Grow Light for Bougainvillea Indoors in Winter
A grow light for bougainvillea indoors helps this sun loving vine color up in a dim winter room. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions notes bougainvilleas require full sun. It notes the more sun the vine gets, the more blooms it puts out. A lamp adds hours when windows fall short.
The short answer
Bougainvillea needs full sun to bloom. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions notes that without some direct sun it will not flower. Indoors, set it in the sunniest window plus add a lamp on a timer. University of Missouri Extension advises plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the light plus steady hours each day.
How much light does bougainvillea need indoors?
Full sun is a must for bougainvillea, per UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. NC State Extension advises full sun plus notes cooler climates grow it as a container houseplant or in a conservatory. Winter windows seldom supply enough.
| Factor | Target | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun | Add a lamp in winter |
| Distance | 6 to 12 inches from plant tips | Raise it if leaves bleach |
| Water | Soil a little dry | Do not overwater |
| Feeding | Light on nitrogen | Too much gives leaves not bracts |
Source: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions plus University of Missouri Extension.
How does light affect bract color?
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions notes the colorful parts are bracts, modified leaves that last a long time. It notes sun is a critical part of blooming plus the more sun the vine gets, the more blooms it puts out. In winter, steady lamp light supports more bracts.
How long should the light run?
University of Missouri Extension advises 16 to 18 hours a day for plants that get no outdoor light. It advises 12 to 14 hours when some window light reaches them. Use a timer plus run the lamp while the window gets light.
How to: step by step
- Move the pot to the sunniest window.
- Add an LED fixture that covers the vine.
- Hang it 6 to 12 inches above the tips.
- Run it on a timer for 12 to 14 hours.
- Let the soil dry a little between waterings.
- Feed lightly, then look for new bracts.
Troubleshooting
Leaves but no bracts: too much nitrogen or low light. Cut feeding plus add light.
Few bracts after pruning: pruning too often. Prune less.
Weak pale stems: too little light. Lower the lamp or add hours.
For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis, led light distance cannabis, grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks seeds for indoor growers.
Sources
- Bougainvillea, UF IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Bougainvillea, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Bougainvillea, UC Master Gardeners San Luis Obispo
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
Why is my bougainvillea not blooming indoors?
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions points to sun first, since the vine will not flower without some direct sun. It also lists too much water, pruning too often plus too much nitrogen. UC Master Gardeners also list too little warmth. Add light plus feed lightly to bring bracts back.
How should I water bougainvillea under lights?
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions notes the plant performs better when its soil stays a little dry. It notes bougainvillea is native to arid climates plus extra water cuts blooms. Water when the top of the mix dries plus use a pot that drains freely.
What fertilizer suits bougainvillea in a pot?
UC Master Gardeners advise a balanced formula such as 10 10 10 diluted by half, or monthly feeding for container plants. They note too much fertilizer can mean fewer blossoms. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions notes too much nitrogen gives leaves instead of blooms.
Can bougainvillea be repotted indoors?
Repot with care. UC Master Gardeners note the roots are sensitive to movement plus may not recover if overly disturbed. They advise leaving the roots intact when planting or repotting. Choose a container with good drainage, since low growing varieties do well in pots.
When should I prune bougainvillea?
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions advises pruning in late winter or early spring after it flowers. Waiting until late summer or early fall may mean fewer flowers the next winter. NC State Extension notes blooms form on new growth, so prune before the spring flush.
