Question
I also live in Florida (SW/Cape Coral).  My bougainvilla tree has been stripped almost completely of its leaves and the bracts turn from a deep orange to almost white.  I have the same problem with my night blooming jasmine.  They get stripped of their leaves within a day/night or two.  I did find what appeared to be a cutworm on a leaf of the jasmine.  Could that be the culprit?  If so, what's the best solution for both plants? If not, what do you think is eating them?

Answer
Hi Denise, there are actually two possible "culprits", night feeding catepillers can strip them over a period of a couple of nights and you never see them, because they hide in the soil by day and feed by night; another problem pest is the slug, also a night feeder. Get some insect granulars,(Triazcide is a good one), and spread them around the plants and water them in, this should take care of the problem. Trim the damaged part of your plants back for aesthetics and then let mother nature take over; don't fertilize this time of year, for this will encourage new tender growth that could be nipped by a night frost later in the month. Bougs don't like water either, so water them only sparingly, but the jasmine will appreciate a good soaking once a week...regards and have a happy holiday! Nick