How to care for Madagascar periwinkle in winter so it survives the cold safely?

Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is also known as rose periwinkle, periwinkle grass, periwinkle, three-myriad flower, four-season spring, clock flower and wild cockscomb, and has both ornamental and medicinal value.So how does Madagascar periwinkle overwinter?

1. How does Madagascar periwinkle overwinter?

Overwintering Madagascar periwinkle needs strictly controlled watering, with dryness being preferable, to avoid the plant being damaged by cold from low temperatures. At the same time, keep the room temperature above 10°C and place it in a spot with scattered light. In addition, before winter arrives, cut away diseased and weak branches to avoid consuming nutrients and ensure it overwinters safely.

2. How do you care for Madagascar periwinkle?

1. Soil

Madagascar periwinkle dislikes wet conditions and is afraid of waterlogging. It can be grown in ordinary soil, but saline-alkali soil is not suitable; sandy soil that drains well and is airy, or soil rich in humus, is best.

2. Temperature

It likes high temperatures and high humidity and tolerates partial shade, but is not tolerant of severe cold. The most suitable temperature is 20°C-33°C.

3. Light

Madagascar periwinkle is a sun-loving plant. During its growing period it needs plenty of sunlight; if light is insufficient during the growing period, yellowing leaves and leaf drop can occur. However, in summer at noon, when the sunlight is too intense, it needs appropriate shading.

4. Watering

Watering Madagascar periwinkle should be decided according to how wet or dry the potting soil is, the plant's growth stage and the season. Generally, you can water once every 3-5 days. Usually you only need to keep the potting soil slightly moist; in winter it is best to keep the potting soil on the dry side.

5. Fertilizing

For fertilizing Madagascar periwinkle, you can apply a compound fertilizer once every ten days, then ten days later apply a liquid fertilizer once, alternating between the two. When planting Madagascar periwinkle, a layer of base fertilizer should be spread at the bottom of the potting soil to ensure the soil's nutrient content.

6. Pest and disease control

The Madagascar periwinkle plant itself is toxic, so it is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it is easily attacked by diseases such as damping-off at the seedling stage and gray mold, so prevention and control should be done in advance.

Friends who like Madagascar periwinkle can sow seeds from March to May, or propagate by cuttings from April to July.