Bougainvillea Overwatering & Petunia Seed Light Needs: Equatorial Growing Fixes

Bougainvillea: Too Much Water, Not Too Little

Wilting that doesn't perk up after watering = root rot. Yellow leaves confirm it. The roots can't transport water because they're drowning.

Rescue Steps

1. If potted: Remove, inspect roots. White = healthy; brown = rotted. Trim ⅓ of roots, repot in fresh soil.
2. If in ground: Stop frequent watering. Water deeply only when soil is dry 1–2 inches down.
3. Mulch to retain moisture between deep waterings.

Dwarf Petunia Seeds: Light Is Mandatory

Petunia seeds require light to germinate. Covering them with soil prevents sprouting.

Correct Method

1. Fill pot with moist potting mix
2. Sprinkle seeds on surface
3. Press gently with fingers—good contact, no cover
4. Cover pot with clear plastic (baggie works) for humidity
5. Remove plastic immediately when seedlings appear

Watering Insight

If bougainvillea perks up then wilts by afternoon, you're not watering deeply enough. Let a hose trickle at the base for 30 minutes, mulch, then wait 2–3 days.

Deep, infrequent watering beats daily light sprinkles every time.