity:

   • The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

   • Bracts are non‑toxic to humans and pets, but ingesting large quantities of any plant material may cause digestive upset.

3. Frost Sensitivity:

   • Even light frost can kill new shoots—cover or move potted plants indoors.

4. Pest & Disease Watch:

   • Common pests: aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs.

   • Diseases: root rot (from overwatering), powdery mildew in humid conditions.

   • Inspect foliage regularly; treat infestations early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

5. Space Requirement:

   • Vines can sprawl 20–30 ft if unpruned—plan your support structure accordingly.