Optimal Fertilizers for Bougainvillea: Application Guidelines and Timing
Revamped Article:
Growing a bougainvillea can be a real challenge, especially since these tropical plants are enthusiastic feeders. To keep your vibrant bougainvillea plants thriving, you need a top-notch fertilizer with the right balance of nutrients.
Bougainvilleas need a well-rounded mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) in their diet, with an emphasis on potassium for gorgeous blooms. The market is filled with all sorts of bougainvillea fertilizers, but sorting through them can feel overwhelming. No worries, we've got your back! Our team has put the best fertilizers for bougainvillea plants to the test and created a handy list just for you.
5 Best Fertilizers for Bougainvillea Plants
To give your bougainvillea plants the nutrition they crave for a lush, flower-filled oasis, check out the best fertilizers on the market below.
1. Jack's Classic No.1.5 Fertilizer 20-20-20
This amazing fertilizer provides a balanced NPK ratio of 20-20-20, ideal for promoting the growth of new flowers and ensuring vibrant colors. This water-soluble plant food also includes essential micronutrients suitable for both indoor and outdoor bougainvillea plants. It feeds your plants through both their roots and leaves, ensuring maximum results. All you need to do is dilute the formula in water and sprinkle it onto the soil regularly for a rapid growth of beautiful bougainvillea plants.
Key Features:
- Water-soluble plant food
- Balanced NPK ratio of 20-20-20
- Contains essential micronutrients
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor plants
- Efficient on foliage plants and keeps leaves green
Pros:
- A generous amount of all essential nutrients promotes quick leaf expansion and leads to lush, green plants
- Works great for more than just flowering plants, helping trees and vegetables grow strong, too
- Mixes effortlessly with water to ensure ease of use by simply sprinkling it onto the soil
Cons:
- Not ideal for hydroponic plants that need lots of water and nutrients
Tester's Verdict:
Our team was blown away by the rapid growth of a fabulous plant boasting lush green leaves thanks to the balanced nutrient mix in this fertilizer. However, it didn't perform as well in damp weather conditions.
2. Jobes Fertilizer Spikes for Flowers 8-9-12
This convenient fertilizer comes with pre-measured spikes that you can directly insert into the soil for instant results. Designed specifically for bougainvillea flowers in pots and hanging baskets, these spikes contain the right proportions of specialized nutrients. With the high phosphorus content (8-9-12) in this formula, it's perfect for nourishing roots and inspiring new growth during the growing season and blooming period of your flowers. The pack includes 18 ready-to-use spikes that mix easily with soil and keep feeding for 2 months if you maintain regular watering.
Key Features:
- Specially formulated for flowers in pots and hanging baskets
- High phosphorus content (8-9-12) for nourishing roots during growing and blooming seasons
- Contains 18 ready-to-use spikes
- Keeps feeding for 2 months with regular watering
Pros:
- The slow-release fertilizer feeds your bougainvillea plant for 2 months through its roots
- Easy as pie - simply insert the spikes into the root zone of your flowers
Cons:
- Not suitable in all types of climates
Tester's Verdict:
Our team was amazed by the fast results and long feeding period of this fertilizer, although it wasn't effective during the winter months.
3. Jobe's Camellia & Rhododendron Fertilizer Spikes 9-8-7
These easy-to-use fertilizer spikes come in a pack of 10, ready to be mixed into the soil with a bit of water for optimal results. The 9-8-7 NPK ratio in this formula provides lots of nitrogen, ensuring the growth of dark green leaves and a variety of beautiful pink, purple, and other flowers. This fertilizer is specially formulated for acid-loving plants without any dangerous side effects. The pre-measured spikes have all the required nutrients your bougainvillea plant needs without any risky runoff to nearby water bodies.
Key Features:
- Includes 10 easy-to-apply spikes
- 9-8-7 NPK ratio high in nitrogen for vibrant blooms and dark green leaves
- Tailored for acid-loving plants, safe for use around people and pets
- Eco-friendly, eliminating hazardous effects
- Feeds throughout the year, ideal in hot climates such as summer and late spring
Pros:
- Pre-measured spikes are easy to apply with minimal hassle
- Contains a perfect blend of beneficial nutrients for good results up to 8 weeks
Cons:
- May not be effective in extreme dry soil due to spike breakage
Tester's Verdict:
Our team was impressed by the easy-to-apply spikes and the variety of colors on the resulting flowers. However, they found that the spikes were not effective in dry climate conditions.
