prefer the Perfect Fertilizer for Potted Bougainvilleas
With their colourful bracts and vigorous growth , bougainvillea make excellent container works for terrace and porches . To fuel fertile blooming , these sullen feeders trust on unconstipated fertilization when grown in pot But with so many fertilizer options , how do you choose the right one ?
Seek Out Balanced Formulas

The first key is choosing a balanced plant food expression . This provides adequate proportions of N ( N ) , phosphorus ( P ) , and potassium ( K ) . An NPK ratio like 10 - 10 - 10 supplies enough of each major nutrient .
Too much nitrogen get excessive foliage over flowers . But sufficient atomic number 15 and potassium ensurebud formation and overall plant life health . A balanced feeding encourages robust blooming without overdriving growth .
Target Slow - Release Types
ho-hum - sack fertiliser are ideal for potted flora . Granular or shot types break down over 2 - 3 month , providing a firm nutritious supplying . This saves you from possess to fertilize weekly or fortnightly like fast - acting liquids require .
Timed - release options like resin - cake pellets or polymer - coat carbamide are excellent choices . front for 3 - 4 month formulas to start ahead of time in the growing time of year . Top dress plenty to incorporate into the soil .
habituate low Concentrations
When using H2O - soluble fertilizers , thin out them to half lastingness . Container plant are more sensitive to saturated premix , at endangerment of fertilizer burn . start with weaker solvent prevents wrong . you’re able to always increase strength afterward if call for .
Avoid quick - release formula with high nitrogen like 30 - 10 - 10 . These drive leafy growth over flowers . peg to balanced blend around 10 - 10 - 10 or 20 - 20 - 20 in reduced amount .
fertilise Monthly During Growth
Potted bougainvillea need fertilise every 4 - 6 week while actively develop . come out applications in early saltation and discontinue in other fall . This fuels growth and blooming through the fond time of year without spurring tender newfangled shoot before winter .
do a monthly calendar admonisher to feed at the same interval . Consistent fertilizing prevents nutrient deficiencies that could drag one’s feet flowers . Drench pots thoroughly after feeding to debar ascendent equipment casualty .
Review Other Nutritional need
In accession to NPK , container plants demand supplemental micronutrients . Magnesium and calcium prevent folio yellowing . branding iron corrects chlorosis . Manganese aids photosynthesis .
Opt for fertilizer that also contain these of the essence subaltern nutrients and micronutrients . Otherwise , you may need periodic supplement to maintain optimum plant health .
Consider Organic Alternatives
Some gardeners prefer constitutive fertilizers over synthetic options . Compost , manure tea , os meal , and worm castings release nutrient slowly . you could also buy pre - made organic granular plant foods .
Organics demand more frequent program than celluloid fertilizers . But they improve filth body structure and beneficial microbic activity in pot mixes . Blend in some at repotting for biologic benefits .
Adjust Approach as necessitate
There is no universally perfect fertilizer for bougainvillea . supervise your plant ’s response and tweak your feeding program consequently . More frequent lotion of soft constitutive feed may fit some plant better than strong synthetic portmanteau .
If your bougainvillea miss blush , increase phosphate level . If leave-taking yellowish , add more nitrogen or iron . Let the flora guide you to the idealistic nutritional syllabus .
With a balanced fertiliser approach , your container bougainvillea will thrive in a trice . Aim for equal nutrient level on a slow - release agenda . Dilute dissolve mixes , and add on with organics for biological perks . before long your potted bougainvillea will reward you with its signature vibrant flush display .
How to Grow Bougainvillea In a Pot: Bougainvillea Care In Containers
FAQ
What to feed bougainvillea in pots ?
How do you keep a potted bougainvillea bloom ?
Can I habituate Miracle - Gro on bougainvillea ?
When should bougainvillea be fertilized ?