Bougainvillea For Bonsai?

Little Arborist

Anybody have experience with bougainvillea bonsai?

Anything a guy should know if he wants to bonsai one?

Things to look for/look out for?


Thanx

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TreeBay

Try the ***MUSEUM*** if you need pictures of one.

http://pictures.bonsaiTALK.com/key/bougainvillea

Remember, it's a vine, so you need to fertilize a lot and it will often die back a bit from cuts. They'll often flower more as they get a little more rootbound.

Things to watch out for?

Thorns and frost.

Regards,

Matt

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Bart Thomas(deceased)

Also, remember that it only flowers on new growth.

Thus, if you want it to bloom, it's going to have to get somewhat shaggy. Shape your tree first, then worry about flowers. Don't get too rigid about your design. Branches can (and do) suddenly die for no apparrent reason.

Overwatering seems to reduce the tendency to bloom. Keep it on the dry side. I am careful to use a fast-draining soil mix.

Enjoy the tree. It's fun!

wmcorcor

They do seem to bloom better when you abuse them and let them dry out.

ALSO keep in mind thera are varieties with smaller leaves that seem to be more suitable for bonsai (depending on the size of the tree). Most Bougeys up here have huge leaves and small trunks so the scale looks all wrong even with leaf reduction.

I think there is a pink pixie variety that has small leaves that would be better.

gilbycantu

Bougies are great bor bonsai. I have quite a few and I've never killed one. Unlike other trees, they love neglect. They also like full sun and fertilizer. Pink Pixie is a great variety for bonsai. Extremely dense growth with clusters of bright pink flowers. Thorns are only a problem with older trees with longer branches. Be careful when making larger cuts. They usually result in rotting of the dead area.

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Gilbert Cantu

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Little Arborist

Wow, thanks for all the great responses.

So if I can expect significant and random branch die back, and flowering on new growth, it seems as though the best bet would be to focus on a healthy trunk with a limited branch structure for the long term, then pruning off a majority of the leaf bearing foliage at some sort of appropriate regular intervals (maybe once or twice a year,) might be the best bet to stimulate new growth for flower production once the shape is established in the long run.

Sound reasonable?

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Bart Thomas(deceased)

Yes, Pink Pixie is great. Remember also that, in Florida, when they cut these into logs and leave them on the ground, they usually root.

Thus, you can usually find a 2" trunk as a starter for around $85, delivered. These can give you a great start on a medium to large bonsai. If it's just a straight log, carving can add interest.

Little Arborist

Do you think the growth pattern of bougainvillea would lend itself to using one of those 2" logs to create a raft design?

Bart Thomas(deceased)

Not until you see where it will sprout. Often they only sprout from the top area.