Is bougainvillea an indoor plant? Bougainvillea is often associated with sprawling outdoor landscapes, colorful walls, and warm tropical environments.
But what if you want to bring that burst of color inside? Can bougainvillea grow indoors? The short answer is yes—though it can be a bit tricky.
In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully grow bougainvillea indoors and answer all your questions about its care, blooming, and potential challenges.
Bougainvillea Plant Profile
Bougainvillea, also known by its other name “Pokok bunga kertas”, is a genus of thorny, shrubby vines or trees that count different species. Native to South America, particularly Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, bougainvillea is cultivated globally as an ornamental plant due to its striking colors and ability to climb or spread across surfaces. The plant is known for its paper-like bracts, which come in colors like pink, red, white, orange, and purple. Though commonly found outdoors, this vibrant plant can be brought inside with the right care.
- Origin: South America (Brazil, Peru, Argentina)
- Other Names: Pokok bunga kertas (Malay)
- Growth Habit: Climbing or shrubby vines; up to 30 feet outdoors; more compact indoors
- Soil: Bougainvillea needs well-draining soil to prevent water retention and root rot.
- Sunlight: Prefers 5-6 hours of direct sunlight
- Pruning: Bougainvillea benefits from regular pruning to control its shape, encourage bushiness, and stimulate growth.
- Pruning Tips:
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain the plant’s shape.
- Regularly pinch the tips to make bougainvillea bushier and control its tendency to grow in all directions.
- Pruning Tips:
Is Bougainvillea an Indoor Plant?
So, can you grow bougainvillea inside? Yes, but there are a few things you need to consider. Bougainvillea thrives on direct sunlight and warm temperatures, which can be a challenge indoors. However, with proper care, you can replicate its ideal conditions inside your home.
I’ve had my bougainvillea for over five years in an enclosed balcony, which is almost like an indoor room with windows. Despite being inside, my bougainvillea has bloomed multiple times with beautiful white flowers, showing that it is indeed possible to grow bougainvillea indoors if you pay attention to its needs.
- Light: Bougainvillea loves sunlight and needs 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Place it in front of a sunny window or a spot where it can get adequate light.
- Temperature: The plant loves warmth and does best in temperatures between 60-95°F (15-35°C). If you live in a colder region, ensure your bougainvillea stays inside during winter, and move it outdoors in the summer to enjoy the sun.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is a must to prevent root rot.
- Container Growth: Indoors, bougainvillea should be grown in a pot with well-draining soil. Terracotta pots are ideal, as they allow for better air circulation around the roots.
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as bougainvillea prefers slightly dry conditions.
- Pinching: Regularly pinch the tips to control its growth direction and make it bushy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bougainvillea Plant
Here are some common questions about bougainvillea care:
Are there thornless bougainvillea?
No, all bougainvillea varieties have thorns, which help the plant grip surfaces.
Does bougainvillea damage walls?
In cases where there are fissures in the wall, bougainvillea vines can find their way inside. To prevent this, use trellises and prune the plant regularly to control its growth direction.
How to make bougainvillea bushy?
Pinching the tips regularly will encourage bushiness. Bougainvillea tends to grow long in all directions, so this method helps control its shape.
Why is my bougainvillea not flowering?
Lack of direct sunlight is often the culprit. Bougainvillea needs 6 hours of sunlight daily to bloom.
When to fertilize bougainvillea?
Bougainvillea should be fertilized during its active growing season (spring to summer). A balanced fertilizer applied once every 4-6 weeks works well.
What is the best fertilizer for bougainvillea?
Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
How much sunlight does bougainvillea need indoors?
Bougainvillea needs 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, even when grown indoors.
Can bougainvillea tolerate shade indoors?
Bougainvillea is not a shade-tolerant plant. While it can survive in lower light, it won’t bloom without enough sunlight.
What is the best soil for bougainvillea indoors?
A well-draining potting mix with a sandy texture works best for bougainvillea. Avoid water-retentive soil as this can cause root rot.
How often should I water bougainvillea indoors?
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Bougainvillea prefers slightly dry conditions.
Can bougainvillea be trained as a houseplant?
Yes, it can be pruned and trained to grow as a compact indoor plant, especially when kept in containers. Regular pruning helps manage its growth indoors.
Troubleshooting Common Bougainvillea Issues Indoors
While bougainvillea can be successfully grown indoors, there are a few challenges you might encounter. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
Yellowing Leaves:
This can be a sign of overwatering. Bougainvillea prefers its soil to dry out between waterings, so make sure you’re not keeping it too wet. Check that your pot has proper drainage as well.
Bougainvillea plant lacks flowers indoors:
If your bougainvillea isn’t blooming, it’s likely not getting enough direct sunlight. Ensure it’s in a spot where it gets at least 5-6 hours of sun daily.
Leggy Growth Common problem with bougainvillea Plant indoors:
If your bougainvillea grows tall but looks sparse, it might need pinching. Regularly pinch the tips to encourage it to grow bushier.
Root Rot:
This is a common issue when the plant is overwatered or placed in poorly draining soil. Make sure the soil dries out between watering, and consider using a well-draining mix.
Stunted Growth:
If your plant isn’t growing much, it could be a nutrient deficiency. Try fertilizing during the growing season to give it the nutrients it needs.
Is Bougainvillea an Indoor Plant : Conclusion
Is bougainvillea an indoor plant? While it’s traditionally grown outdoors, with proper care, you can grow bougainvillea indoors. Make sure to provide enough sunlight, avoid overwatering, and prune regularly to keep its growth in check.
Whether you’re asking “can you grow bougainvillea inside” or simply looking for tips to make your indoor bougainvillea thrive, this plant can brighten up any home with its vibrant colors and sprawling vines.
As long as you replicate the right conditions, you’ll find joy in caring for this beautiful plant. By mastering the art of bougainvillea care, you’ll create a stunning focal point in your indoor garden.