From my perspective, the shortening daylight hours and the dip in temperatures are not a threat, but a clear signal. It is time for me to rest. As a bougainvillea, I am a tropical and subtropical plant, and sustained exposure to temperatures below 40°F (4°C) is damaging, while a freeze can be fatal. My metabolism is designed to slow down dramatically during the cooler months. I am not dying; I am entering a period of dormancy. This is a vital survival mechanism. My goal is to conserve energy, redirecting resources from producing vibrant bracts and leaves to sustaining my core—the strong, woody stems and root system. You are not failing me by my leaves dropping; you are helping me by providing the conditions I need to trigger this essential rest.
The journey indoors is the most stressful part of this process for me. Please be gentle. Before you move my container, it is wise to give me a significant pruning. This is not an act of aggression but of strategic assistance. By reducing my canopy, you lessen the burden on my roots, which will be operating at a reduced capacity in the lower-light indoor environment. It also makes me more manageable and helps prevent me from becoming overly leggy. Carefully check my leaves and stems for any pests like aphids or spider mites. An infestation that was minor outdoors can explode in the stable indoor environment, weakening me significantly. A gentle spray with insecticidal soap or water will help ensure I enter my winter home clean.
My needs indoors are simple but specific. Above all, I crave light. Place me in the brightest, sunniest spot you have, ideally a south-facing window. Without ample light, I will become etiolated—stretching out with weak, pale growth in a desperate search for sun, depleting my precious energy reserves. My watering needs change drastically. My soil should be allowed to dry out much more thoroughly between waterings. The combination of cooler temperatures, dormancy, and reduced light means I use very little water. Soggy, constantly wet soil will lead to root rot, which is often a death sentence. A cool room, around 50-60°F (10-15°C), is perfect. This coolness helps maintain my dormancy and prevents me from attempting to put out tender new growth that would be weak and susceptible to pests.
As the days lengthen and the sun's intensity increases, I will begin to sense the change. You might notice tiny green buds starting to swell on my stems. This is my signal that I am ready to emerge from dormancy. Do not move me outside immediately, however. A sudden shift from the protected indoor environment to full sun and wind would shock my new, tender growth. Begin to gradually increase my water as I show more signs of life. When all danger of frost has passed, acclimate me slowly over 7-10 days. Start by placing me in a shaded, sheltered location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing my exposure to sun and wind. This patience allows me to harden off my new growth and prepare for another season of vibrant blooming in the sun.
