Bougainvillea Repotting

Bougainvillea grows as a woody flowering vine that can thrive as a container plant outdoors year-round or overwintered inside. Several varieties, such as Bougainvillea glabra, thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 and 10, but most won't survive the winter outside in zones 8 and below. Container-grown bougainvillea requires yearly repotting in the spring before new growth begins. Regular repotting controls the size of the bougainvillea so it doesn't outgrow the container or become root bound.


Grasp the plant stem near its base, just above the soil surface. Turn the pot on its side and slide the bougainvillea root ball out of the container.


Rinse the container out with clear water and remove any soil debris on the inside and outside of the pot. Scrub the pot with a stiff brush, if necessary.


Fill the container with 3 inches of a peat- and perlite-based potting soil. Water the soil lightly so it is barely moist.


Slice 1 to 2 inches off the outside of the root ball with a clean, sharp knife. Work around the perimeter of the root ball, removing a slice on each side. Root trimming keeps the bougainvillea a manageable size for the container.


Set the bougainvillea back in the pot. Add soil beneath the root ball, if necessary, so the top of the roots sit approximately 2 inches beneath the container rim.


Fill in around the roots with soil until the bougainvillea is planted at the same depth it was at previous to repotting. Water the soil lightly to moisten and settle it.