Maple Tree · Gardenality Genius · Zone 10A · 30° to 35° F
Arianne-The plant will most likely be fine in this pot for now as long as the soil is kept moist but not too wet or dry. I would transplant it in a larger pot when dormant in the fall or early spring. Being in a smaller pot will require more careful watering this summer. You could transplant it now as long as you take care not to damage roots and or let the root ball dry out during transplanting. Bougainvillea are extremely hardy and transplant with very few problems. The osmocote should be fine. I don't believe this has caused any problems. One full cap would be plenty in a pot that size. I use osmocote in all my potted plants and trees. It will not burn the plant as it is a slow release fertilizer and will keep the plant fertilized for several months. You mentioned your husband has poured out any excess water in the pot. Does this pot have drainage holes in the bottom? Drainage holes are important as this plant requires a well draining soil. Too wet a soil in the bottom of the pot will rot roots and cause a slow death of the plant. If the pot is sitting where you don't water draining out the bottom you can use a dish under the pot to catch the excess water. Just remember to pour the water out after the pot has drained. This will keep the bottom of the plant from sitting in too much water keeping the soil in the bottom of the pot saturated. When planting in pots I use a quality potting soil such as E.B. Stones potting soil. There are many good quality potting soils which in my opinion will only be found at your quality nursery and not at the box stores. I normally mix in a couple of handfulls of vocanic pumice to help with drainage. I also add a 1 to 2 inch layer of small bark chips on top of the soil which helps keep the soil moist and from drying out quickly. Let me know how you make out.