Reviving a Severely Dehydrated Bougainvillea: Checking Viability and Careful Rehydration

Two Weeks Without Water

Bougainvillea is drought‑tolerant but not invincible. To test if yours is alive:

1. Scratch the bark about a third of the way up from the base.
2. Green cambium underneath means the plant is alive and will re‑foliate.
3. Brown, dry tissue indicates the plant is dead.

If Alive

Water thoroughly once, then back off. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Do not "kill with kindness" by overwatering—this causes root rot. New leaves should appear in weeks.