Question
How can I propagate a bougainvillea? My mother passed away and we are selling her home. I would like to take a memoir in the form of our old bougainvillea with me without removing this huge plant.

Answer
Kathy, propagation by cuttings is the preferred choice.

Simply cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long. Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. You can purchase rooting compound at most garden centers or on line through the following link:

http://homeharvest.com/cutstrtrootagents.htm

Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting. Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting.

After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.

I hope this helps. Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike