Bougainvillea glabra aka Bougainvillea

Taxonomy

Bougainvillea glabra, also known as the lesser bougainvillea or paperflower, is a popular species of climbing shrub that is commonly used for bonsai. The plant is known for its thorny stems and tiny white flowers that grow in clusters surrounded by colorful papery bracts. This evergreen plant is heat and drought tolerant but sensitive to frost. It can grow up to 9m (30 feet) tall, but typically grows to 3-4m (10-12 feet) in height. The epithet 'glabra' means "bald" in Latin. Bougainvillea glabra is native to Brazil, where it grows in sandy desert soils, slopes, mesas, and disturbed rocky soil. It can grow anywhere from sea level to 750m (0-2500 feet) in elevation. In its natural habitat, Bougainvillea glabra tends to bloom year-round, but elsewhere, it blooms best in the spring or fall when day and night lengths are almost equal. As a houseplant, the lesser Bougainvillea is easy to grow and requires regular watering. It thrives in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Bougainvillea, Paper Flower

How to care for Bougainvillea

Difficulty

Caring for Bougainvillea is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Bougainvillea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bougainvillea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bougainvillea requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Paper Flower is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.


More info:
Wikipedia