Reasons For Bougainvillea Flower Drop – Learn Why Blooms Are Falling Off Your Vine and What to Do
If your bougainvillea blooms are falling off, the odds are that the plant is not getting proper amounts of one of a few critical elements. Fix it fast.
Bougainvillea are tropical evergreen vines with brightly colored bracts that are native to the forests of South America, particularly Brazil. They are hardy to USDA zones 9-10 and thrive in dry soil with full sun conditions.
Bougainvillea vines are named for Louis Antoine de Bougainville after they were documented on an expedition he led. In Brazilian Portuguese they are called pau-de-roseira. Bougainvillea are popular ornamental plants in many warmer areas of the United States, but caring for them is a bit of a balancing act.
If your bougainvillea plants are losing flowers, there could be a few reasons. Let’s dig into what could be causing your bougainvillea to lose blooms.
Causes of Bougainvillea Flower Drop
Like every other plant, bougainvillea has particular growing needs that must be met if it is to bloom and grow happily. You may not get long-lasting blossoms if you fail to meet them.
Bougainvillea require warm weather. Bougainvillea flower drop can be caused by temperatures that are lower than those the plant is used to. Generally, bougainvillea plants are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and above.
However, if a young plant has been raised in a warm, humid climate or a greenhouse, bougainvillea flower drop can happen even in zone 9.
In addition to warmth, bougainvillea requires a bright, sunny growing location. One of the primary causes that flowers drop off bougainvillea is low light levels. Try to meet or beat the light levels of the garden store where you purchased the plant. Bright, direct full sun is best for bougainvillea.
When bougainvillea blooms are falling off your plant, check your soil moisture. If soil is waterlogged, the plant will lose its bright bracts and buds. Only water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. Stick your finger in the soil or use a simple soil moisture meter from Amazon to check.
Another possible cause of bougainvillea flower drop is exposure to ethylene, a gas produced by ripe fruits and barbecue pits. Chlorine from pools is also a potential problem.
Caring for Bougainvillea Vines After Flower Loss
If your bougainvillea loses blooms during the growing season, take heart. Bougainvillea is a tough specimen and has lived for decades. It produces flushes of flowers throughout the growing season as long as it gets appropriate care and conditions.
Adjusting cultural practices should take care of the flower drop problem. When you irrigate, soak the soil thoroughly and then allow it to dry out before irrigating again.
If your climate is too cold for the plant, transplant it to a pot and move it indoors during cold periods. You can also trim back your bougainvillea to encourage new growth.
Prune it back by up to 50% if you prefer a compact plant, or less if you want a bigger one. Use a general-purpose plant food like a 20-10-20 fertilizer, following label directions.
With a little extra care and attention, you should be able to get your bougainvillea back on track and flowering again in no time.
