How to Propagate Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)? A Detailed Introduction to Common Propagation Methods

Vinca, also known as Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), closely resembles plum blossom, has a long flowering period, and is a common flower in the Jiangnan region. It is mostly used for potted ornamental display. So what propagation methods does it have? How should it be cared for?

What propagation methods does vinca have?

Vinca can be propagated by sowing seeds or by cuttings, though sowing is generally more commonly used. This is because seedlings grown from cuttings are not as vigorous in growth as those grown from seed.

How should vinca be cared for?

1. Light and temperature

Vinca likes high temperatures and high humidity, tolerates partial shade, and is not tolerant of severe cold. The most suitable temperature is 20°C-33°C, and it likes sunlight. Therefore, during care, sunlight should be fairly abundant, and the temperature should preferably be between 20-32°C, with winter temperatures kept above 12°C.

2. Water and fertilizer management

In hot and rainy seasons, high temperature and high humidity often induce blight, causing large numbers of plants to die. Therefore, during cultivation, keep the leaf surface as dry as possible and do not allow the growing medium to become waterlogged. For fertilization, use water-soluble fertilizers with formulas 20-10-20 and 14-0-14, applied alternately once every 7-10 days at a concentration of 200-250 ppm. When winter temperatures are relatively low, reduce the amount of 20-10-20 fertilizer used. If ordinary soil is used as the medium, a compound fertilizer can be mixed in an appropriate amount as a base fertilizer before potting. When fertility is insufficient, apply additional water-soluble fertilizer as a top dressing.

3. Pruning

Generally, pinching begins when there are 4-6 true leaves (8-10 cm), and the second pinching is done when the new shoots grow 4-6 leaves (15-20 days after the first pinching). It is best not to pinch more than 3 times (pinching more than 3 times will affect flowering quality). The last pinching of Madagascar periwinkle directly affects the flowering period. Generally, in autumn (for National Day flowers), the last pinching should be 25 days before the start of flowering; in summer, the last pinching should be 3-5 days earlier than in autumn.

Because the vinca plant itself is toxic, pest and disease problems occur relatively rarely, but attention should still be paid to controlling red spider mites, aphids, basal rot, and black spot disease.