Blooming Problem

Question: I bought a Bougainvillea plant 3 years ago.  It hasn't produced flowers for the 2nd summer in a row.  I keep it in our basement where it gets indirect sunlight and I water it only when it gets quite dry.  What can I do to get it to bloom?  It is a real pretty plant, but I want to see it produce its beautiful flowers!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2024, 7:49 PM EDT
response: Hi Rod, Your plant appears healthy from your photograph.  The watering you've done sounds fine as they don't like soggy soil.  Have you fertilized your plant to promote blooming? Have you pruned your plant occasionally?  Apply a fertilizer in the Spring.  It is important to use one that is low in nitrogen and high in potassium . Fertilizers designed to promote flowers and fruit will do the job.   During the long day growing season of summer, bougainvilleas depend on drought stress rather than photoperiod to produce buds. Feeding should be reduced in the summer months.   Finally, Bougainvillea bloom on new wood so pruning is important. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, and is used to shape the plant. Pruning and pinching off old blossoms will encourage blooming the following year.  -Rita CMG with CSU extension

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 6:50 AM EDT
response: Hi Rita,Thank you!  I will try all of your suggestions and keep my fingers crossed. Rod  On Jul 24, 2024, at 5:49 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2024, 7:26 AM EDT
response: Good morning, Rita, I looked at the fertilizer we have always used and it has brought up some questions:  You wrote that the fertilizer we use should be “low in nitrogen and high in potassium."  We use Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster Plant Food.  Its label says it has 15% nitrogen, 30% phosphate, and 15% potash.  The potash is a pretty low concentration, don’t you think?  Especially since it is claimed to be a “bloom booster.”  What % potash should I look for?  I would appreciate it if you could be more precise on percentages of nitrogen, potash and phosphorous or if you can recommend a specific product that you prefer.  Otherwise, we have been following your recommendations.  Again, thank you for your interest!  Sincerely,  Rod Tuenge  On Jul 26, 2024, at 4:31 AM, Rodney Tuenge <<personal data hidden>> wrote: Hi Rita,Thank you!  I will try all of your suggestions and keep my fingers crossed. Rod  On Jul 24, 2024, at 5:49 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 7:19 PM EDT
response: Hi Rod,  That fertilizer should work fine. Here in the Master Gardener office we aren't allowed to recommend specific products, but for encouraging blooms, you mostly want to have a fertilizer that isn't only giving the plants nitrogen but is balanced all around. Nitrogen will encourage leaf and root development but that doesn't seem to be a challenge for your plant. Hopefully you'll see blooms soon!   In case you're interested in reading more, I've included a link to a UConn article about selecting fertilizers for flowers: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/suggested-fertilizer-practices-for-flowers/  Best wishes, The Boulder County Extension Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 7:09 AM EDT
response: As always, Thank you very much for your advice! Rod  On Jul 31, 2024, at 5:19 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: