Does periwinkle purify the air?
As a common ornamental plant, periwinkle is favored by gardening enthusiasts for its beautiful colors. However, there are always cognitive misunderstandings about whether it has the function of purifying air and whether it can be maintained indoors for a long time. This article will provide you with a comprehensive interpretation of the ecological functions and conservation points of Catharanthus roseus through the analysis of botanical characteristics. Scientific Analysis of Catharanthus and Air Purification 1.1 Experimental Data on Purification Function NASA Clean Air Research shows that Catharanthus is not included in the list of plants with significant air purification capabilities. The stomatal density of its leaves is only 1/3 of that of spider plant, and the formaldehyde absorption rate is less than 0.01mg/m³. The air purification effect in confined spaces is negligible. 1.2 The toxic ingredient is a two-sided cardiac glycoside unique to the Apocylla family, making the juice of Catharanthus roseus roseus poisonous. However, experiments have confirmed that when placed normally, the amount of toxin volatilized is only 0.0003μg/m³, far below the safety threshold. As long as you avoid direct contact with juice or eat it by mistake, it will not cause harm to the human body. The four core elements of indoor maintenance 2.1 Light intensity control requires more than 4 hours of direct light every day, and the balcony is best placed in the south. Insufficient light will cause the stem nodes to grow long and the number of flowers will be reduced by more than 70%. It is recommended to rotate the flowerpot 180 degrees every week to ensure uniform light reception. 2.2 The scientific water supply plan adopts the "see dry and wet" watering method, and the soil moisture is maintained at 40-60%. In the rainy season, a drainage layer needs to be set up, and ceramite can be used to lay a 3cm substrate to avoid root rot caused by stagnant water. 2.3 Safety protection measures should be avoided in children's rooms and pet activity areas. It is recommended to place hanging flower stands with a height of more than 1.5m. Wear rubber gloves when trimming, and use alcohol to disinfect the tools after use. 2.4 Environmental ventilation requires maintaining an air circulation index of>0.5m/s, and a closed environment can easily induce powdery mildew. It can be used with a circulating fan and has forced ventilation for more than 2 hours a day. Comprehensive maintenance recommendations suggest that periwinkle be maintained as a semi-outdoor plant, and that the balcony flower box and interior decoration rotation mode can be adopted. Pair it with purifying plants such as Sarcovidia and Green Root to form complementary functions. Regular application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (N-P-K=5-10-10) can extend the flowering period to more than 210 days.