How I Grow and Care for Tropical Bougainvillea in Pots

Bougainvillea has always been one of my favorite tropical plants. Its explosion of vibrant, papery blooms instantly brings warmth and color to any space, making it a stunning addition to my container garden. The best part? It thrives in pots!

I love growing bougainvillea in containers because it allows me to control its size, move it around for the best sunlight, and even bring it indoors during cold weather. While it may seem like a high-maintenance plant, I’ve found that with the right care, bougainvillea is surprisingly easy to grow.

Let me walk you through how I grow and care for tropical bougainvillea in pots, from choosing the right container to keeping it blooming beautifully all season long.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

Picking the Perfect Pot

Bougainvillea has a shallow root system, but it needs room to spread, so I always go for a medium to large-sized pot—at least 12–16 inches wide and deep.

The most important thing? Drainage. Bougainvillea hates soggy roots, so I make sure the pot has multiple drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.

I prefer terracotta or ceramic pots over plastic ones because they allow excess moisture to evaporate, reducing the risk of root rot. However, if I use a plastic container, I make sure it’s well-draining and avoid overwatering.

The Best Soil for Potted Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea thrives in light, well-draining soil that mimics its natural, sandy environment. I never use heavy garden soil because it retains too much moisture and compacts in a pot.

My go-to bougainvillea soil mix:

2 parts potting mix (light and airy)
1 part sand or perlite (for drainage)
A handful of compost (for nutrients)

This mix ensures that the roots get the air circulation they need while draining quickly to prevent root rot.

Planting Bougainvillea in Pots

When planting bougainvillea, I take extra care because its roots are delicate. Here’s my process:

Fill the pot halfway with my prepared soil mix.
Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, being careful not to disturb the roots too much.
Place it in the center of the pot and fill the remaining space with soil, leaving about an inch from the rim.
Press the soil lightly to secure the plant but avoid compacting it too much.
Water it deeply right after planting to help the roots settle.

Sunlight and Placement

Bougainvillea loves the sun! To get the most vibrant blooms, I place my potted plant in a spot that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The more sun it gets, the better it flowers.

If I’m growing bougainvillea indoors or on a covered patio, I use a south-facing window or a grow light to supplement light. However, nothing beats real sunshine!

Watering and Feeding Bougainvillea

How I Water My Potted Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is drought-tolerant, which means less is more when it comes to watering. Overwatering is the biggest mistake I see gardeners make with this plant.

I let the top 2 inches of soil dry out before watering again.
When I do water, I soak it thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.
In the summer, I water about twice a week, but in cooler months, I cut back to once a week or less.

Fertilizing for More Blooms

To keep my bougainvillea blooming all season, I feed it regularly—but not too much! Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen-heavy ones, leads to excessive leafy growth instead of flowers.

I use:

A low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (like 10-20-10) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
A handful of bone meal or slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of spring.
If I want an extra bloom boost, I use a diluted liquid bloom booster every few weeks.

Pruning and Training Bougainvillea

Pruning for a Fuller Plant

Pruning is one of my favorite ways to keep bougainvillea looking its best. I trim it back after each bloom cycle to encourage more flowers and prevent it from getting too wild.

How I prune:

I snip off dead or spent flowers to promote new blooms.
I trim back any overly long or leggy branches to encourage a fuller shape.
If my bougainvillea is growing out of control, I cut back about one-third of the plant in early spring.

Training Bougainvillea in Pots

Bougainvillea is naturally a climbing plant, so I like to train it up a trellis or stake for a more dramatic effect. I gently tie new growth to the support as it grows, creating a stunning vertical display.

If I want a bushier look instead of a vine, I prune regularly to keep it compact.

Common Problems and How I Fix Them

Even though bougainvillea is low-maintenance, I occasionally run into a few issues. Here’s how I handle them:

Few or No Blooms

Cause: Too much water, too much fertilizer, or not enough sun.
Fix: I cut back on watering, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer, and make sure the plant is getting full sun.

Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Fix: I let the soil dry out before watering again and make sure my pot drains well.

Pests (Aphids, Whiteflies, and Spider Mites)

Fix: I spray with a mix of neem oil and water or use insecticidal soap to keep pests away.

Root Rot

Cause: Soil is staying too wet.
Fix: I repot in fresh, well-draining soil and cut back on watering.

Overwintering Potted Bougainvillea

Since bougainvillea is a tropical plant, it doesn’t tolerate frost. If I’m in a colder climate, I bring my potted bougainvillea indoors before temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).

Here’s how I overwinter it:

I place it in a bright, sunny window indoors.
I reduce watering to once every 2–3 weeks since growth slows down.
If some leaves drop, I don’t panic—it’s normal! It will bounce back in spring.

Once spring arrives, I move it back outside, prune lightly, and resume normal watering and feeding.

Final Thoughts

Growing bougainvillea in pots has been one of the best ways to enjoy its tropical beauty without needing a huge garden. With plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and just the right amount of care, it rewards me with stunning, vibrant blooms all season long.

If you love bright, showy flowers and want a plant that thrives in a container, I highly recommend giving bougainvillea a try. Do you grow bougainvillea in pots? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences!