About 18 different types of plants belong to the bougainvillea genus , all native to South America and all of them capable of giving us a unique and wonderful spectacle through their flowering.
These climbing shrubs can reach 12 meters in height and, depending on the climate, can flower all year round. In a climate like ours, they bloom from spring to late fall.
Contrary to what it may seem, bougainvillea flowers are small and white, surrounded by bracts that take on different colors and have a paper-like consistency.
Bougainvillea needs full sun to bloom properly. For this reason, this species should not be treated as an indoor bonsai.
The bougainvillea bonsai must be protected from frost and wind. In any case, do not be alarmed if the plant loses its leaves during the cold months: it is part of its life cycle.
Potting soil for bougainvillea bonsai
Bougainvilleas have a very thin and sensitive root system, and therefore it is essential to use a porous, acidic potting soil.
You can choose a solution composed of akadama and add 30% kiryzuna or kanuma.
Watering the bougainvillea bonsai
Water when the top layer of soil begins to dry out. It is important to keep the potting soil moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Remember to use reverse osmosis water, since the presence of salts dissolved in the water could change the pH of the soil.
Pinching and Pruning the Bougainvillea Bonsai
Bougainvilleas are climbing shrubs and therefore tend to form shoots at the tips, which in turn serve to attach to other trees.
To form the structure of the bonsai, pinch the acids more intensely, in order to distribute the “force” to the lower branches. Perform pinching after flowering.
It is recommended to prune to two buds to strengthen the plant and stimulate the growth of new branches directly from the old trunk.
bonsai wiring
It is not recommended to overwire a bougainvillea bonsai as its branches break easily or may dry out from the wire.
Either way, do this on shoots that are still tender to give direction to their growth.