How Do You Use Bougainvillea Spectabilis?

How Do You Use Bougainvillea Spectabilis?

Bougainvillea Spectabilis (Family: Nyctaginaceae), often known as Great Bougainvillea or Paper Flower, is one of the traditional medicinal herbs having antifertility properties.

This plant’s aqueous extract and decoction have been utilized as a method of birth control by indigenous peoples in several nations. The following are the uses of Bougainvillea Spectabilis;

As an Antifertility Substance

One of the key studies which has been conducted in this area is that of Agunbiade et al. in 2014. Researchers found out that aqueous extract of Bougainvillea Spectabilis significantly reduced the sperm count, sperm motility and altered the morphology of the reproductive organs in male Wistar rats at doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight respectively. The study also showed a decrease in sexual activity as well.

Ornament

The leaves of Bougainvillea Spectabilis have been utilized in past as an ornament. Bougainvillea flowers are said to be long-lasting and bright, making them prime for floral decorations. The dried leaves have been used as a material for beads or in the making of decorations.

The flowers of Bougainvillea have also been used in wreaths, bouquets and indoor decorations such as centerpieces, tablecloths and scatter cushions.

Medicinal use

The leaves of Bougainvillea Spectabilis have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including: jaundice, gonorrhea, malaria, and fever and skin infections. It is also used as a pain reliever, muscle relaxant and sedative.

It has been proven to exhibit anticancer, ant diabetic, ant hepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiulcer effects.

Where Does Bougainvillea Spectabilis Grow Best?

Bougainvillea Spectabilis is native to Central and South America and is extensively planted in Southern California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas.

Established vines may tolerate a mild frost, but they must be brought within for the winter if the temperature drops below 25 degrees. Bougainvillea Spectabilis prefers a humid, warm climate.

Bougainvillea Spectabilis should not be planted directly in the ground, but rather established plants should be emphasized in large containers. Bougainvillea Spectabilis is propagated from stem cuttings or seeds.

The seeds are germinated on top of the soil and later transplanted to a larger container once they have sprouted. Stem cuttings are taken in the late spring or early fall and are either allowed to air dry or are dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted.

In the southern parts of the United States, Bougainvillea Spectabilis can be grown as an annual. In northern states, they should be brought indoors during the winter months.

They should not be allowed to dry out completely during this time, but should also be protected from persistent dampness. The ideal temperature for the Bougainvillea Spectabilis is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is Bougainvillea Spectabilis A Shrub Or Climber?

Bougainvillea Spectabilis (genus Bougainvillea) is a genus of around 18 species of South American shrubs, vines, or small trees belonging to the four-o’clock family (Nyctaginaceae). Numerous species have thorns.

Bougainvillea Spectabilis thrives best in hot, humid conditions throughout the year and are commonly found growing in the southern part of the United States. Bougainvillea Spectabilis are deciduous, but will survive in either light or heavy shade.

Bougainvillea Spectabilis can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. Bougainvillea Spectabilis is a popular ornamental plant grown for its flowers, foliage, and adaptability to different environments.

Bougainvillea Spectabilis bloom are generally not as big as other varieties of bougainvillea on the market and do not have nearly as many blooms. Bougainvillea Spectabilis climb can be trained up a trellis or pole and are great for ornamental use.

Bougainvillea Spectabilis generally adapt to dappled shade as well as full sun. Bougainvillea Spectabilis can be pruned in the winter but will be much happier growing up to its full height and bearing fruit in warmer weather.

Are Bougainvillea Spectabilis Plants Hardy?

Bougainvillea Spectabilis is not a hardy plant and will over winter indoors (with protection) where frost does not occur. They can be grown outside as annuals in warmer areas of the US, but require some type of protection for winter down to about 30F.

It zone 9 plants can be grown outside all year with minimal protection in well-drained soil and plenty of sun.

Bougainvillea Spectabilis are great to grow as a houseplant because they are very tolerant of poor growing conditions, such as low light or low humidity. They do not need any special treatment to grow indoors; although certain conditions can make them grow better.

