The good old bougainvillea, with its vibrant blooms, has been a regular sight in the gardens in Kerala. This thorny and ornamental vine stands out for the motley of colours that add oodles of charm to a garden. Though they had disappeared for a while, the bougainvillea culture is making a comeback.
To grow the roots, do not use the bougainvillea stems that are too young or mature. While cutting it, make sure that it is pencil thin and must be done in a slanting position. Monsoons are the best season to plant the bougainvillea. It may not grow roots if they are planted at a different time.
Bougainvillea thrives in places that are hot and relatively dry. The vines wouldn’t bloom if they don’t receive adequate sunshine. Bougainvillea blooms mostly during the months of November to May.
Bougainvillea should be planted at a spot which receives good amount of sunshine for at least five hours a day. The branches could be trimmed just before the rainy season. From the local variety to the exotic and expensive ones, bougainvillea is available in many varieties. However, all these varieties require good sunshine to bloom flowers.
Goat dung is excellent organic manure for bougainvillea. Besides, cow dung powder and bone powder too can also be used. If you grow bougainvillea in containers or pots, it wouldn’t grow or flower if they are kept in shade no matter how much manure or fertilizers are added. Even if the plant grows, it may not bloom. Moreover, you need to water the bougainvillea only sparingly. The plant needs to be re-potted every two years. This aid growth of the roots and would help it flower abundantly. However, it is always good to plant a bougainvillea on the ground.
