Bougainvillea is a popular flower , originally from Brazil. After being introduced to China, it is used as an ornamental plant in gardens. What should you do if your bougainvillea's leaves turn yellow and fall off? Let's find out below.
1. Sufficient sunlight
Bougainvillea thrives in full sunlight; insufficient light will cause yellowing and leaf drop. During cultivation, place bougainvillea in a location where it can receive direct sunlight, providing ample light. When the sunlight is intense, provide some shade.
2. Adjust watering
Bougainvillea will develop yellowing and leaf drop if it is not watered for a long time and the soil in the pot is too dry. Overwatering will prevent the roots from absorbing all the water, causing root rot, which in turn leads to yellowing and leaf drop. If the plant is lacking water, gradually add water to encourage root absorption. If the plant is waterlogged and causing root rot, remove the plant, allow the water to drain, and trim away the rotten roots.
3. Apply fertilizer sparingly and frequently.
Applying too much or too concentrated fertilizer to bougainvillea can burn the roots, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Using uncomposted organic fertilizer or overly concentrated liquid fertilizer can damage the roots and cause leaf scorch. When fertilizing bougainvillea, use fully composted fertilizer and apply it frequently in small amounts.
4. Avoid frostbite
Bougainvillea can tolerate certain low temperatures, and in the south, it can overwinter outdoors. In the north, however, it's important to move bougainvillea indoors promptly in cold weather to prevent frost damage. If the temperature drops suddenly and then rises again within a few days, and the bougainvillea develops yellowing or leaf drop, there's no need to worry. But if the ambient temperature remains consistently low, it's necessary to move the bougainvillea back indoors for care.
5. Soil aeration
The soil for cultivating bougainvillea should be fertile, with good aeration and drainage. If the soil is too clayey, it can easily cause waterlogging and hinder plant aeration, leading to leaf drop. Well-draining and fertile soil is ideal for growing bougainvillea.
6. Pest control treatment
Yellowing and leaf drop in bougainvillea can also be caused by pests and diseases. Pests and diseases can absorb the plant's nutrients, leading to poor plant growth and causing yellowing and leaf drop. The solution is to use pesticides to kill the pests.
