Just picked up this large Bougainvillea from my local nursery in Vegas. Reading a few recommendations on repotting best to be done in Mid Summer. Any recommendations for when to repot, root work and what type of soil mix for this species in the hot Vegas summer? Appreciate everyone's help on this one as I have seen a few different recommendations.
Bougainvillea Repot/Root Work/Soil Mix
- Thread starter pablo
- Start date
@milehigh_7 grew bougies in Vegas, he should be able to help.
Thanks for the referral!
milehigh_7
Mister 500,000
Absolutely during summer. Defoliate and have at it. No need to be gentle with roots take off as much as you need. Keep it shaded for a few days. As for soil, just make sure it's free draining. Bougs don't like wet feet. They like a slightly acidic soil so a little sulfur is a good idea. They also like trace minerals. Bougain fert is an easy way to get everything you need. BTW Star Nursury for the win! Great prices bigger stock than most other places. Feel free to ping me with any other questions.
milehigh_7
Mister 500,000
Here's a good old thread. https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/are-you-a-bouger.25955/
Thanks for the advice! I haven't been to Star Nursery yet, but I plan on making a trip sometime here soon. Any suggestions on Bougain fert?
Bougain is fertilizer specifically for bougainvillea.
Aaaah! Found it. Thanks a million!!
@milehigh_7 - still a far way out for winter. But how did your bougys do here in the winter? Did you have to shelter it or keep it indoors with grow lights?
BonsaiOnTheBrainTX
Mame
Wow that trunk must have taken some time. I wonder how old it is? The trunk on my biggest boug is probably width of my finger. They are fun plants though. I’m in Texas where it gets 90-100F during summer too. I’ve been mixing a bit of compost into my bonsai soil for these and mine seem pretty happy. As long as it drains really well so they dry out between watering I think it should be good. But I am a novice, so I’ll be interested to see what others say aswell.
Desert O'Piñon
Omono
That looks nice! This is definitely a species I want to learn about so I can give it the kind of love it needs. We have pretty similar climates; I see them growing in yards all over town, so I'm sure I'll be able to raise it right.
Yeah they love the heat. I was definitely worried about certain species here in our area since we just had 120 degree records here a few weeks ago (all my trees stayed outside). Definitely doing great in the 100's like some of the other species I've curated for this zone.
Desert O'Piñon
Omono
When I finally decided to really, REALLY get into this art, the first thing I discovered is how much there is to discover. The second thing I learned is that the desert just might be the most challenging environments to grow bonsai in.
Of course it is, why would I want an easy passion?
So I've resigned myself to no:
JM, JBP, any coastal trees (including the sequoia genus
), cold climate trees.
At least for now. Once I get a handle on native species, maybe then I get adventurous. (I'm still following everything @Cajunrider is doing with BC, as it's one of the most beautiful trees there is (ask me, I'll tell ya!). If I can grow a Bald Cypress in the desert, then I am ready to mentor a new up-and-comer!
Of course it is, why would I want an easy passion?
So I've resigned myself to no:
JM, JBP, any coastal trees (including the sequoia genus
), cold climate trees.At least for now. Once I get a handle on native species, maybe then I get adventurous. (I'm still following everything @Cajunrider is doing with BC, as it's one of the most beautiful trees there is (ask me, I'll tell ya!). If I can grow a Bald Cypress in the desert, then I am ready to mentor a new up-and-comer!
Agreed! Biggest challenges are definitely choosing the right species. Junipers and elms have been doing great for me. I've also had a great amount of fun trying out the local species! (palo verde, mondell pine)When I finally decided to really, REALLY get into this art, the first thing I discovered is how much there is to discover. The second thing I learned is that the desert just might be the most challenging environments to grow bonsai in.
Of course it is, why would I want an easy passion?
So I've resigned myself to no:
JM, JBP, any coastal trees (including the sequoia genus
At least for now. Once I get a handle on native species, maybe then I get adventurous. (I'm still following everything @Cajunrider is doing with BC, as it's one of the most beautiful trees there is (ask me, I'll tell ya!). If I can grow a Bald Cypress in the desert, then I am ready to mentor a new up-and-comer!
Desert O'Piñon
Omono
Have you posted your Palo? I'm definitely interested in trying this species. They are not a common bonsai subject, but I think I've seen a thread or two covering them.
I uploaded a few pics on another thread. Here is mine that I've been working from a trunk chop and recent repot. It's been doing great with the training pot and keeping leafs quite small. It had a long taproot when pruning roots. I've been trying to be super careful with cuts since the dieback can tend to happen with these often.
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Desert O'Piñon
Omono
Definitely a chilean mesquite. I got one of those in my backyard (pics).
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The Barber
Chumono
Can't speak for summer in Vegas, but mine sure love full sun here in Kentucky even when it pushes up near 100. Picked this one up this spring from Puerto Rico.