The most important thing to remember is that they need lots of bright sunlight and water while they are growing, but they don’t need much water when they’re not active. Bougainvillea Spectabilis will grow inside pretty much anywhere, but should not be planted near the outside walls of a house.

Bougainvillea Spectabilis is a widely used ornamental plant in Southern California landscaping. They enjoy warm, moist environments and will tolerate light shade or full sun.

They are moderately drought resistant and can survive in less-than-ideal soil (especially when they are growing in containers) if they are watered regularly enough.

How Do You Propagate Bougainvillea Spectabilis?

Propagation of Bougainvillea Spectabilis is best done with stem cuttings, but you can also grow Bougainvillea Spectabilis from seed. It’s hard to find seeds for Bougainvillea Spectabilis, though.

To grow your own, take a stem cutting, dip it in rooting hormone and plant it into a pot with moist soil. The following are the procedures when propagating Bougainvillea Spectabilis by;

Stem cutting

• Make a stem cutting by positioning a plant with a healthy stem in front of you, with the top 2 feet of the plant placed on the work bench. The cut should be made just below a leaf node. Examine the leaf bases carefully and if needed, remove any small growths from under and around the leaf node to make for a clean cut that allows for continued growth of your Bougainvillea Spectabilis after transplanting into soil.
• Use a small sharp knife or scissors to make the cut, cutting as deep as you can without piercing the leaf bases. Use clean hand pressure to avoid spreading disease into your Bougainvillea Spectabilis. Let your cut dry for 30 minutes or until you have a fresh surface area. Make sure that in preparation for planting that the cut end is still moist enough to accept the rootball of your plant (you can place some water on it if necessary).
• Now you need to sterilize a new container for your Bougainvillea Spectabilis. Wash the container with diluted bleach and let it air dry before use. Pour half of the soil into the container so that there is plenty of room around the base of your plant when rooted. Place your pot into the potting mix, and water well. After three weeks, fill the rest of the soil back into the container to ensure adequate drainage as roots will start forming in this step.
• After 8 to 10 weeks, you can transplant your Bougainvillea Spectabilis into the pot. If it has not yet rooted, you must mist the cut end of your stem and place it into a suitable spot for rapid root development.

Seeds

• Take three untreated seeds from a healthy plant and soak them in water overnight to prep them for planting.
• Place them on top of moist soil that has been sterilized by steaming or boiling for 20 minutes in your microwave. In the morning, drain the water and allow them to dry out completely.
• Mist your seeds with a solution of 15 parts water and 1 part bleach and place them into a paper bag or on sterile moist soil, until they have sprouted. This process can be repeated 2 more times if necessary to ensure that your seeds are viable for planting.
• After 7 days, remove the seedlings and plant them in their final location in moist soil mixed with a solution of 15 parts water and 1 part bleach.

Is Bougainvillea Spectabilis Easy To Grow?

Bougainvillea Spectabilis does not require a lot of maintenance and are relatively easy to care for. They do need plenty of sunlight for good production, but can be grown indoors in pots. They are hardy, but not very cold tolerant, so your best bet is to bring them inside over the winter.

They appreciate plenty of water when they’re growing, but they don’t need any special care if they don’t seem to be doing well. Bougainvillea Spectabilis are easy to propagate from stem cuttings or seeds and can be bought in a multitude of colors and sizes.

Full Sun to dappled shade, Tolerates light shade. Soil: Moist, well-drained soil Water: Medium to wet USDA Hardiness Zones 7b – 11a.

Bougainvillea Spectabilis plants are used in a wide range of landscaping and gardening applications. This plant is an example of the wonderful range of colors and shapes that can be produced with this genus. Watering is extremely important once the plant starts actively growing and is able to support its own weight.

Bougainvillea Spectabilis do not appreciate being watered at night, as this can lead to the spread of mold and other diseases. The flowers of Bougainvillea are important for attracting birds and butterflies. Butterflies are also known to lay eggs in their flowers.

The flowering season is usually spring into early summer, but can vary depending on the climate in which they are grown.