Bougainvillea

Watering rhythm

Every 5–7 days

About this plant

Bougainvillea is a tropical shrub native to South America, prized for its striking papery bracts that bloom in vivid colors. It thrives in bright light and warmth, and requires indoor care in cold climates. Relatively easy to grow, these plants flower prolifically when given plenty of light—which is really the key to success.

Placement & environment

Place your bougainvillea where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Keep temperatures above 10°C, and avoid dropping below 5°C during winter. It prefers relatively low humidity and does best in a well-ventilated spot.

Seasonal watering rhythm

Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.

Spring
Every 4–6 days
Summer
Every 3–5 days
Autumn
Every 5–7 days
Winter
Every 10–14 days

Watering rhythm

Water once the soil surface has dried out. Pour thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then always empty the saucer to prevent standing water. Overwatering is the main culprit behind root rot, so be cautious. A gentle sign that it's time to water is when the leaves look just slightly soft or droopy.

Common troubles

Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.

Symptom	Likely cause	What to try
Flowers won't bloom, or buds keep dropping	The plant isn't getting enough light, or you're using too much nitrogen fertilizer—causing it to put all its energy into foliage instead of flowers.	Move it to the brightest spot you can find. Switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium during the flowering season for better results.
Leaves turning yellow, stem feels soft at the base	You've been watering too frequently, and the roots have likely begun to rot.	Take the plant out of its pot, trim away any blackened or mushy roots, and repot it in fresh soil. Going forward, water less often and always let the soil dry out properly between waterings.
Leaves look whitish and feel sticky	Pests like mealybugs or whiteflies have infested the plant.	Gently brush off the insects with a soft toothbrush, or use an insecticidal spray. Improve air circulation around the plant and make it a habit to inspect the leaves regularly.
Leaves are wilting and feel dry and papery to the touch	The soil has dried out for too long, or the air around the plant is extremely dry.	Water the whole pot thoroughly until the soil is fully saturated, then return to your regular watering schedule as the surface dries. Using a humidifier or misting the leaves can also help raise the humidity around the plant.
Stems have turned black and are rotting in patches	Cold damage from freezing conditions, or possibly a fungal infection.	Carefully cut away the damaged sections with a clean knife and move the plant somewhere warm—ideally above 10°C. Protect it indoors during winter and keep air moving around it to prevent future problems.