How to care for Madagascar periwinkle in winter? Do these few things for a safe overwintering

Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is a perennial plant that can bloom and set seed for many years, but many friends treat it as an annual herb, leaving it unattended in winter and letting it die, then re-sowing and raising seedlings the next year. In fact, an old Madagascar periwinkle plant has better ornamental value; letting it overwinter allows it to 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 [nutrients] and maintain good ventilation, but in late autumn and winter, when temperatures drop, keeping it outdoors makes it highly vulnerable to cold damage. So in winter it needs to be moved indoors, with the room temperature kept above 10 degrees [10°C], so that it can overwinter safely.

2. Increase light

When growing it indoors, it should also be placed somewhere it can be reached by sunlight, so it receives plenty of light and can 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 lamps to provide artificial supplemental light for the Madagascar periwinkle.

3. Fertilizer and water management

In winter, the Madagascar periwinkle's demand for fertilizer and water drops sharply, so when caring for it, be careful to control the application of fertilizer and water. Generally, water it once a week, and do so 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 to the plant's 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 the branches and leaves

The branches and leaves of Madagascar periwinkle are very dense, so in winter its branches and leaves also need pruning. Mainly, cut off the weak and pest- or disease-damaged branches at the top of the plant, then cut off the overly long branches above, which can prevent excessive consumption of nutrients, save nutrients, and let it overwinter safely.

5. Put a bag over it to raise the temperature

In winter, you can put a plastic bag over the flower pot to keep it warm, to prevent cold wind from blowing on it and the temperature from dropping, so that it can grow normally. You can also cover it with plastic film to form a small warm greenhouse, so that it is not damaged by cold during overwintering.

  The above is an introduction to how to care for Madagascar periwinkle in winter. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.