Bougainvillea Plant Care: Growing This Tropical Bloomer Indoors

Botanical Name: Bougainvillea glabra

You'll see bougainvillea climbing arbors, scrambling along stone walls, and spilling over terra cotta pots in Mexico, Greece, and Southern California—anywhere warm and sunny makes these flowering shrubs flourish.

If you don't live in a hot climate, a sunny window, greenhouse, or sunroom will do. Bougainvillea really thrives if you can move your container outdoors for summer—you'll get the most flowers by letting these tropical beauties bask on your sunlit porch or patio.

Big clusters of brightly colored bracts in pink, red, orange, or purple cover the plant summer through fall. The papery bracts surround small, creamy-white true flowers.

Long, arching branches are covered with thorns, so handle carefully—they can cause skin irritation.

Pruning Tip: Prune back lightly in fall after flowers fade. Regular pruning keeps the plant small and prevents legginess.

If allowed to grow, bougainvillea vines can be trained around a hoop or over a trellis inserted in the pot. Secure with florist wire if needed, though this vigorous climber twines readily around any support.

Repot in spring when you see new growth. Bougainvillea blooms best when slightly pot-bound, so move up just one pot size when necessary.

Bougies shrug off most pests but may attract aphids (on new growth) or spider mites (in dry conditions). Isolate and treat immediately if you spot any.

Bougainvillea Care Quick Reference

Origin: Brazil

Height: Up to 15 ft (4.5 m) if not pruned. Can be grown as a bonsai to stay small.

Light: Full sun. At least 4 hours of direct sun daily. Won't bloom without enough light.

Water: Water thoroughly, then allow top 2 inches (5 cm) to dry out between waterings. Empty drainage tray to prevent root rot.

Humidity: Average room humidity

Temperature: Average to warm, 60–80°F (16–27°C). Frost-tender—bring inside when nights dip below 60°F. Doesn't like cold at all.

Soil: Any good potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring through fall. This fertilizer specially made for bougainvilleas is highly recommended.

Propagation: Take 4 in (10 cm) stem tip cuttings in spring and root in moist soil. A heat mat gives best results. Cuttings root in about 2 months.