The French introduced the technique of growing bougainvillea in Vietnam in the 20th century, leaving a profound impression and nostalgic feelings for many Vietnamese people.
Bougainvillea first appeared in Hanoi in the 17th century and gradually spread across the S-shaped land of Vietnam, inspiring poetry and evoking emotions among its people. Each flower resembles a small broken heart, clustering together, climbing over fences, swaying in the sun, creating a beautiful scene that enhances the greenery and poetic quality of the surroundings, which is very meaningful. The technique of growing bougainvillea is actually not too difficult.
Overview of Bougainvillea and Cultivation Techniques
The technique of growing bougainvillea was introduced by the French in the 20th century and is still applied today. (Illustrative image)
Bougainvillea is a climbing plant with a woody stem and deep roots. Its stems are soft, branching, long, and flexible, with a very beautiful appearance. The leaves are simple, arranged alternately, with elongated tips resembling a nose, and heart-shaped bases. The leaves are soft, light green, and remain green throughout the year, but the old leaves dry up without falling, allowing new leaves to grow on top, making the plant dense and providing significant shade. The flowers can be pink or light purple, and they bloom profusely. The climbing stems are dense, with leaves clinging tightly to the stems, making it necessary to keep the trellis airy. At the end of the dry season or the beginning of spring, bougainvillea growers in the northern region should prune the old branches and collect the dry leaves to keep the trellis airy, encouraging the growth of new branches.
The plant is very easy to grow by separating the shoots from the mother plant or by using seeds. Initially, the growth is slow, but it branches out significantly and stretches long. Seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent location after 3-4 months in the nursery.
Techniques for Creating a Beautiful Bougainvillea Trellis
It is important to know that to grow bougainvillea, the grower must separate the shoots from the mother plant or collect seeds, also known as propagating by cuttings and seeds.
Soil Requirements
Bougainvillea is planted in pots, and the soil must be good, rich in humus, treated for pests and diseases, with a pH of 7. The soil composition should be as follows: 7 parts loam, 2 parts decomposed organic matter, 1 part sand, plus nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Another simpler and more common soil mix can also be used, which includes: 25% decomposed manure, 50% quality soil, 25% rice husk, and 1% inorganic fertilizer. Growers can purchase these components from local nurseries. The cultivation techniques for bougainvillea can be divided into two distinct methods.
Methods of Planting Bougainvillea
The first method is to plant using seeds or seedlings. The grower will dig holes in the soil and then sow the seeds or place the seedlings in the holes. After that, cover the soil and water lightly to moisten it. Additionally, to protect the plants and ensure they grow beautifully, a protective trellis must be constructed.
The second method involves the cutting propagation technique. The grower should select a thick and bushy branch, preferably with multiple stems, and take it home. Next, choose a moist and nutrient-rich area to dig a small hole and insert the branch. The next step is quite simple: just cover it with soil, mound it a bit higher, and water lightly to moisten it.
Post-Planting Care Techniques for Bougainvillea
Creating a beautiful and elegant living space is one of the benefits of growing bougainvillea. (Illustrative image)
To have a beautiful bougainvillea trellis, growers must pay careful attention, watering the plants with an adequate amount of water daily. Overwatering newly planted bougainvillea can cause root rot and branch decay. Water the plants twice a day, ensuring they are shaded. After one month, watering once a day is sufficient. When watering potted plants, it’s best to do so in the morning or during cool weather. Always ensure that soil does not accumulate on the leaves.
After 10 days of planting, it is necessary to loosen the soil around the base of the plant since bougainvillea prefers loose, fertile soil that allows heat to escape. After 20-25 days, continue weeding and loosening the soil once to promote healthy growth. Long-term potted plants need to be fertilized 2-3 times, with decomposed manure applied around the base at the following rates: 0.5-1.5 kg of decomposed manure per pot and 2-4 grams of inorganic fertilizer per pot (N-P-K).
Always pay attention to care, especially when the plant flowers, as buds can attract various pests that need to be detected and dealt with immediately. In this way, everyone can enjoy a beautiful, poetic bougainvillea trellis without too much effort. Bougainvillea is also a way to decorate homes beautifully and romantically.
