Catharanthus Winter Care Guide
As a tropical plant that stays green throughout the year, the winter care of Catharanthus directly affects the quality of flowering in the following year. This article systematically analyzes the key points of winter management and solutions to yellowing leaf issues, helping flower enthusiasts protect the health of their potted plants.
Complete Guide to Catharanthus Winter Survival
Three Key Elements of Temperature Control
1. Timing of bringing indoors: Move indoors immediately when the night temperature consistently ≤ 8°C, and it is recommended to complete the transfer before the first frost in the northern regions. 2. Environment selection: Keep away from air conditioner outlets and radiators, maintaining a constant temperature range of 10-15°C. 3. Extreme protection: Use a transparent plastic bag to cover the pot for insulation during cold spells, ensuring 2 hours of ventilation daily.
Light Adjustment Plan
1. Placement location: Preferably choose a south-facing window or enclosed balcony to ensure at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. 2. Supplemental lighting skills: Use LED plant lights for 3 hours daily during cloudy and rainy days (40cm away from the plant). 3. Pot rotation cycle: Rotate the pot 180° weekly to prevent the branches from bending towards the light.
Precise Water and Fertilizer Control
1. Watering strategy: Use the bamboo stake method, water thoroughly when the top 3cm of the potting soil is dry (water temperature should be close to room temperature). 2. Fertilizing plan: Apply bone meal + decomposed cake fertilizer (mixed in a 3:1 ratio) before winter, and stop using fast-acting fertilizers in winter. 3. Humidity maintenance: Use a misting humidifier to maintain 50%-60% air humidity, avoiding direct spraying on the leaves.
1. pH testing: Use pH test paper, and if the value > 7.5, change the soil immediately. 2. Substrate formula: Peat soil + pine needles + perlite (5:3:2), mixed with 5% sulfur powder to adjust acidity. 3. Potting technique: Retain 1/3 of the protective soil, prune the decayed roots, and use carbendazim to disinfect.
Scientific Watering System
1. Root rot judgment: Gently lift the base of the plant, and if it feels loose, check by removing the pot. 2. Treatment process: Cut off blackened and decayed roots → disinfect with potassium permanganate → replace with a breathable red pottery pot. 3. Revitalization management: Use the immersion pot method to supply water, combined with HB-101 vitality booster to promote new root growth.
Nutrient Supply Plan
1. Deficiency diagnosis: Old leaves turning yellow indicate nitrogen deficiency, yellowing between veins indicate magnesium deficiency, and leaf edge scorching indicates potassium deficiency. 2. Emergency measures: Spray chelated iron (1:1500) + amino acid foliar fertilizer (1:1000). 3. Long-term plan: Apply Ogreen 318S slow-release fertilizer in spring, and supplement with organic liquid fertilizer each season.
Daily Maintenance Tips for Catharanthus
Regularly check the back of the leaves to prevent red spider mites and maintain good ventilation. After pruning, apply healing ointment promptly, retaining 3-5 main branches to ensure plant shape. By keeping a maintenance log, establish a personalized care plan to keep Catharanthus flourishing throughout the year.