How to care for newly purchased Catharanthus roseus
What should I do if the newly bought Catharanthus roseus is wilted? As an ornamental plant that blooms in all seasons, the maintenance of Catharanthus roseus requires mastering the management of environmental transition periods. This article systematically analyzes 5 major core maintenance points from soil mixing to pruning after flowering, helping you create an outbreak of pot landscapes.
Environmental Adaptation Management
Substrate Selection and Transition
Newly purchased plants need to retain the original soil ball when potting, using a breathable matrix of peat soil: perlite = 3:1. Observe the condition of the original soil, and if there is hardening, keep 1/3 of the protective heart soil and replace the outer soil with new soil. The key is to ensure a slightly acidic environment with a pH value of 6.0-6.5, which can be adjusted by mixing in 5% pine needle soil.
Light Adaptation Strategy
Keep it in a scattered light environment for the first 3 days, and gradually transition to full sunlight. Pay special attention to avoiding direct sunlight from 11-15 o'clock in summer, and it can receive full-day sunlight in winter. Insufficient light can cause the internode spacing to double or triple, so it is recommended to ensure 4 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Daily Maintenance Points
Precise Watering Plan
Use the "three-finger detection method": insert the index finger into the second joint of the soil, and water when it is dry. Spring and autumn 3-4 times/week, summer morning and evening each 1 time (avoiding leaf surface), winter 7-10 days/week. Pay attention to stop watering immediately after water flows out of the pot bottom to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Scientific Fertilization Cycle
Start fertilizing 15 days after slow seedling, alternating the use of N-P-K=10-10-10 compound fertilizer (1:1000) and monopotassium phosphate (1:1500) during the growing period. Add calcium and magnesium fertilizers during the bud formation period, and supplement with seaweed extract twice a month to promote root development.
Shaping Management Skills
Timing of Pinching and Pruning
Pinch the seedlings for the first time when they grow to 8 true leaves, leaving 4-5 nodes. When the lateral branches reach 6cm, perform secondary pinching, combined with a 45-degree oblique cutting method. After flowering, promptly cut off the branches 3cm below the remaining flowers, which can shorten the reblooming time by 40%. It is recommended to prune once a month to maintain a hemispherical plant shape.
Through systematic maintenance in three stages, the newly purchased Catharanthus roseus can form a full crown in 2 months. The key is to grasp the principle of "gradual adaptation" and cooperate with precise water and fertilizer management. Even gardening beginners can harvest a continuous blooming balcony beauty.