How to Plant Bougainvillea by Cuttings – Bougainvillea is a beautiful, vibrant, and hardy flowering plant that adds a splash of color to any garden. One of the easiest ways to propagate bougainvillea is through stem cuttings. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of growing bougainvillea from cuttings successfully.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Cutting

To ensure successful propagation, choose a healthy stem from an established bougainvillea plant. Here’s what you need to look for:

• A semi-hardwood stem (not too young or too old)
• A length of 6-8 inches
• At least 3-5 nodes (small bumps where leaves grow)

Step 2: Preparing the Cutting

1. Cut the Stem: Use clean, sharp pruning shears to take the cutting at a 45-degree angle.
2. Remove Leaves: Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to prevent excessive moisture loss.
3. Use Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage faster root development.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

1. Pot Selection: Use a small pot with drainage holes.
2. Soil Mix: Prepare a well-draining soil mix by combining garden soil, sand, and perlite in equal proportions. A mix of cocopeat and compost also works well.

Step 4: Planting the Cutting

1. Make a Hole: Use a stick or pencil to create a hole in the soil.
2. Insert the Cutting: Place the cutting about 2-3 inches deep into the soil.
3. Firm the Soil: Gently press the soil around the cutting for stability.
4. Watering: Lightly water the cutting, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy.

Step 5: Important factor

1. Light: Place the pot in a bright, indirect sunlight location.
2. Humidity: Cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain moisture and create a greenhouse effect.
3. Temperature: Maintain a warm temperature between 20-30°C.

Step 6: Care and Transplanting

1. Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering.
2. Root Development: In 4-6 weeks, roots should start to develop.
3. Transplanting: Once roots are well-established, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into your garden.

• Avoid overwatering, as bougainvillea thrives in slightly dry conditions.
• Provide a trellis or support structure if planting in the ground.
• Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage more blooms.