Bougainvillea Leaf and Flower Drop After Relocation

Understanding Transplant Shock

A newly purchased bougainvillea dropped all flowers and leaves within two weeks of moving indoors to a west-facing dining room. The same happened to a second plant.

Key Sensitivities

• Environment Change: Bougainvilleas are highly sensitive to shifts in light, humidity, and temperature.
• Overwatering: They prefer dry conditions; "adequate" water for most plants is often too much for bougainvillea.
• Light Requirements: They need full, direct sun—at least 6 hours daily.

Recovery Plan

1. Move to the sunniest location possible (south-facing window or outdoors if climate permits).
2. Water only when soil is completely dry several inches down.
3. Do not fertilize until new growth appears.
4. Be patient: defoliation is a stress response; new leaves will emerge once the plant acclimates.