What is the common name for bougainvillea spectabilis in India?
Bougainvillea spectabilis is one of the most popular ornamental garden plants due to its beautiful blooming flowers. Bougainvillea Spectabilis commonly known as chitra plant or great bougainvillea is a plant native to Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina. Ethnobotany: Bougainvillea is used solely for the purposes of the decoration of a wall, patio, plaza, or trellis (2). The sap of the Bougainvillea plant is poisonous to humans, causing very serious skin rashes if it comes in contact (3).Susceptible to pests One of the biggest Bougainvillea plant disadvantages is its susceptibility to pests. The plant requires regular monitoring and treatment.In regions where frost is a concern, plant your Bougainvillea in a container that can be moved indoors during the winter months, placing it in a bright, sunny spot with temperatures above 60°F (15°C).Bougainvillea spectabilis (Family: Nyctaginaceae), commonly referred to as Great Bougainvillea or Paper Flower, is one of the traditional medicinal plants with potential antifertility activity. The aqueous extract and decoction of this plant have been used as fertility control among the tribal people in many countries.If ingested by humans, bougainvilleas are not toxic or considered a poisonous plant. Our bodies can handle ingesting a plant like this one, but many animals, like cats and dogs, may experience mild illness or symptoms.
What is the difference between bougainvillea spectabilis and bougainvillea?
Lesser Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra) has distinctly 5-angled (pentagonal) floral tubes and short floral bracts and is distinguished from Great Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) which has rounded floral tubes and longer floral bracts but they are otherwise very similar. Flowers and blooming season: The showy bracts appear throughout the year in tropical climates, with the most prolific blooming occurring in spring and autumn. In cooler regions, bougainvillea may bloom from late spring to early autumn.Great bougainvillea thrives in a native growth environment with warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 38 ℃ (68 to 100 ℉). It prefers hot and dry conditions, and can tolerate temperatures as high as 48 ℃ (118 ℉) without much difficulty.Bougainvillea needs lots of sun. Plant one in a shady spot and you won’t get the riot of blooms — the whole point of planting bougainvillea. You’ll get vines and thorns. It needs at least six hours of sun per day.Bougainvillea is drought tolerant and should only require watering once a week. Excessive watering will result in immediate and premature bloom drop. Visually, when you see a Bougainvillea leaf begin to curl, the plant has just spoken volumes to you….To encourage the long and vibrant color of your bougainvillea, the trick of the trade is “the more frequently you trim them, the more they bloom! Bougainvillea’s new blooms are generated from the new growth. Trimming promotes new growth which encourages new blooms. Simple as that!
Can bougainvillea grow in direct sun?
Bougainvilleas require full sun and actually perform better when their soil is left a little dry, making this a perfect plant for the drought-tolerant landscape. It needs to be protected from frost and freeze. Routinely moving Bougainvilleas between indoor and outdoor environments confuses the plant, which may cause it to react by prematurely dropping bracts/blooms and foliage as it reverts to a self-preservation mode. Bougainvilleas are drought tolerant and should not require watering more than twice a week.Both overwatering and underwatering can stress Great bougainvillea. Overwatered plants may exhibit yellowing leaves, root rot, and leaf drop. Conversely, underwatered plants might show wilted, dry, and crispy leaves. Monitoring these signs can help you adjust your watering schedule appropriately.Keep dead-heading during blooming cycles – pinch off the flowers and bracts down to where they meet the stem. Do bougainvillea need pruning for winter? Bougainvillea usually stop flowering in September, when you should reduce the frequency of watering.Use Well-Draining Soil – Bougainvillea thrives in well- draining soil. If planted in a pot, use a mix of sand, perlite, and compost. Prune Regularly – Trim old branches and shape the plant to encourage new growth and more blooms.
Is a bougainvillea a perennial or annual?
Bougainvilleas are perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. In colder regions, however, they can be grown as annuals in hanging baskets or planters. The plants simply need enough space to spread out as they produce vines up to 40 feet long. Too much water will make the roots soggy, causing them to rot as the plant’s leaves curl or turn yellow. Too little water makes the bougainvillea wilt and drop its leaves to conserve water.Routinely moving Bougainvilleas between indoor and outdoor environments confuses the plant, which may cause it to react by prematurely dropping bracts/blooms and foliage as it reverts to a self-preservation mode. Bougainvilleas are drought tolerant and should not require watering more than twice a week.Generally, an overwatered Great bougainvillea will have yellowing leaves and may even drop some leaves. Also, overwatering can cause the overall structure of your plant to shrivel and may also promote root rot.Situate the containers in a cool area but one that doesn’t freeze. Often, the garage or basement is ideal, but make sure the plant has exposure to sunlight. Part of the care for bougainvillea plants over winter is to keep them a touch on the dry side. As spring nears, gradually increase water.Another reason why yellow leaves fall off of Bougainvilleas in winter is due to a prolonged dry spell. The last few winters haven’t been too cold but they have been dry. The lack of rainfall in the last 5 or 6 winters has brought on drought conditions so the bougies just aren’t getting the water they were used to.
What is the lifespan of a bougainvillea?
Bougainvillea plants can live for 40 years or more if properly cared for. They are hardy and can grow easily in the right conditions with minimal maintenance. The growing season is the best time. Bougainvillea loves sun and heat, so do it during the warmer months. Depending on your climate zone, early spring, late spring, summer, or early fall are the best times.Bougainvillea thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Aim to place it near a south-facing window where it can get at least 5-6 hours of sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, consider supplementing with a grow light.Large bougainvilleas need large pots. Some bougainvilleas grow to be 20’+ high, so they’ll need a good-sized pot to house the root ball. Bougainvilleas are tough plants but have a sensitive root system. They don’t like to be transplanted, so I ensure the pot they’re in will accommodate them for years.How Do You Make Bougainvilleas More Bushy? Regular light pruning can help promote bushier growth. The stem tips can also be pinched back to promote bushy growth.Bougainvillea vines are very easygoing and won’t need anything more than an annual to fertilise in early spring with Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser: Roses, Gardenias, Azaleas & Camellias to keep them happy. A light prune after flowering will keep bougainvillea plant’s growth bushy and dense.