�� 1. About the Plant Botanical name: Bougainvillea glabra / Bougainvillea spectabilis Common names: Bougainvillea, Paper Flower Type: Evergreen, thorny climber or shrub Height: 6–20 feet (depending on variety and support) Flowers: Actually colored bracts — small white flowers sit in the center. �� 2. Sunlight Needs full sunlight (6–8 hours daily) for flowering. ☀️ Full sun = more blooms, less shade = no blooms. �� Place in the sunniest corner of your garden, balcony, or terrace. �� 3. Soil Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Ideal mix for pots: �� 2 parts garden soil 1 part sand 1 part compost or coco peat. Avoid heavy clay soil — it retains water and causes root rot. �� 4. Watering Moderate watering — let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering = leaf drop and no flowers. �� Water 2–3 times a week in summer, once a week in winter. �� Don’t keep it soggy; Bougainvillea thrives on a little dryness. �� 5. Pot & Placement Use a medium to large pot (12–16 inches) with good drainage holes. Place in a sunny, open area with airflow. Ideal for terraces, boundary walls, or balcony railings. �� 6. Fertilizing Feed every 3–4 weeks during growing season (spring to autumn). Use: Organic compost or cow dung manure, and A phosphorus-rich fertilizer (like bone meal or bloom booster). Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers (they make leaves grow, not flowers). �� 7. Flowering Main blooming season: Winter to early summer (Dec–May). In warm regions, can bloom multiple times a year. Light stress (slightly dry soil) helps trigger flowering. �� Pro tip: Let the soil dry for a few days, then water — this cycle encourages blooms. ✂️ 8. Pruning Prune after each flowering cycle to shape the plant and promote new shoots. Bougainvillea blooms on new growth, so pruning is key. Remove dead or weak branches regularly.