Bougainvillea BonsaiBougainvillea bonsai are created from many varieties of this plant - shrubs, vines and even small trees. They each have different growth patterns.Although often armed with spines, some are less hazardous than others. When pruning bonsai bougainvillea be cautious! The new growth is fast growing, easily shaped with wire and becomes woody very quickly. Watch that the bonsai wire doesn't cut in. The Bougainvillea bonsai shown here was created by Robert Yarbrough, Tampa, FL. Keep in mind very young branches easily snap off easily at the point where they come off the trunk. Pay special attention to this when wiring.
Care and MaintenanceOld trees sometimes have hollow trunks, which add to the character of the tree. These cavities in Bougainvillea must be maintained. The soft wood deteriorates quickly.Clean out any rotted, soft or pulpy areas. Protect the exposed wood (without bark) with wood hardener. Jins rarely work on this plant.
The “Pixie” or “Hawaiian Torch” Bougainvillea glabra 'pink pixie' has harder wood and is much less susceptible to rot. This variety is a good one to start with a skeleton and build upon it. The bonsai, shown here, was cut back to the trunk and only the number one branch to get it started. Because Bougainvillea is a popular tropical plant in general, many nurseries and garden centers carry them. Many bonsai shops also have 'bougies' (a common nickname) on their availability list. As with any species, not every plant makes a good bonsai. Be cautious of very straight trunks with no nabari and too many heavy branches. With a little patience and discretion you can find a 'bougie' with good potential. When grown in the landscape of warm climates, full sun and fast draining, rocky soil suit this plant. Especially during the first stages of bonsai training, full sun keeps the growth compact. If you've ever killed one of these tropical bonsai, too much water was more than likely the problem. Excess water can cause yellowing, leaf-drop and root rot. Improper soil is often the source of difficulties. 
When Mike Sullivan, Ft. Lauderdale, FL sent me this Bougainvillea bonsai picture, he apologized for the lack of trimming. He wanted to share the showy blooms. Sure glad he did. In addition to excellent care, the previous record breaking cold winter possibly encouraged this fantastic display. Between waterings, allow the top of the soil to become dry to the touch. If you water it as much as many other bonsai, you will most likely have problems. Display TipOnce your tree is potted, in full bloom and ready for display, remove most of the remaining green leaves.This will make the color appear even more grand and bountiful. Soil should be coarse and fast draining, but still contain some organic matter. If the style deserves a shallow container, this is a plant that does well in modest amounts of soil. Root pruning every two-three years should be sufficient. Trim roots during the summer. (In the tropics you may prune any time of year without damage.) Instructions on fertilizing this plant vary greatly. However, most growers agree to avoid high nitrogen content (first number in the list of three). Learn more about
fertilizer here. After blooming is a good time to hard prune and/or restyle. Defoliate the leaves at least once a year in the spring or summer to encourage smaller leaves and additional branching.
PestsWhen grown outdoors, they have few pests, other than aphids on new growth and one caterpillar that can be annoying - both indoors and out.
The "cabbage looper"
is small, green, active at night and a voracious feeder. It rolls itself in a leaf and/or chews them. To eliminate this critter use an insecticidal soap or a spray with pyrethrin.
Although not a plant pest, there is a dangerous pathogen sometimes related to Bougainvillea. Please read this important article about the
Sporothrix schenckii fungus.
Bougainvillea cascade bonsai by Robert Yarbrough, Tampa FL
Pruning and StylesBecause this plant has alternate leaves, it is a good subject for directional pruning.What are Bracts?"Bract - a leaf, often modified or reduced, which subtends a flower or inflorescence in its axil." Flowering Trees of the World - Editor: V. H. HeywoodYes, a bract is a leaf. And Bougainvillea bonsai are a good example of just how conspicuously colorful these “leaves” can be! In reality, the Bougainvillea has no flower petals. Look closely at what you may have thought to be the flower; you will see where the colored bracts surround the tubular flowers. (Poinsettia and dogwood are two other examples of plants with bracts.) Trim on an 'as needed' basis. Be cautious not to trim off bracts when foliage begins to turn color. (Watch for a rosy tinge to the leaves.) Flexible young branches allow many possibilities during the initial bonsai training process. When styling a Bougainvillea bonsai, keep in mind all the exciting color it will provide. Form pads, canopies or long sweeping limbs to create special areas of fullness to allow this display. All bonsai styles and sizes including shohin are possible with this exotic subject.
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