Question
I have a Bougainvillea in a hanging pot 5"deep x 8" wide. It hangs in an eastern window and was recently purchased from a greenhouse. The house temperature is usually 70 degrees. I live in Wichita, Ks.The leaves on the Bougainvillea are starting to yellow and fall, and the tips of the leaves are starting to turn brown.
What am I doing wrong?

Answer
Hi Duane,

This is not a good time of year to purchase a blooming Bougainvillea. This is the time of year when they are normally in a semi-dormant period.

If yours is in bloom, you may be able to extend the bloom period by keeping the soil moist at all times and providing more light and humidity.

If you want it to bloom again next summer, you will need to give it a bit of a rest from now until March. It can stay outside as long as night temps are above 45 degrees. After that keep it in a sunny window where it is cool - temps of 45 to 55 degrees are best. Allow the soil to dry out more than you do in summer, but not completely dry. Do not fertilize or repot at this time. The key is to keep it barely alive during the winter.

In March, prune your plant back sharply. Flowers appear on new growth, not older woody stems. If your plant is seriously potbound, spring is the time to repot. However, Bougainvillea must be moderately potbound to bloom, so if in doubt, it is better not to repot. When flowers begin to appear later in the spring make sure your plant is getting lots of direct sunlight everyday. It can be moved outside when night temps are above 60 degrees.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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