Paperflower (Bougainvillea glabra)

Also known as: Lesser bougainvillea

Bougainvillea, also known as the paperflower, is a popular ornamental plant that flourishes in warm environments. The species Bougainvillea glabra holds the status of the official flower in several regions, such as Guam, Pingtung, Ipoh, Tagbilaran, San Clemente, Guangzhou, and Naha.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Plant Comprehensive Care Guide: Beginner's Introduction and Key Details

Perfect for beginners starting their plant care journey

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10 Secrets to Making Paperflower Grow Faster (A Must-Read for Beginners)

Advanced tips to accelerate your plant's growth

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Care "Black Tech": 10 Little-Known Highly Effective Maintenance Tips

Expert-level techniques for optimal plant care

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Attributes of Paperflower

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub, Vine

Plant Height

3 m to 5 m

Spread

1 m to 5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

4 mm

Flower Color

Pink White Purple Yellow Red Orange

Images of Paperflower

Quickly Identify Paperflower

Vivid bracts in pinks, purples, and reds conceal small, white flowers.

Woody vines with sharp thorns require support for climbing or sprawling.

1/2 inch (1.3 cm) achene fruit with dry, hard covering blends with bracts.

Oval to elliptical leaves, 1.6-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, with glossy texture.

Slender, woody stem with irregularly spaced thorns and climbing growth habit.

Scientific Classification of Paperflower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Four o'clock

Genus

Bougainvillea

Species

Paperflower

Planting and Growing of Paperflower

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Paperflower?

For Bougainvillea glabra, ensure the soil is thoroughly drenched with about 500 ml of water until it begins to drain from the pot's bottom. Yet, avoid leaving it in soggy conditions. Saplings or juvenile plants may require slight adjustments based on soil type and exposure.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Paperflower? ›

What should I do if my Paperflower is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Paperflower? ›

How to save an overwatered Paperflower? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Paperflower?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Bougainvillea glabra flourishes in a light range of full sun, ideally receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Proper lighting ensures vibrant blooms and robust growth, enhancing the plant's striking visual appeal and overall health.

Optimal Light Quantity ›

Sunlight Angle Importance ›

Natural Lighting Adaptations ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Paperflower?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Bougainvillea glabra cultivation is between 65°F and 75°F. This range supports proper growth and flowering, allowing the plant to thrive and produce abundant blooms. Consistent temperatures within this range are crucial for maintaining its vibrant appearance.

What Soil is Best for Paperflower?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Bougainvillea glabra thrives in well-drained soil. Excess water can cause root rot, demonstrating the importance of good drainage. It ensures the plant's roots remain healthy and robust. While bougainvilleas are hardy, they benefit from soil enriched with organic matter. This nutrient richness promotes vibrant blooms and enhances growth, turning your space into a colorful haven. A light soil texture eases root expansion and access to nutrients. It mirrors the plant's natural preference, encouraging strong root development and resilience against environmental stress. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Paperflower?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Bougainvillea glabra thrives with balanced fertilization. Use a standard liquid fertilizer at a dilution rate of 1/2 to the recommended dosage, ensuring you do not overwhelm the plant's roots. Each application should be sufficient to soak the root zone without leading to runoff. The final amount depends on the pot size or garden area but typically ranges between 250ml to 500ml per plant per session. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Paperflower?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Begin by examining the plant to identify dead, damaged, or unhealthy stems. Using sharp, clean pruning shears, make cuts just above a node to encourage new growth. Focus on maintaining a balanced shape by selectively removing wayward branches, particularly those that are growing inward or crossing over others. Gradually aim to create a more open structure to allow sunlight to penetrate the foliage, which enhances the flowering potential. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Paperflower plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early Summer

Choose a healthy, semi-hardwood stem about 10-15 cm long for propagation. Ensure it has a few leaf nodes and is free from any pests or diseases for optimal growth success.

Use a sterilized knife or shears to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle below a leaf node. Remove any leaves from the lower half to help the cutting focus energy on root development.

Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Firm the soil around the cutting and water it gently.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Paperflower plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Bougainvillea glabra should be repotted when you notice signs such as roots poking out of the drainage holes, reduced flowering, or the soil becoming compact and waterlogged. This typically occurs every 2-3 years, especially in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to prevent excessive water retention. Ensure it has sufficient drainage holes to allow water to escape, preventing root rot. A terracotta pot can further aid in drainage due to its porous nature, making it ideal for Bougainvillea glabra.

Opt for a well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of peat, perlite, and sand. This type of soil helps prevent waterlogging, which Bougainvillea glabra is particularly sensitive to, ensuring healthy root growth and vibrant blooms.

More About Repotting Techniques→