Will pruning help it bloom?

Yes, light pruning after a bloom cycle can encourage new growth where flowers will form. Do not prune too heavily or you will cut off potential buds.

Does pot size matter?

Bougainvillea actually prefers to be slightly root bound to bloom well. If the pot is too large, it will focus on filling the space with roots instead of flowers.

Why is my bougainvillea not flowering? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sun hitting the plant.
Check the label of your current fertilizer.
Ensure the plant is not being overwatered.

Likely causes

Insufficient Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks healthy and green but shows no signs of buds. It may also appear slightly stretched out.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. If it is in a container, place it in the brightest location you have.
Excess Nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: You see lush, dark green foliage but zero blooms. This often happens if you use a high nitrogen fertilizer meant for leafy plants.
What to do: Switch to a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content, like a 10 to 30 to 20 ratio. Apply this once a month during the growing season to encourage bud formation.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your bougainvillea

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for young plants to focus on root and leaf growth before blooming. Worry if the plant is mature and has had full sun for months without a single flower.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in full sun and use a bloom booster fertilizer during the spring and summer.

Bougainvillea: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bougainvillea and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will pruning help it bloom?: Yes, light pruning after a bloom cycle can encourage new growth where flowers will form. Do not prune too heavily or you will cut off potential buds.
Does pot size matter?: Bougainvillea actually prefers to be slightly root bound to bloom well. If the pot is too large, it will focus on filling the space with roots instead of flowers.

Why is my bougainvillea not flowering?