Bougainvillea

For this plant

Water generously, then let it dry: mild drought stress triggers flowering. In pots, once or twice a week in summer.

The principle

A low need means a clear dry-then-wet cycle. Wait until the top two thirds of the substrate are dry, water until it runs from the base, then empty the saucer ten minutes later. Permanently moist soil suffocates roots far faster than dryness starves them.

For this plant

Full sun, facing south or west. That is the condition for colour.

The principle

Full sun means six hours or more of direct light a day. These plants build thick foliage and dense tissue to cope with it; in insufficient light they stretch, lengthen their internodes and lose their compact habit. After buying or repotting, reintroduce direct sun gradually over ten to fifteen days to avoid scorch.

For this plant

Potash-rich feed in spring and midsummer. Too much nitrogen gives leaves at the expense of flowers.

The principle

A fast grower exhausts its substrate quickly: a half-strength feed every two to three weeks from March to October beats one strong monthly dose. A new leaf smaller than the last almost always signals depleted soil or a pot that has become too tight.

For this plant

Loves extreme heat. Drops its leaves below 5 °C and fears frost: in Fes or Meknes, plant against a south-facing wall.

The principle

This plant takes Moroccan heat peaks, chergui included, without lasting damage. Above 40 °C it simply pauses its growth: that is a protection, not a sign of distress. Cold exposes it more — watch winter nights at altitude and inland.