4. Scotts Flower Slow Release Food 10-10-10
This all-purpose fertilizer is fantastic for both flowers and vegetables, providing a balanced NPK ratio of 10-10-10 to support exquisite blooming in your bougainvillea plants. This slow-release formula ensures continuous nutrient release, benefiting fertile soil and established bougainvillea vines. Adding this granular fertilizer to the soil is straightforward, and it will promote beautiful flowers and abundant bougainvillea growth without burning the plants.
Key Features:
- Balanced NPK ratio of 10-10-10
- Can be used for both flowers and vegetables
- Slow-release formula for continuous nutrient release
- Suitable for established bougainvillea vines and fertile soil
Pros:
- Eco-friendly granular formula won't burn your plants when used according to instructions
- Granules release slowly over time, ensuring healthy bougainvillea growth for an extended period
Cons:
- May not be as effective for flowering plants as other options on the list
Tester's Verdict:
Our team observed rapid growth of flowers and other plants after applying this all-purpose fertilizer. Simply adding it to the soil was all it took for the fertilizer to work wonders.
5. Dr. Earth Organic & Natural MINI Exotic Blend Plant Food
If you're all about organic gardening, this fertilizer made with organic and naturally acquired ingredients is for you! While the company markets it as a hibiscus fertilizer, it works just as well on bougainvillea plants. With an NPK ratio of 6-4-6 and high nitrogen content, this formula supports photosynthesis in tropical plants, leading to greener growth. The fertilizer is available in 1 and 4-pound packs, making it safe for use around children, pets, and people. Furthermore, it's certified as OMRI-listed, meaning it's eco-friendly.
Key Features:
- Available in 1 & 4 lb. packs
- Contains organic and naturally sourced nutrients
- OMRI-listed, making it eco-friendly
- Safe for use around children, pets, and people
- NPK ratio of 6-4-6 with high nitrogen content for enhanced plant growth
Pros:
- Perfect for those who prioritize organic gardening
- Added beneficial soil microbes support healthy root development and new plant growth
Cons:
- May attract worms and unwanted insects due to its natural contents
Tester's Verdict:
The team loved the eco-friendly nature of the fertilizer and was thrilled with its positive impact on plant growth. However, they noticed an increase in worm and insect activity due to the natural ingredients.
Tips on Helping Your Bougainvillea Flower
Winning the prize for the most convenient low-maintenance flowering plant is the bougainvillea, which thrives with minimal attention. To keep your bougainvillea healthy, stunning, and blooming, keep these tips in mind:
Sun Exposure:
For the best blooms, give your bougainvillea at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Find a sunny spot with half-day sun exposure for optimal growth.
Watering:
Water your bougainvillea deeply for a few hours, but be mindful not to overwater or allow standing water.
Fertilizing:
Since bougainvilleas are heavy feeders, regular fertilization during the growing season is vital. Opt for a high potassium fertilizer to promote blooming.
Support:
Use trellises or other supports to help the vines grow and climb, achieving their full potential.
Pruning:
Pruning your bougainvillea twice a year, in late winter and early spring, keeps it looking its best and encourages new growth.
FAQs
How do I make my bougainvillea bloom?
Stay consistent with watering and fertilizing during the growing season, and opt for a high potassium fertilizer designed for flowering plants. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
When or How to Fertilize Bougainvillea?
The best time to fertilize your bougainvillea is during the growing season, from early spring through summer. Mix the fertilizer with water and apply it to the soil, making sure not to overdo it. Use no more than one tablespoon of fertilizer in one gallon of water for the best results.
Final Verdict:
Keeping your garden beautiful and thriving is no easy feat, but with the right fertilizer and care, you can cultivate a stunning bougainvillea oasis. To achieve this, select a well-balanced but lower nitrogen fertilizer with high potassium content, and apply it regularly during the growing season for healthy, blooming bougainvillea plants.
Related Guides:
- Why is My Bougainvillea Dying?
Sources:
- To complement the vibrant blooms of your bougainvillea plants, consider incorporating some home-and-garden practices in your lifestyle that promote these tropical delights.
- As part of creating a lush home-and-garden oasis, invest in gardening essentials such as high-quality fertilizers for your bougainvillea plants, providing them with the right balance of nutrients they crave for optimal growth.
