Catharanthus roseus
Today's editor will explain the common knowledge of flower cultivation, focusing on the topic of Catharanthus roseus (Four-season plum blossom). Here are the cultivation methods for Catharanthus roseus (Four-season plum blossom), which will be introduced by the editor next.
Alias of Catharanthus roseus: Swallow Red, New Every Day, Spring Daily, Mountain Alum Flower, Daily Blooming, Five-petal plum blossom, Four-season plum blossom. Family and Genus: Apocynaceae, Catharanthus, evergreen upright sub-shrub.
Catharanthus roseus is native to the West Indies, prefers high temperature and humidity, can tolerate semi-shade, and grows best at temperatures between 20℃-33℃. It thrives in sunny and slightly dry environments. It is afraid of severe cold and dislikes waterlogging. It is not strict about soil requirements. The flowering period is from July to October. Catharanthus roseus is a photophilic plant, requiring ample sunlight during the growing season, with its leaves being lush and glossy, and the flowers bright in color. If it grows in a shaded area for a long time, the leaves will turn yellow and fall. In the southern provinces of China, it can be cultivated outdoors. In areas north of the Yangtze River, it is often grown in pots, moved outdoors at the end of spring, and kept indoors during winter, with the minimum temperature maintained above 5℃. Catharanthus roseus has a neat shape, glossy leaves, five flat petals resembling plum blossoms, a long flowering period, and is one of the most common herbaceous flowers in gardens in the southern part of China. It is mainly cultivated in areas south of the Yangtze River, with Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces (autonomous regions) being more common.
Morphological characteristics of Catharanthus roseus
Catharanthus roseus is a perennial herb. The stem is erect and much branched. The leaves are opposite, elliptical, with short petioles, entire margins, smooth and hairless on both sides, with the main veins being white and prominent. The inflorescence is terminal. The flowers are rose red, with a high-foot butterfly-shaped corolla, five-lobed, with a dark center in the flower. The plant height is 30 centimeters to 50 centimeters, with elliptical leaves, deep green and glossy. The flowers are axillary, with a high-foot dish-shaped corolla, five lobes, flat and open, arranged like a fan, with a flower diameter of 3 to 4 centimeters, and can be white, pink, or purple.
Biological characteristics of Catharanthus roseus
Catharanthus roseus is native to East Africa. It prefers a warm, slightly dry, and sunny environment. The optimal growing temperature is 18-24℃ from March to July, and 13-18℃ from September to the following March, with the winter temperature not lower than 10℃.
Catharanthus roseus dislikes moisture and flooding, and the potting soil should not be watered too much, as excessive moisture can affect growth and development. Indoor plants overwintering should strictly control watering, preferably keeping it dry, otherwise, it is easily frostbitten. When cultivated outdoors, be careful to drain water in heavy rain in midsummer to avoid flooding and causing mass death.
Propagation of Catharanthus roseus
Catharanthus roseus is commonly propagated by seeding. Sow in early spring, the seedlings grow slowly at first, and when the seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves, they can be transplanted. When they have 6 to 8 pairs of true leaves, they can be planted. Plant in flower beds in May, water every 3 to 5 days, and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers appropriately for more flowers and lush leaves. Cutting propagation: In spring, take cuttings from the tender branches of the overwintering old plants, 8 centimeters long, with some leaves attached, and insert them into moist sandy loam soil. The rooting temperature is 20℃-25℃, with shading and humidity maintenance. When the seedlings are 10 centimeters tall, pinch the top to promote branching, then pot them in a three-inch pot and gradually move to a seven-inch pot. The mature fruit of Catharanthus roseus can open and scatter seeds on its own, so it is important to observe when the fruit turns yellow and pick it in time, otherwise, it is difficult to collect seeds. It can be planted three times a year, with an annual yield of over 1300 kilograms of dry grass per mu.
Apply top dressing every 30 days during the growing season, always pay attention to watering, but do not waterlog, and drain during the rainy season. To promote branching, 2 to 3 times of pinching should be carried out from planting to mid-August, which can make the plant flower and leaf lush. The overwintering temperature should be 10-12℃. Sow Catharanthus roseus when the temperature rises to about 10℃, transplant once when the seedlings have 4 to 5 pairs of true leaves, or cuttings can be taken from the tender branches of the overwintering old plants in spring. It is easy to manage.
The above sharing is the full content of the cultivation methods of Catharanthus roseus (Four-season plum blossom), hoping it can help you. Also, I hope everyone comes to see more green plant and flower experience and common sense!