Troubleshooting Bougainvillea: No Flowers and Leaf‑Eating Pests

A gardener has two issues with bougainvillea: lack of blooms and leaf damage (possibly snails).

Why No Flowers?

• Too much nitrogen promotes leaves over blooms. Use a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer.
• Insufficient light — bougainvillea needs full sun to flower well.

Leaf Pests: Likely Aphids, Not Snails

Bougainvillea Growers International identifies aphids as the most common pest. They cluster on new growth, secrete honeydew (attracting ants and sooty mold), and distort leaves.

Organic Aphid Control

1. Inspect regularly; blast off with strong water spray.
2. Remove heavily infested leaves.
3. Use yellow sticky traps for flying aphids.
4. Spray homemade oil‑soap solution: 1 cup vegetable oil + 1 Tbsp liquid dish soap; dilute 1 tsp per cup warm water.
5. Release ladybugs or green lacewings (available online or at garden centers).
6. Plant aphid‑repellent companions: sweet clover, spearmint, sweet fennel, Queen Anne's lace.
7. Control ants that "farm" aphids for honeydew.

— Mack Jean, Master Gardener, Tennessee