How to make bougainvillea bonsai

Modeling method

Single pole type, double pole type, inclined pole type, curved pole type, waterside type, cliff type, pagoda type, flower basket type, lying pole type, water and land type, etc.

Production steps

The first step is to choose the modeling method

Pruning is the main method, with binding as a supplement. Young trees can be twisted and tied according to shaping needs.

You can also find several bougainvillea plants of different colors and varieties, and then plant them together and graft them.

Step 2: Planting Bougainvillea

First, we need to select the bougainvillea to be shaped, and then plant the selected bougainvillea in a flowerpot. The size of the flowerpot can be determined as appropriate, and the branches can be spaced three centimeters apart. After it grows normally, choose a distance according to the height of the shape, tie it up with plastic-covered wire, and then tie it tightly.

Step 3: Finalize and remove stitches

Wait until the bougainvillea gradually grows and its basic shape has been determined, then loosen the bougainvillea. We also need to peel off the bark at the junction of the plant and branches, and then align them with the cambium.

After grafting, both sides still need to be tied tightly. At the same time, care should be taken to prevent the wound from rain and watering to avoid affecting the normal growth of Bougainvillea. After it grows firmly and forms a whole, remove the binding wire.

Step 4: Root Treatment

After the joint, the part under the joint can be regarded as the root of Bougainvillea. The root can be bent and shaped according to your needs, or it can be matched with stones to create the effect of roots embracing stones.

Step 5: Strengthen management

Many branches will grow from the above parts. At this time, we need to prune the bougainvillea. While pruning, we should also pay attention to whether there is any deviation from the shape in our mind.

Things to note when growing bougainvillea bonsai

Conception should be done with a clear mind

When pruning, one thing we need to pay attention to is that we must proceed according to the overall image we have previously determined. We must have a clear idea in mind before pruning, and we must not proceed blindly, otherwise, it is likely to be half the result with twice the effort.

The formation of vigorous and simple

The branches left after pruning are not useless. We can use them to make winding shapes. In addition, as time goes by, a new trunk will be formed below the grafting, with a rough and uneven surface, making it look more vigorous and ancient.

Special bonsai production

Bougainvillea flower basket bonsai

Trim the bougainvillea into a flat surface, trim away the miscellaneous branches, leave 500~600mm long branches at the left and right diagonals of the plane, bend the branches, overlap them at 100~200mm, tie them together to form the handle of the flower basket, and the flower basket-style bougainvillea bonsai is completed!

Bougainvillea pagoda bonsai

Cut off all the side branches of Bougainvillea, leaving only one or three upright branches. If three branches are left, they must be tied or braided together. When they grow to the ideal height, cut off the top to allow side buds to sprout. Remove excess buds at intervals of 400-500mm to form a multi-tower style.

Bougainvillea cliff bonsai

By tying the branches together, some of the branches of the bougainvillea are made to droop, resembling a cliff. The cliff-style bougainvillea bonsai is completed.

Bougainvillea curved trunk bonsai

Tie up the bougainvillea that has been growing for 1 to 2 years. Tie the main trunk 10 to 20 cm away from the root with a rope and shade it. This will change its growth direction and make it bend. Different bending shapes will have different aesthetics.

Maintenance methods of bougainvillea bonsai

Frequent exposure

Bougainvillea is a plant that likes high temperatures and strong sunlight, so the bonsai should always be placed in a sunny place. Adequate sunlight is conducive to the growth and flowering of bougainvillea. The bougainvillea bonsai that has been treated with strong sunlight has short internodes, full growth, many flowers, deep color, and a long flowering period.

Prune frequently

Bougainvillea has a long growing period and grows fast, so timely pruning and pinching are necessary to fix and maintain the plant shape. Pinching can help the bougainvillea bonsai to develop new branches and bloom more. Bougainvillea bonsai pruning is generally carried out in spring and summer. Pruning after mid-August will affect flowering and should not be carried out. Bougainvillea bonsai needs to trim off inner branches, weak branches, leggy branches, and crossed branches.

Strict water control

It is advisable to start controlling water for Bougainvillea 5 weeks before flowering (around mid-August). After watering once, wait until the leaves and buds droop before watering again. Repeat this process until the rudiments of flowers appear between the leaf axils at the branch ends, and then gradually resume normal watering.

Smart Fertilization

Bougainvillea is very sensitive to urea. If the time and proportion of fertilization are inappropriate, the Bougainvillea bonsai may have luxuriant branches and leaves but few flowers. Therefore, you must be particularly cautious when applying urea. In summer, the temperature is high and there is much rain, so the plants tend to grow too tall. Urea alone cannot be applied. Instead, some fertilizer made from fermented waste vegetables can be applied.

If conditions permit, you can use 0.2-0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution as foliar fertilizer once every half a month. Urea still needs to be applied once in the early stage of growth of the flower branches of Bougainvillea bonsai to facilitate the growth of the flower branches.