These stunning woody tropicals’ color comes from their papery bracts that hide their true tiny flowers. They love our hot, humid summers and can be wintered over if you take some care. Read more on the best overwintering practices for Bouhainvillea below!
Indoor Winter Care
- Maximize Sunlight: Place the pot in your brightest south-facing window where it can receive at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your home lacks strong winter light, you must supplement it with a high-intensity LED grow light positioned a few inches above the foliage.
- Strict Watering Routine: Overwatering is the fastest way to kill an indoor bougainvillea. Only water the plant when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are completely dry, and never let the pot sit in standing water within its saucer.
- Temperature & Humidity: Keep the indoor room temperature between 60°F and 70°F during the day, and ensure it stays above 50°F at night. Keep your bougainvillea far away from cold window drafts, front doors and drying heating vents.
- No Fertilization: Don’t apply any fertilizers during the late fall and winter months. The plant will enter a semi-dormant resting phase.
- Expect Leaf Drop: Don’t panic if your bougainvillea drops a significant portion of its leaves shortly after you bring it indoors. This is a standard shock reaction to the lower indoor humidity and light levels; it will stabilize once it adjusts to the room.
Transitioning Back Outdoors
- Prune in Early Spring: Cut the vine back by about one-third in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and stimulate fresh, blooming wood for the upcoming summer.
- Wait Out the Frost: Do not bring the pot back outside until spring frost danger is completely gone and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (typically late May or early June).
Have more tips and tricks to share or still have questions? Reach out – we’re happy to help!
