How to Propagate Bougainvillea

A garden filled with vibrant, woody Bougainvillea plants requires more than just one plant. To propagate Bougainvillea, simply cut a 15-20 cm branch from the existing plant, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and place it in a shallow pot with well-draining soil. After thoroughly watering, cover the cutting with a plastic bag and place the pot in a cool location with indirect light. In 3-6 months, the cutting will grow into an independent plant with minimal effort from you.

Take a healthy, mature cutting about 15-20 cm in length. Use sharp pruning shears to make a slight angled cut at the bottom of the branch. Only select healthy, disease-free branches. The angled cut increases the surface area, helping the cutting absorb more water and nutrients from the soil.

• Wear gardening gloves and safety glasses while cutting.
• Choose semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings rather than green, tender stems.
• The best time to take Bougainvillea cuttings is from late spring to mid-summer, when the plant is thriving and lush.
• Rooting cuttings may not be easy. Consider taking several cuttings if the first attempt fails. You can safely remove up to 1/3 of the plant without causing harm.
• Disinfect your gardening tools with rubbing alcohol before and after cutting the branches.

Trim the leaves from the branch segment. The branch is the only part of the bougainvillea that can root. Remove all flowers, leaves, and small shoots from the wooden branch. Trim off and discard all green parts, as these typically won't survive.

• Make sure to trim at least half of the leaves on the branch. This will concentrate the plant's nutrients toward root development.
• If you're not planning to plant the cutting right away, you can wrap the branch in a damp paper towel, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and store it in the refrigerator. This keeps the cutting from drying out for 1-2 weeks.

Dip the cutting end into rooting hormone powder. Moisten the lower end of the branch and dip it into the rooting hormone powder. Ensure the powder covers the underside of the branch, but be careful not to let it clump. To shake off any excess, gently tap the branch with your finger.

• Rooting hormone is available at garden centers, greenhouses, and nurseries. It may also be labeled as “rooting acid.”
• You can try making your own rooting powder at home using ingredients like apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, honey, or crushed aspirin.

Fill a small pot with potting mix. For the best results, it's ideal to use a potting mix designed for plant propagation from cuttings or seeds. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made soil mix combined with organic compost and sand. Leave a small gap of at least 0.5 cm from the pot’s rim for watering.

• If you're using packaged soil, consider adding about 1/3 perlite, vermiculite, or light gravel to improve drainage.
• The cutting will remain in this pot until it roots, so a small pot of around 5-8 cm is sufficient.

Insert the cutting into the pot. Place the cutting into the soil at a depth of 4-5 cm, ensuring it's secure. If you're using a dense soil mixture and are worried about damaging the cutting, you can create a small hole in the soil using a pencil or similar object before inserting the cutting.

• Insert the cutting at a slight angle to encourage more buds to form roots.
• Only one cutting per pot will allow the plant enough space to grow without competition.

Water the branch carefully. Ensure you provide enough water to moisten the surface of the soil, but avoid soaking it completely. Do not touch the branch after watering. It's essential to water properly to encourage the plant to grow new roots.

• Be cautious not to overwater. Excess moisture can hinder root development and potentially lead to rotting or mold growth.

Cover the newly planted branch with a plastic bag. The plastic wrap acts like a mini greenhouse, preserving moisture inside. After a few weeks, the humidity will help the plant begin to sprout. Once the bag is in place, position the pot in a shaded area indoors, away from direct heat or sunlight.

• Seal the bag by tying it tightly or zipping it closed. You might just need to cover the pot with the bag and ensure the base is secure and heavy enough.
• Use a plant bell jar or frost-protecting frame if available.

Monitor the branch for new shoots within 6-10 weeks. You’ll know the bougainvillea branch has started rooting when tiny green leaves begin to appear. During this period, refrain from removing the plastic bag or disturbing the plant, as this could interfere with the rooting process.

• It’s best to wait until you see multiple shoots along the branch rather than disturbing the plant too soon.

Wait for the branch to continue rooting until it has 4-6 leaves. This stage typically takes 4-6 months, depending on the condition of the branch and the soil. Once the branch begins to sprout leaves, it’s time to transplant into a larger pot or into the garden soil.

• At this stage, you don’t need to water the branch like you would with a young plant, as the roots are still not fully developed.

Gradually acclimate the rooted branch to sunlight. Gardeners often recommend “toughening up the plant” for at least two weeks. Every 5-7 days, move the plant to a spot with slightly more direct sunlight. A gradual adjustment helps the plant adapt to its new environment, increasing its chances of survival.

• Your bougainvillea may die if exposed to direct sunlight before it’s properly acclimatized.

Keep the branch in a temperature range of 18-24°C. During this time, minimize the plant’s exposure to extreme heat or cold. It’s beneficial to bring the plant indoors during the hottest parts of the afternoon and evening, after sunset.

• Sudden temperature fluctuations, even minor ones, can harm the plant.
• The ideal temperature for bougainvillea is similar to the comfortable temperatures we prefer. Therefore, an indoor environment is usually the best place for the plant.

Carefully remove the rooted branch and plant it in its new location. Gently tap the sides of the pot and ease the root ball out. Carefully turn the pot upside down, supporting the plant with one hand. Your bougainvillea cutting is now ready to be planted in a pot or garden bed to continue growing.

• Plant bougainvillea in spring or summer, giving it enough time to establish before winter arrives.
• The pot or planting area should be at least twice the size of the root ball to allow the plant plenty of room to grow.
• Once rooted, bougainvillea does not handle root disturbance well. If you need to transplant, it might be best to buy a new plant.

• If done correctly, you’ll have multiple plants filling the space. You can plant them around your house or share them with friends and family as gifts.
• Bougainvillea is a robust plant, requiring minimal care and has a high success rate of thriving in almost any indoor or outdoor environment.
• Take as many cuttings as you can. This way, if the first attempt fails, you’ll have backup branches ready to plant.

• Small pot
• Pruning shears
• Rooting hormone
• Well-balanced, well-draining soil
• Plastic bag, plant bell jar, or frost protection frame
• Larger pot or garden space (for planting)