How to Grow Bougainvillea Glabra in India

Bougainvillea Glabra is a beautiful specimen that will surely bring colorful tropical vibes to your garden!

From its lush pink and purple foliage to its voluptuous flowering clusters, the Bougainvillea Glabra can be a perfect addition to any outdoor living area.

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Bougainvillea Glabra Information

Bougainvillea Glabra or ‘Paper Flower’, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Nyctaginaceae. The plant is native to South America but is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world. It is a vigorous, woody, evergreen climber with bright, colorful bracts and small, white flowers.

It can be an excellent choice for adding a splash of color to any garden. Bougainvillea Glabra produces an abundance of colorful bracts which range in color from pink to purple and can last for up to six months of the year. It is not frost-hardy, so it is best grown in warmer climates.

Botanical Name: Bougainvillea Glabra

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How to Propagate Bougainvillea Glabra in India?

Stem Cuttings

Take a cutting from a mature Bougainvillea Glabra plant that is about 6-8 inches long and remove any leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and water it well.
Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist.
After about 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted into a larger pot or planted in the ground.

Layering

Choose a healthy branch of the Bougainvillea Glabra plant and bend it down to the ground.
Remove a small section of bark from the part of the branch that will be buried in the soil.
Cover the wounded area with rooting hormone powder.
Bury the wounded area of the branch in a hole in the soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed.
Water the soil well and keep it moist.
After a few weeks, the branch should have developed roots and can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a larger pot or planted in the ground.

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Requirements to Grow Bougainvillea Glabra in India

Bougainvillea Glabra 2 — tria_sus_bitkileri

Sunlight

In India, most regions can have Bougainvillea Glabra grown, except for the high-altitude Himalayan regions, as it thrives in warm and sunny climates. The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow well.

In fact, the plant will produce more flowers if it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If planting in a hot and dry area, partial shade during the hottest part of the day can help protect the plant.

Soil

In terms of soil requirements, Bougainvillea Glabra grows best in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should be able to hold moisture without becoming waterlogged.

If the soil is too heavy, it can be amended with sand, perlite, or other organic materials to improve drainage. Bougainvillea glabra can also tolerate slightly acidic soil but it prefers soil that is slightly alkaline.

Water

The water requirements depend on the climate and soil conditions. In general, the plant prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

It’s recommended to water the plant deeply once a week or more frequently in extremely hot and dry conditions.

Temperature

Bougainvillea Glabra grows best in warm to hot climates with a temperature range of 20-30°C (68-86°F). It can tolerate higher temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) but may require shading during the hottest part of the day. In areas where temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F), the plant may go dormant or suffer frost damage.

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Bougainvillea Glabra Care

Fertilizer

Bougainvillea Glabra benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Every 2-3 months, use a balanced liquid fertilizer. Do not feed the plant every month as it will result in more leaves than flowers.

Pruning

Pruning is important to keep Bougainvillea Glabra in shape and promote healthy growth and flowering. It’s best to prune it in early spring before new growth appears. It’s important to wear gloves when pruning as the plant has thorns that can cause injury.

Pests and Diseases

Bougainvillea Glabra is generally a hardy plant and is not prone to serious pest or disease problems. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to get rid of them. It’s also important to inspect the plant regularly for any signs of pest infestation.

The plant can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be controlled by spraying the plant with a fungicide. Overwatering can also lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so it’s important to ensure good drainage.