Bougainvillea Leaves Dropped During Shipping

Site and Sun

• Put the bougainvillea in an appropriate location for the best healing results. This tropical and subtropical plant requires bright, warm locations for growing, with a structure for support. The University of Hawaii at Manoa recommends full sunshine all day and daytime temperatures of 75 to 95 degrees F, with nighttime temperatures of 65 degrees F and higher.

Soil and Pot

• Give bougainvillea the right soil mixture and base for recovery. Repot the plant in a 10- to 15-gallon pot to bind the roots for healing. Use a rich, acidic and quick-draining potting soil. Bougainvillea Growers International recommends avoiding peat moss for these plants, as peat becomes soggy and suffocates roots. Use instead a mixture of fine, quick-draining potting soil and organic compost for support and quick drainage.

Nutrition

• Bougainvillea does best with regular feedings and responds to different nutrients in specific ways. Use nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers, per manufacture directions, to encourage new foliage growth. When the bougainvillea becomes full and green again, switch to monthly feedings with 12-12-12 or 20-20-20 granular fertilizer to encourage blooming.

Watering

• Bougainvilleas are tolerant of drought and do best in hot, dry conditions. Give the plant 2 inches of water every week to nurture it back to health, but don't overwater. Always water the plant after feedings to dissolve the granular fertilizer.