How to care for Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) in winter at home without heating
Sowing
Madagascar periwinkle usually matures in August to October; once ripe, the seeds can be picked and sown. When the seeds are mature, it is very simple: scatter the seeds in their own pot, press the seeds into the soil, and little seedlings will gradually grow. When the seedlings reach 3 to 4 leaves, they can be transplanted into a pot with fertile soil, and watered once every 3 to 5 days.
Potting soil requirements
It is best to choose soil rich in humus; that way, after the seedlings survive, they can bloom from May to November of the following year, with flowers every day. If the soil is not very fertile, you can appropriately apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote flowering, but in winter, as long as the temperature is suitable, the seedlings will grow very well.
Winter care
If they are not seedlings of the current year, after the flowers fade in November, because the nutrients have been nearly used up, the branches will gradually become thin and weak, and the leaves will also move upward from the roots. At this time, prune promptly and cut off overly long branches and diseased branches.
Changing the soil is essential. Usually Madagascar periwinkle needs the soil changed once a year to ensure sufficient nutrients in the soil. If the soil is changed in time, no fertilizing is needed; the nutrients in the soil are enough for Madagascar periwinkle to recover after the flowers fade.
How to care for Madagascar periwinkle in households with heating in winter
It 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 the minimum winter temperature should be above 10°C; below this temperature, Madagascar periwinkle will very likely freeze to death. So when the indoor temperature is below this, we must take protective measures. To ensure Madagascar periwinkle survives the winter safely, how should we care for it in winter? Friends growing it, especially in northern regions, should pay attention.
How to care for Madagascar periwinkle (periwinkle) in winter
How to care for Madagascar periwinkle in households with heating in winter
Sowing
Madagascar periwinkle usually matures in August to October; once ripe, the seeds can be picked and sown. When the seeds are mature, it is very simple: scatter the seeds in their own pot, press the seeds into the soil, and little seedlings will gradually grow. When the seedlings reach 3 to 4 leaves, they can be transplanted into a pot with fertile soil, and watered once every 3 to 5 days.
Potting soil requirements
It is best to choose soil rich in humus; that way, after the seedlings survive, they can bloom from May to November of the following year, with flowers every day. If the soil is not very fertile, you can appropriately apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote flowering, but in winter, as long as the temperature is suitable, the seedlings will grow very well.
Winter care
If they are not seedlings of the current year, after the flowers fade in November, because the nutrients have been nearly used up, the branches will gradually become thin and weak, and the leaves will also move upward from the roots. At this time, prune promptly and cut off overly long branches and diseased branches.
Changing the soil is essential. Usually Madagascar periwinkle needs the soil changed once a year to ensure sufficient nutrients in the soil. If the soil is changed in time, no fertilizing is needed; the nutrients in the soil are enough for Madagascar periwinkle to recover after the flowers fade.
How to care for Madagascar periwinkle in households without heating in winter
Keeping warm
In homes without heating, the temperature is around 10°C, which is relatively all right; it is just that the temperature is lower at night, so attention must be paid to keeping warm. You can cover it with plastic film, or place it in a transparent box. In short, maintaining a certain temperature difference in winter is necessary, but be sure not to let the plant freeze.
Plenty of sunlight
During the day, as long as it is sunny, you can place Madagascar periwinkle in a sunny spot and let it get more sun, which helps with the accumulation of nutrients.
Fertilizing
In winter, Madagascar periwinkle needs appropriate nutrient supplementation. After the flowers fade, the plant's growth will slow down; you can appropriately apply some phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, choosing a sunny midday, and water appropriately after fertilizing.