How to care for Madagascar periwinkle in winter? A full breakdown of care tips

Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is a perennial plant that can bloom and set seed for many years, but many friends grow it as an annual herb, leaving it unattended in winter and letting it die, then sowing and raising seedlings again the following year. In fact, an old Madagascar periwinkle plant has better ornamental value; after overwintering, it can produce even more beautiful flowers the following year. So how do you care for Madagascar periwinkle in winter? Let's take a look.

1. Move it indoors for care

Madagascar periwinkle is generally cared for outdoors so that it can better absorb sunlight and also maintain good ventilation, but after late autumn and in winter, when temperatures drop, leaving it outdoors for care at this time makes it highly vulnerable to low-temperature freeze damage. Therefore, in winter it needs to be moved indoors for care, while keeping the room temperature above 10°C, so that it can overwinter safely.

2. Increase light

When growing it indoors, it should also be placed somewhere that receives sunlight so it gets plenty of light, which allows it to carry out photosynthesis better. Sunlight can also raise the ambient temperature and help it grow better. If it is cloudy with no light, you can use artificial lighting to supplement light for the Madagascar periwinkle.

3. Fertilizer and water management

In winter, the Madagascar periwinkle's demand for fertilizer and water drops sharply, so during care you should pay attention to controlling the application of fertilizer and water. Generally, water it once a week, at noon when the temperature is higher, using water close in temperature to the room temperature, to avoid the soil temperature dropping because the water is too cold, which is very unfavorable for plant growth. Before winter sets in, you can apply a slow-release base fertilizer once, and afterward apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer in appropriate amounts, so that it has sufficient nutrients to overwinter.

4. Prune branches and leaves

The branches and leaves of the Madagascar periwinkle are very dense, so in winter its branches and leaves also need to be pruned. The main task is to prune away the weak branches and diseased or pest-damaged branches at the top of the plant, then cut off the overly long branches above, which can avoid excessive consumption of nutrients, save nutrients, and help it overwinter safely.

5. Cover with a bag to raise the temperature

In winter, you can put a plastic bag over the flower pot to keep it warm, so as to prevent cold wind from blowing on it and the temperature from dropping, allowing it to grow normally. You can also cover it with plastic film to form a small warm greenhouse, so that it overwinters without freeze damage.

  The above is an introduction to how to care for Madagascar periwinkle in winter. I hope it helps you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.