Is Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) suitable for beginners to grow? Tips for planting and caring for Catharanthus roseus for beginners.
Is Catharanthus roseus suitable for beginners to cultivate?Compared to the green plant flower cultivation content of whether Catharanthus roseus is suitable for beginners and the beginner planting and maintenance skills of Catharanthus roseus, the editor of the website will introduce to netizens next.Catharanthus roseus is not strict with soil quality, loose and breathable is good. Daily maintenance requires sufficient light and temperatures above 20℃ for vigorous growth. It is prone to frost damage when temperatures drop below 10℃ in winter. Ensure sufficient water during the growing seasons of spring and autumn, water thoroughly when dry, and avoid waterlogging. To promote growth, apply thin and frequent fertilization, and stop fertilizing during low temperatures in winter and high temperatures in summer. Prune and pinch regularly to ensure a symmetrical plant shape. Spray regularly with pesticides to prevent pest and disease attacks. The common propagation methods are sowing and cutting.Catharanthus roseus is also known as四季梅 (Four-season梅花) or 日日春 (Daily Spring). The flowering period is very long, lasting from summer to autumn. Let's understand the maintenance methods of Catharanthus roseus together.Soil preparation:Catharanthus roseus is not strict with soil, but grows well in loose, fertile, and well-draining sandy soil. A mixture of garden soil and humus soil can be used in equal proportions, and some sand can be added appropriately. Compared to other flowers, Catharanthus roseus has a rapid growth, so as long as the soil is permeable and breathable.Sufficient sunlight:Catharanthus roseus loves light and is often planted in the open. Sufficient sunlight promotes strong branches and abundant flowering. Insufficient sunlight causes the leaves to turn yellow and fall easily. In summer, it should be properly shaded to avoid scorching the plant.Warm environment:Catharanthus roseus prefers a warm and dry environment, with a suitable temperature range of 20-33℃. In hot southern regions, proper shading and cooling are required in summer, while in the north, temperatures below 10℃ in winter can cause frost damage, and below 0℃, the plant cannot overwinter outdoors. Potted plants should be moved indoors for winter.Appropriate water control:Catharanthus roseus is drought-tolerant and prefers a dry and well-draining soil environment. Waterlogging can lead to poor growth. Water once a week during the growing seasons of spring and autumn, every 1-3 days in summer, and about once every 10 days in winter. If waterlogging is found, loosen the soil promptly to promote evaporation.Light and frequent fertilization:Catharanthus roseus has a rapid growth and requires timely fertilization during the growing period, applying mature liquid fertilizer or diluted nitrogen fertilizer every half month, and additional phosphorus fertilizer can be applied during the bud formation period. Sufficient nutrients promote vigorous growth. Stop fertilizing during high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter to prevent fertilizer buildup that can burn roots and seedlings.Timely pruning:Catharanthus roseus has a rapid growth with many branches and lateral buds. To ensure the plant shape, timely topping and pruning are required. Pinch once when the seedlings are about 8cm tall to promote branching. Then, prune dense, leggy, and diseased branches regularly, and a heavy pruning can be done before winter.Pest and disease control:Common pests and diseases of Catharanthus roseus include Fusarium wilt, gray mold, root rot, powdery mildew, and scale insects. Once a disease occurs, promptly remove the diseased leaves and stems and spray with the corresponding fungicides for control.