From our perspective, summer is our time to shine! The long, warm days and intense sunlight fuel our photosynthetic engines, driving vigorous growth and the production of our vibrant, papery bracts (often mistaken for flowers). This high metabolic activity means our water consumption is at its peak. Our roots are actively drawing moisture from the soil to support this growth, transport nutrients, and most critically, to cool ourselves down through transpiration. When you feel the heat, so do we; we release water vapor through our leaves to maintain a safe internal temperature, much like you sweat. Therefore, consistent and thorough watering is not just appreciated, it is essential to prevent us from becoming stressed, which can lead to wilting, leaf drop, and a lackluster display.
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, we undergo a significant physiological change. We enter a period of dormancy or significantly reduced growth. Our metabolic processes slow down dramatically. With less sunlight and cooler conditions, our need for water plummets. Our roots become far less active and are highly susceptible to sitting in cold, wet soil. This is our most vulnerable time regarding moisture. Overwatering during this dormant phase is a primary cause of root rot, a fatal condition where our roots suffocate and decay in the oxygen-deprived, soggy environment. Our demand for nutrients is also minimal, so wet soil combined with residual fertilizer can chemically damage our root system.
The core difference in your care should be the frequency and volume of water based on our seasonal cycle. In summer, water us deeply and regularly, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened. Always allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings to encourage strong root development and prevent surface mold. In winter, the rule is to let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings. For potted specimens, this might mean watering only every three or four weeks, or even less if we are in a very cool, sheltered spot. The goal is to provide just enough water to prevent our stems from desiccating completely, without ever allowing our roots to become waterlogged.
You can learn to understand our needs by observing us and our environment. In summer, slight wilting on a hot afternoon is a clear call for water. However, wilting in winter is almost always a sign of overwatering and root distress, not thirst. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before reaching for the watering can, regardless of the season. Furthermore, consider our microclimate. A bougainvillea in a hot, windy, or full-sun location will thirst faster in summer than one in a slightly shaded spot. Similarly, a plant under the eaves, protected from winter rains, will need even less supplemental water than one exposed to the elements.
