Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) growing methods and precautions

SummaryPropagation methods: Catharanthus roseus can be grown by direct seeding or cuttings. Soil requirements: choose loose, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Light: it loves light and should be cared for in a spot with plenty of light. Growing temperature: it likes warmth and in winter must not go below 10°C. Watering: it does not need much water; in winter keep the potting soil dry, and in the rainy season pay attention to drainage. Fertilizing: apply compound fertilizer or liquid fertilizer every 10 days. Pruning: pinch the tips several times to encourage branching, and after flowering remove all spent flowers.

I. Propagation methods of Catharanthus roseus

1. Direct seeding

(1) Catharanthus roseus is usually propagated by direct seeding, sown around April, with a suitable germination temperature of about 18-24°C.

(2) First mix fine sand, sterilized fertile leaf mold, and potting soil into a growing medium, then sow; seedlings emerge in about 14-21 days. In high temperatures and strong light, shade appropriately. When the seedlings grow to about 5 cm and develop 3 pairs of true leaves, they can be potted, and when they grow 6-8 pairs of true leaves they can be planted in their final position.

2. Cuttings

Cuttings are generally taken in spring or early summer. Cut the young shoots of overwintered old plants into several cuttings 8-10 cm long, keeping only the top 2-3 pairs of leaves and removing all the lower leaves, then insert them into the growing medium. Keep the temperature at 20-40°C, keep the soil moist, and shade appropriately. Roots form in about 15-20 days. When the seedlings grow to 10 cm, pinch the tips appropriately to encourage bushy growth, then pot them up.

II. Growing methods for Catharanthus roseus

1. Soil requirements

Catharanthus roseus is fairly tolerant of poor soil and is suitable for planting in well-drained, fertile soil. It should not be planted in poorly aerated, compacted, slightly alkaline or clay soil, otherwise the leaves tend to turn yellow and the plant will not flower.

2. Light

Catharanthus roseus is a light-loving plant and needs plenty of light during growth; its leaves will then be emerald green and glossy and it will produce bright flowers. If it is kept in a dark environment for a long time, the leaves will turn yellow and drop.

3. Growing temperature

Catharanthus roseus grows best in a warm, dry place with plenty of light. From March to July the suitable growing temperature is about 18-24°C, from September to March of the following year the suitable temperature is 13-18°C, and in winter it should not be lower than about 10°C.

4. Timely watering

Catharanthus roseus does not need much water during growth, and it should not be overwatered, as this affects its normal growth. When kept indoors in winter, water sparingly and keep the potting soil dry to avoid frost damage. When grown in the open ground, if there is a rainy season, drain promptly to prevent waterlogging damage.

5. Fertilizing

Catharanthus roseus does not need much fertilizer; simply apply compound fertilizer and liquid fertilizer alternately once every 10 days. Before planting, to ensure the nutrient content of the potting soil, apply an appropriate amount of base fertilizer.

6. Proper pruning

Catharanthus roseus is generally grown in pots and can be used for indoor decoration and display, so the plant should not be allowed to grow too tall. After the plant has become established in its pot, pinch the tips several times to encourage more branching and flowering, and after flowering remove all spent flowers.

7. Pest and disease control

Catharanthus roseus itself is somewhat toxic, so it has relatively few pests and diseases. The main diseases are gray mold, damping-off, and so on. Also, avoid chemical and fertilizer damage at the seedling stage; if it occurs, immediately improve ventilation and water heavily with clean water to reduce the harm.