Tips for growing and keeping Santa Rita (bougainvillea) in a pot with flowers all the time

Growing bougainvillea in pots requires a combination of key factors such as choosing the right container, substrate, and a specific watering and pruning routine. Here we share the best tips to keep them blooming all the time:

1. Choose the right pot

• The Santa Rita needs a large, deep pot to grow strong. Make sure it has good drainage to prevent the roots from rotting, as excess water can be harmful to this plant.
• A pot of at least 40 cm in diameter will be ideal for bougainvillea to develop.

2. Well-drained substrate

• Use a light, well-drained substrate. A potting soil mix with coarse sand or perlite is ideal for easy drainage.
• Bougainvillea prefer slightly acidic soil, so you can add some peat moss if needed.

3. Sun exposure

• Santa Rita loves the sun. In order for it to bloom consistently, it needs at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Place the pot in a sunny location, such as a balcony or terrace with good exposure.

4. Proper watering

• Bougainvillea is quite drought resistant, so it is best to water it sparingly. Allow the substrate to dry out between waterings and make sure not to flood the plant.
• During the flowering months, you can increase the frequency of watering a little, but always avoid excess.

5. Regular fertilization

• To keep bougainvillea blooming, it’s important to fertilize them regularly. Use a balanced or specific fertilizer for flowering plants, rich in phosphorus, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
• In autumn and winter, reduce the frequency.

6. Strategic pruning

• Pruning bougainvillea is essential to stimulate flowering. Do light pruning in late winter or early spring, removing weak or dead branches.
• This will allow the plant to focus its energy on flowering. Additionally, light pruning during the growing season can help control their size and maintain their desired shape.

7. Provides support

• If you have a climbing bougainvillea, provide a trellis or support so it can grow vertically.
• Not only will this allow you to look your best, but it will also help your branches get a greater amount of sunlight.

8. Protection from the cold

• Bougainvillea is sensitive to extreme cold.
• If you live in an area with very cold winters, it is advisable to protect them by moving them to a covered place or using gardening blankets to prevent frost from damaging them.

9. Pest Control

• Although bougainvillea is not usually very affected by pests, they can be attacked by aphids or mites.
• Periodically check the leaves and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.

Growing bougainvillea in pots is a rewarding task that, with proper care, can offer you a burst of color all year round. By following these tips on watering, sunlight, pruning, and fertilizing, your Santa Rita will not only stay healthy, but also reward you with vibrant, consistent blooms.