Question
I'm a plant novice. Can I take a piece of a bogenvia(spl), put the end of the stem in water and have it sprout roots so that I can plant it? Or can I just put it in soil? Or do I have to have part of the plant with the roots to assure planting success?

Answer
Hi, I have to admit you almost had me stumped, I have included some extra information for your convenience.

Propagate this plant from cuttings, propagation can be slow and difficult. Bougainvillea roots best from semi-hardwood cuttings 5-9 nodes (the definition of a node is: The joint of a stem, or the part where a leaf or several leaves are inserted) in length. Take softwood cuttings if you are propagating when night temperatures are above 55oF or hardwood cuttings when night temperatures are below 55oF. Treat cuttings with rooting hormone. Remove leaves from all portions of the stem that will be underground. Bottom heat will speed rooting. (aka: if you apply heat to the bottom of the pot it will speed up rooting, you can get a flat bottom heater from a local pet shop that has Hermit Crabs) Intermittent overhead mist is required; cuttings must NEVER be allowed to wilt! High humidity levels must be maintained around the plants at all times. Time for rooting is 6-12 weeks. Transplant young plants with caution to avoid damaging the roots, and always apply a broad-spectrum fungicide drench when planting cuttings and again after transplanting to prevent root rot.
So, to answer a couple more questions you can just put the cutting into soil after applying rooting hormone, which you can get from Menard's, most likely WalMart and Target, and your local plant shop. I sorry if you don't understand all of this, it has been simplified, but it still could be simpler but if you need to make it simpler just send me letter. If you don't know how and I am maxed out you may email me at [email protected]!

Common Problems
Irregular flowering is a major concern for growers, who often use drought stress to encourage blooming. Variety choice can be extremely helpful in remedying this problem, however.

Leaf drop can be a problem as a result of over-watering, under-watering, low light levels, or cold temperatures.

Root rot is easily prevented by careful handling and by the application of a broad spectrum fungicide drench during transplanting or planting in the landscape.

New growth yellowing or chlorosis is often a result of a magnesium or iron deficiency, and an application of a complete micro-nutrient blend or chelated spray should help, but use caution--too much of either Mn or Fe will result in a secondary deficiency, as the plant is unable to absorb one when the other is present at high levels.

For old growth chlorosis, apply Epsom salts at 1-2 tsp/gal as a drench or foliar spray.

Did you know Bougainvilleas have an extremely fine root system?
Did you know Rooting hormone prevents rotting of the stem when it is applied?

Best Wishes