Expert: Mike Mascio - 12/4/2007

Question
Not sure about spelling, but I have a huge bougainvillea in my garden and want to transplant to a pot. I would also like to root some cuttings from it. What do I need to do?  I live in  Central Texas and know a freeze is inevitable. I also have a beautiful mandevillea and want to keep it safe this winter. Thanks, Meredith

Answer
Meredith, propagation by cuttings is the preferred choice.  

Simply cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long. Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. You can purchase rooting compound at most garden centers or on line through the following link:  

http://homeharvest.com/cutstrtrootagents.htm  

Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting. Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting.  

After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.

Mandevillea will usually die back after the first frost. If, however, you protect the roots, the plant will come back in the spring. My advice is to place a cardboard box around the plant. Make sure both ends are open for circulation. Fill the box with shredded leaves. This will form a mulch which will protect the plant through the winter. Just be sure to remove the mulch once your last expected frost.

I hope this helps. Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.  

Regards,  

Mike