How to Propagate Bougainvillea from Cuttings in Australia

Bougainvillea is one of the most colourful and low-maintenance plants for Australian gardens. Many gardeners ask how to propagate bougainvillea, and the answer is simple: with the right cutting method, good soil, and balanced feeding, you can turn a single stem into a thriving, flowering plant. This step-by-step guide explains how to prepare cuttings, plant them successfully, and keep them growing strong with the right fertiliser.

Step 1: Preparing Bougainvillea Cuttings

The easiest way to propagate bougainvillea is with semi-hardwood cuttings. These are stems that are partly mature but not too woody. The best time to take them is late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.

Choose a healthy stem 10–15 cm long and cut just below a node (where the leaf joins the stem). Remove the lower leaves, keeping only two or three at the top. This helps the cutting save energy and focus on rooting. Some gardeners dip the base in rooting hormone to increase success, but it isn’t essential.

Next, decide how to root the cutting:

Soil method: Place cuttings in a free-draining mix of sand and perlite. This is the most reliable way to get strong roots.
Water method: Cuttings can also root in water, but these roots are weaker and often struggle when moved to soil.

Keep your cuttings in a warm, bright place out of direct sun. A plastic cover or greenhouse effect helps keep humidity high, which improves rooting success.

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Step 2: Planting and Early Fertiliser Care

After about 4–8 weeks, roots should appear. When they are strong enough, transplant the cuttings into small pots filled with a light, well-draining potting mix. Avoid heavy soils, as bougainvillea roots dislike sitting in water.

Water gently after planting, then start a light feeding routine. A balanced NPK 20-20-20 fertiliser is perfect because it supports both root and leaf growth. Use at a diluted rate of around 4ml per litre of water and apply every 2–3 weeks. This gives the young plant steady nutrition without overwhelming it.

If you’re keeping the plants in pots before moving them into the garden, continue this routine. Gradually introduce them to more sunlight so they adapt to outdoor conditions without stress. With consistent watering and fertiliser, your cuttings will soon become sturdy young bougainvillea plants.

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Step 3: Long-Term Growth, Feeding, and FAQs

Once established, bougainvillea grows fast. Place it in full sun for at least six hours a day, as shade will reduce flowering. Light pruning after each bloom cycle encourages new shoots, which means more flowers in the next season.

For fertiliser, keep feeding regularly but not heavily. Young plants benefit from balanced feeding every 3–4 weeks during the growing season. Mature plants only need feeding every 6–8 weeks. Too much nitrogen can cause lots of leaves but fewer flowers, so keep the balance right for the best colour displays.

CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20) is well-suited to bougainvillea at every stage, from cuttings to mature plants. At 4ml per litre, it delivers the essential nutrients for strong roots, healthy foliage, and long-lasting colour. With the right propagation method and consistent feeding, one stem can become a spectacular flowering display in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you propagate bougainvillea in water?
Yes, but the roots tend to be weaker. Soil propagation produces stronger, healthier roots that handle transplanting better.

How long do bougainvillea cuttings take to root?
Most cuttings take 4–8 weeks to show roots, depending on temperature, humidity, and cutting health.

When is the best time to take bougainvillea cuttings?
Late spring to early summer is ideal, as the plant is in active growth and the stems are semi-hardwood.

What fertiliser works best for new bougainvillea plants?
A balanced formula like NPK 20-20-20 applied at 4ml per litre every 2–3 weeks supports root and leaf growth without stressing the young plant.