Troubleshooting
Bougainvillea problems — and how to fix them
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Few or no flowers
Usually too little sun, overwatering, or high-nitrogen feed driving leaves over bracts. Give full sun, let it dry between waterings, and switch to a low-nitrogen feed.
Yellowing leaves and leaf drop
Often overwatering or root rot, but also natural seasonal drop or cold/drought stress. Check drainage and let soil dry; seasonal drop in cool weather is normal.
Sap-sucking pests
Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies cause speckling, webbing, sticky residue, and distorted growth. Improve airflow and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thorn injuries
Stiff, sharp thorns can scratch people and pets and snag skin. Wear thick gloves when pruning and site plants away from paths and pet areas.
Cold damage
Foliage is harmed below about 4 C (40 F) and the plant is not frost-hardy. Move containers indoors or protect before first frost; keep above 10 C overwinter.
Magnesium deficiency / chlorosis
Yellowing between veins on older leaves, common in poor or alkaline soils. Maintain slightly acidic soil; an Epsom-salt or balanced micronutrient feed can correct it.
Prevent bougainvillea problems before they start
Most bougainvillea issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bougainvillea problems — FAQ
Why is my bougainvillea few or no flowers?
Usually too little sun, overwatering, or high-nitrogen feed driving leaves over bracts. Give full sun, let it dry between waterings, and switch to a low-nitrogen feed.
Why is my bougainvillea yellowing leaves and leaf drop?
Often overwatering or root rot, but also natural seasonal drop or cold/drought stress. Check drainage and let soil dry; seasonal drop in cool weather is normal.
Why is my bougainvillea sap-sucking pests?
Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies cause speckling, webbing, sticky residue, and distorted growth. Improve airflow and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Why is my bougainvillea thorn injuries?
Stiff, sharp thorns can scratch people and pets and snag skin. Wear thick gloves when pruning and site plants away from paths and pet areas.
Why is my bougainvillea cold damage?
Foliage is harmed below about 4 C (40 F) and the plant is not frost-hardy. Move containers indoors or protect before first frost; keep above 10 C overwinter.
Why is my bougainvillea magnesium deficiency / chlorosis?
Yellowing between veins on older leaves, common in poor or alkaline soils. Maintain slightly acidic soil; an Epsom-salt or balanced micronutrient feed can correct it.