Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea praecox)
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 praecox, commonly known as Santa-rita, is a vigorous and thorny climbing shrub, valued for its bright, showy bracts that surround small white flowers. Native to South America, this species is ideal for covering walls, pergolas, and fences, or as an ornamental plant in large pots, bringing an exotic and vibrant touch to gardens and balconies in warm climates.
Native range
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal development; lack of light drastically reduces its bracts. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, as it is sensitive to waterlogging. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and leaf drop.
How to save a dying Bougainvillea
- Warning signs
- Yellow or falling leaves, no blooms, dry or brittle branches.
- First aid
- Repot to larger pot or well-draining soil, prune dead branches. Water only when substrate is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and lack of direct sun. Cannot tolerate waterlogging or shade.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! They are very resilient. Give it full sun and good drainage. Patience is key.