How to Grow a Bougainvillea from Cuttings

Bougainvillea cuttings are an excellent way to add color to the home. In hanging baskets or containers, as a climbing vine, wall cover, or shaped into a tree, the Bougainvillea is a popular favorite visible in nearly every city. The showy blossoms making this plant a crowd favorite only develop on new growth. Propagation by cuttings allows growers to ensure an adequate supply--even in climates less favorable to this tropical plant.

Preparing Bougainvillea Cuttings

Cuttings for propagation should be 5 to 9 nodes in length. Semi-ripe cuttings, sometimes called semi-hardwood, are the best choice for rooting. In warmer temperatures with nights above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, select softwood cuttings from new growth. If the nighttime temperatures are lower, hardwood cuttings are a better choice. Remove the leaves and blossoms. The cutting will need to devote itself fully to root development, and cannot be expected to support much else. Treat the end with rooting hormone. Place the cutting in moistened growing media. A quality commercial potting soil, peat and perlite mixture, or other soil-less medium in a 3-inch biodegradable pot will do. Bougainvilleas like a slightly acidic mixture with a ph of 5.5 to 6.0. They are quite intolerant of excessive moisture. Good drainage is essential. Seal the potted cutting inside a zip-lock bag. Place this “mini-greenhouse” in a sunny location. The application of bottom heat, particularly in cooler climates, will stimulate growth. The cutting will need at least a couple of hours of strong light daily, but avoid allowing it to become too hot. A humid environment is needed. The bag will contain the moisture from planting, keeping a humid atmosphere around the growing plant.

Transplanting Rooted Bougainvillea Cuttings

Bougainvilleas are slow growing. It will take 6 to 12 weeks for the roots to be well established. At that time, the bottom of the pot can be carefully cut open. The roots of Bougainvilleas are quite fragile. To avoid the risk of damaging them, replant the cutting—pot and all—into a slightly larger container. Many growers advocate the application of a broad-spectrum fungicide when transplanting. This helps to avoid the risk of root rot. Try to minimize the shock to the young plant by keeping it in the same lighting conditions and temperatures it has known. Water it at the first sign of wilt. Gradually harden off the plant, allowing it to adapt to the conditions near its final destination.

Maintaining Young Bougainvilleas

Bougainvilleas require little to bloom and look their best. Shape the Bougainvillea by pinching the tips of branches. This will not affect blooming, but will encourage the growth of new side shoots from buds below the pinch. Bougainvilleas produce more blooms when their roots are crowded. Resist the urge to transplant until the pot is too crowded to afford adequate watering. When transplanting, select a container only slightly larger than the one currently in use. Limited nutrients are available in their containers. Use a water-soluble balanced fertilizer, 20-20-20, every other week during the growing season. During a mild winter, feed only once every 4 to 6 weeks. Do not feed a dormant plant until new growth appears. Do not over-fertilize. With a minimum of effort, the Bougainvillea will become the focal point of the home or garden.