Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spinosa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Bougainvillea on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Nyctaginaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea spinosa, commonly known as Monte negro, is a thorny shrub native to South America. It is characterized by its small leaves and vibrant colored bracts that surround the flowers, often in shades of pink, purple, or white. It is ideal for dry and rocky gardens, defensive hedges, or as a hardy ornamental plant in warm climates.
Native range
Argentina
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal development. Watering should be moderate to low, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to avoid waterlogging, as it is very drought tolerant. It prefers well-drained soils, preferably sandy or rocky, and is not demanding in terms of nutrients. A common mistake is overwatering, which can rot its roots.
How to save a dying Bougainvillea
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing, or dropping leaves; lack of blooming; dry and brittle stems.
- First aid
- Move to full sun. Check drainage and water only when topsoil is dry. Prune dead branches.
- What kills it
- Excessive shade, constant waterlogging, lack of sun, or severe frost.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't rotted and main stems are still alive. It's very resilient!