The first time I dipped a toe into the world of bonsai, it was primarily out of curiosity to how these miniaturized versions of grown trees could be as intricately beautiful as their larger cousins. However while I did appreciate the art, I also was in search of a colorful bonsai tree to add to my collection. I found myself into Bougainvillea bonsai one of the flower plants that eventually became my favorite.
However, not only does Bougainvillea Bonsai look amazingly beautiful, but it also gives an interesting challenge to the beginners and experienced bonsai growers.
In this blog, I take you through the cultivation of a bougainvillea bonsai with knowledge that is first-hand and experience-based. Have a look!
Why pick Bougainvillea for Bonsai?
Bougainvillea is a South American native, which boasts striking bracts that look like flowers. The reds are the modified leaves, with tiny white flowers inside. From the many colors Bougainvillea comes in, like purple, red, pink, orange and white makes it an ideal candidate for bonsai if you want to add a splash of color as well as structure when choosing a tree to have in your garden or indoor environment.
How they are unique compared to what makes bougainvillea different as a bonsai?
Some specific and attractive features make this bonsai tree amazing. Let’s know these features for your great understanding!
- A splash of color
Bougainvillea is also one of the few bonsai trees that can display flowers all year round.
- Fast growth
The rapid rate of growth was one of the most satisfying parts for me. Unlike slower growing species such as pines or maples where it can take years to see significant results bougainvillea allows you some cutting and design options and quick feedback. An added bonus was the bright colors!
Choosing a Bougainvillea Suitable for Bonsai
Select a variety of bougainvillea plant that suits your neighborhood for turning them into bonsai. For those of you in the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, bougainvillea is right at home. In cooler winter areas, you will have to move your bougainvillea bonsai inside during coldest months.
Here are a few common bonsai types:
- Bougainvillea glabra
It is one of the most popular for bonsai and has smooth, rounded leaves that also produce purple bracts. Bougainvillea spectabilis has different species little larger and Sturdy than the Bougainvillea glabra requires less hot and cool temperatures than above
- Dwarf varieties
To suit those with less space, or if you simply prefer a smaller bonsai; choose a dwarf variety that remains small and is more suited to confined pots.
- Select the plant
You can select the plant based on it’s trunk and root system, not just the bracts. To stimulate your creative bonsai ideas for beginners, a thick trunk will make the bonsai appear older, while a healthy root system will make sure the plant can withstand the stress of pruning and training.
Bougainvillea proper Bonsai Care with Soil and Water Sun
When I first started with bougainvillea bonsai, I learned that it has specific growing needs unlike other species of bonsai. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Soil
Bougainvillea bonsai prefers well-draining soil. Do not allow bougainvillea to have wet feet, which means their roots should not be submerged in standing water. Early on I used garden soil, but it retained way too much moisture. The soil drainage of one of my earliest ones became so poor it suffered root rot.
To avoid this, be sure to use a soil mix for bonsai trees suitable for succulents or other drought-tolerant plants. Simply mix pumice and lava rock, in equal parts. This is a good mix because it lets enough water out while retaining moisture.
2. Watering
Bougainvillea bonsai likes it dry, similar watering conditions as a cactus plant. In spring and summer water your bougainvillea bonsai when the top layer of soil feels dry during the growing season. Cut watering in the winter as the plant stops growing. Root rot may result from over-watering, but under watering will cause leaf and bract drop.
And what I found is that BAMMMM, consistency was king. Bougainvillea will also give you flowers if you water her regularly. Because if you let the soil go bone dry, the plant will get stressed out and zap off its bracts which is never fun.
3. Sunlight
This bonsai adores sunshine. It is a plant I have found to be a lover of the sun and the more you can give it, better blooms you will get. Your bonsai tree should ideally be exposing for 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
If you are raising your bougainvillea bonsai in your home, make sure it is near a sunny window. If you have no natural sunlight, purchase a grow light. Weak growth and few blooms occur with insufficient light.
How to Prune and Wire Bougainvillea Bonsai
Bougainvillea Bonsai Pruning and Wiring: Both pruning and wiring are essential for shaping the bougainvillea bonsai, as well as controlling its growth.
1. Pruning
Because Bougainvillea is very fast growing, it does require regular pruning to keep the plant within bounds. After each flowering cycle, I discovered it is better if you trim the branches back to generate new growth. Bougainvillea branches can tend to be a little woody, so make sure you always use sharp bonsai shears.
The only downside being is to watch out for the thorns. Bougainvilleas have branches full of sharp thorns, so gloves are important when pruning.
When you are repotting every 2-3 years, go ahead and cut down the root ball. Doing this, keep the size of the bonsai manageable and also helps in root management.
2. Wiring
Can you wire bougainvillea bonsai? While young, the trunks are quite limber and can be bent according to will but as they age, become increasingly less flexible. I wire the spring when younger branches are still fresh and can be bent but with care.
Just don’t leave it on too long, since bougainvillea can grow very fast and if you let wire remain this will cut into the bark and at best take a year to clean up–16 gauge landscaping wire grubbed out. Every few weeks, inspect the wiring and be sure it is in alignment with the accompanying guidance.
Training the Flowering Bougainvillea Bonsai and Fertilizing
Bracts are the main beauty of any bougainvillea bonsai. In general, to maintain your bonsai blooming for the whole growing period, you should make sure that it gets enough nutrients.
- Fertilizing
Bougainvillea are heavy feeders, especially when they are in bloom. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season. I fertilize my bougainvillea bonsai every 4-6 weeks, and I adjust the amount to suit the needs of the plant.
Change to high phosphorus blooming food during the blooming period to encourage blooms. However, do not over-fertilize because this can stimulate too much leaf at the expense of flowers.
- Encouraging Blooms
Stressed bougainvillea also blooms, often a bit more prolifically than when being babied. I learned to let the soil dry out a bit between watering and when you trim the plant after every bloom cycle, then you get blooms. If your bougainvillea drops its bracts after a few weeks, don’t panic; that’s a part of the shedding process.
Problems Associated with Bougainvillea Bonsai
Bougainvillea Although bougainvillea is usually successful, problems stll come up. Let’s know about the problems-
Pests: Occasionally, bougainvillea can have problems with aphids, scale, or spider mites. I find that frequent checking and sprays of neem oil as and when required usually suffice in preventing pests.
Cold: Frost will kill a bougainvillea. In for areas that get very cold in the Winter, your Bonsai tree would need to be taken indoors or protected in a greenhouse during the colder period.
Leaf & bract drop: Changes in light or water levels can stress your Bougainvillea, possibly causing it to drop its leaves and bracts. Try to make rest condition as much consistent, this is avoid your tactics.
Conclusion
Bougainvillea is one of the bonsai this journey that has given me a lot of satisfaction. The bougainvillea is a fantastic tree if you need to be challenged and enjoy beauty. And with the correct sunshine, water and occasional pruning, you will have to behold a bonsai that flowers annually for many years to come, giving both your home and office a substantial color splash.
Hence, why not extend the same attempt towards bougainvillea bonsai? You won’t be disappointed!
