Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red' Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red'

Water

Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red', commonly known as Bougainvillea, prefers a deep and infrequent watering regime to encourage a robust root system. During the growing season in the spring and summer, watering approximately once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant should suffice, depending on the size and heat. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. In cooler months, reduce the frequency to every 3-4 weeks, watching for the first inch or so of soil to become dry. It's essential not to overwater as Bougainvillea is drought-tolerant and prone to root rot when kept too moist.

Light

Bougainvillea thrives best in full sun conditions, ideally receiving more than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Place the Bougainvillea in a location where it is bathed in ample sunlight to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth. Partial shade is tolerated but may result in less flowering. Indoor plants should be positioned by a sunny window to get the necessary light.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Bougainvillea to flourish is around 65 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum cold temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but extended exposure to cold can damage the plant. Bougainvillea favors warmer climates and should be protected from frost to prevent potential damage to the foliage and blooms.

Pruning

Prune Bougainvillea after it blooms to shape and encourage more flowers since blooms occur on new growth. Typically, pruning is done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and prune sparingly for size, as Bougainvillea blooms best when somewhat pot-bound or stressed. Pruning can be done a couple of times a year to maintain an attractive shape and healthy plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red' prefers well-draining and moderately fertile soil with added perlite or coarse sand for improved drainage. An ideal soil mix is 1 part peat, 1 part pine bark, and 1 part coarse sand or perlite. The optimal soil pH range for Bougainvillea is slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 6.5.

Repotting

San Diego Red Bougainvillea should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container. The best time to repot is in the spring right before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

San Diego Red Bougainvillea thrives in moderate to high humidity conditions, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity levels as well. Maintaining ambient humidity around 40-60% is generally safe for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright sunlight, minimal watering, allow soil to dry.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red', commonly known as Bougainvillea, begins its life cycle through seed germination or more commonly through rooted cuttings, which is a faster and more reliable method for this species. Once established, the plant enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase, where it develops a strong root system and extensive vining branches, requiring ample sunlight and warmth to thrive. As it matures, the plant produces its distinctive papery bracts in bright red, which are often mistaken for flowers; the actual flowers are small and white, nestled within the bracts. The flowering stage can occur several times a year in proper growing conditions, particularly during the warmer months. After the flowering stage, the plant may enter a brief dormancy period in cooler climates or may continue growing in regions that remain warm year-round. Throughout its lifetime, Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red' may require periodic pruning to shape the plant and promote more prolific blooming.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red' is through stem cuttings. This process ideally begins in early spring to summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long with several sets of leaves, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cut end of the cutting is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as Bougainvillea cuttings can rot in overly wet soil. With proper care and warm temperatures, roots should develop within a few weeks, after which the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.