Why are my bougainvilleas losing their leaves?

I have a few bougainvillea's, planted at different times in different locations, and they are all losing their leaves. Why is this?


I live in S. Florida where it is pretty hot, but bougainvillea's like the heat. It has been raining a lot lately and I know they do not like a lot of water, but i wouldn't think that would make them lose their leaves. I also know that if you put them in shock, they will usually bloom.


Why are they losing their leaves and how can I make them regain them and also bloom?

Why are my bougainvilleas losing their leaves?
Over watering can cause the problem. It will not bloom too when it is very wet.





Mine behave similarly, but recover one the wetness decreases.
Reply:It could be a couple of things. Outdoors, bougainvilleas should be in full sun (no shade) and in a well-drained soil with a pH of just over 6.0. They should be fertilized lightly with a general-purpose fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring and midsummer. Although their thorns are hooked for attachment when climbing, it is best to tie them down for security. Prune suckers from the plant’s base to encourage top growth. Severe pruning should be done after summer flowering (i.e., in late fall or very early spring). Stem cuttings from current year’s growth can be propagated (rooted) in a sand/peat mix during summer. Dead wood should be removed as it appears. In general, bougainvilleas will flower sooner and more profusely if exposed to high light intensities, moderate temperatures and longer nights. These conditions are common in very early spring. Bougainvilleas will eventually flower under the shorter nights of summer but will produce more leaves before they initiate flowers.


They may also be affected by fungal and bacterial leaf spot diseases wich can cause the plant to basically molt. Its hard to say exactlly what it is without inspecting the plants in question but hopefully some of this info willbe helpful to you =)