Where to keep the catharanthus flower in winter. Catharanthus: growing from seeds at home. Catharanthus in the garden: location features, combination with other plants

Columnar fruit trees differ from ordinary fruit trees in their compact crown, small height, and lack of lateral branching. With a small habit, these miracle trees are distinguished by their ability to produce large yields of large, tasty and beautiful fruits. On 1-2 acres you can place up to 20-25 columnar trees - varieties of apple trees, pears, plums, peaches, cherries, apricots and other crops of different ripening periods. Our article will tell you about the features of creating a columnar garden.

August can feel a little sad - autumn, followed by a long winter, is already on the doorstep. But the flower beds are still full of colors, and their color scheme creates an atmosphere of warmth and joy. The rich palette of August flower beds mainly consists of yellow, orange, and crimson tones. And it seems as if the garden has become warmer and has more sunny color. What flowers should definitely be planted in flower beds so that they brighten up the inevitable passing of summer with blooms?

Peach jam with bananas is aromatic, thick, healthy and, most importantly, it contains half the sugar than regular jam. This is a quick jam with pectin, and pectin powder, as you know, allows you to reduce the sugar content in the jam, or even make it without sugar. Sugar-free jams are fashionable sweets these days; they are very popular among supporters of a healthy lifestyle. Peaches for harvesting can be of any degree of ripeness, bananas too.

Coriander is one of the most popular spices in the world, and its greens are called coriander or coriander. Interestingly, cilantro leaves no one indifferent. Some people adore it and happily use it in any salads and sandwiches, and they love Borodino bread for the special flavor of coriander seeds. Others, citing the smell that evokes associations with forest bugs, hate coriander and flatly refuse to approach bunches of cilantro even at the market, let alone plant it in their own garden.

Sweet and sour marinated cherry tomatoes with red onion and basil marinated with balsamic vinegar and mustard. These pickled vegetables will decorate any holiday table; they are very tasty and aromatic. Marinade filling is a completely different story: you get a delicious brine, the only drawback of which is the small quantity. Choose sweet, red onions. Cherries are strong, slightly unripe, and the smallest. Fresh basil will work either green or purple.

My first acquaintance with hydrogel took place a long time ago. Back in the nineties, my husband brought funny multi-colored balls from Japan, which greatly increased in size when filled with water. They were supposed to be used for bouquets or for some other decorative purposes. Of course, at first it was funny, but then I got tired of playing and abandoned them, I don’t even remember where they went. But I recently returned to using hydrogel. I will tell you about my experience in this article.

Watermelon and summer are inseparable concepts. However, you won’t find melons in every area. And all because this African plant takes up a lot of space, is quite demanding of both heat and sun, and also of proper watering. But still, we love watermelon so much that today not only southerners, but much more northern summer residents have learned to grow it. It turns out that you can find an approach to such a capricious plant, and if you want, you can get a decent harvest.

You can make red gooseberry jam in 10 minutes. However, it should be borne in mind that this is the time required to cook the jam without preparing the berries. It takes a lot of time to harvest and prepare the berries for processing. Cruel thorns discourage any desire to harvest, and you still have to cut off the noses and tails. But the result is worth it, the jam turns out excellent, one of the most aromatic, in my opinion, and the taste is such that it is impossible to tear yourself away from the jar.

Monsteras, anthuriums, caladiums, dieffenbachias... Representatives of the Araceae family are considered one of the most popular categories of indoor plants. And not the last factor in their widespread distribution is diversity. Aroids are represented by aquatic plants, epiphytes, semi-epiphytes, tuberous plants and lianas. But despite such diversity, because of which it is sometimes difficult to guess about the relationship of plants, aroids are very similar to each other and require the same care.

Donskoy salad for the winter is a savory appetizer of fresh vegetables in a sweet and sour marinade with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The original recipe calls for regular or apple cider vinegar, but with a combination of wine vinegar and light Balsamico it turns out much tastier. The salad can be prepared without sterilization - bring the vegetables to a boil, put them in sterile jars and wrap them warmly. You can also pasteurize the workpieces at a temperature of 85 degrees, then quickly cool.

The main mushrooms collected are: porcini, obabka, boletus, chanterelles, boletus, moss mushrooms, russula, milk mushrooms, boletus, saffron milk caps, honey mushrooms. Other mushrooms are collected depending on the region. And their name (other mushrooms) is legion. As well as mushroom pickers, of whom there are more and more every year. Therefore, there may not be enough for all known mushrooms. And I know for sure that among the little-known there are very worthy representatives. I’ll tell you about little-known, but tasty and healthy mushrooms in this article.

The word "ampel" comes from the German word "ampel", meaning a hanging container for flowers. The fashion for hanging flower beds came to us from Europe. And today it is very difficult to imagine a garden where there is not at least one hanging basket. In response to the growing popularity of container floriculture, a large number of hanging plants have appeared on sale, whose shoots easily fall outside the pots. Let's talk about those that are valued for their beautiful flowers.

Apricots in syrup - aromatic apricot compote with cardamom from peeled fruits. These are very useful preparations for the winter - bright and beautiful halves of canned apricots can be used to prepare fruit salads, desserts or decorate cakes and pastries. There are many varieties of apricots; for this recipe, I advise you to choose ripe, but not overripe fruits, from which it is easy to remove the pit so that the peeled slices retain the correct shape.

Today in pharmacies you can buy many different medications with a general strengthening, tonic effect that are used for colds. Despite this, I always prepare my own nettles and St. John’s wort for the winter, as I consider them indispensable medicinal herbs for the prevention and treatment of colds and many other diseases. Why these plants are valuable, how and when to collect them, dry them, store them and prepare healing infusions, I will tell you in the article.

Among species of orchids, phalaenopsis are real Spartans. And one of the hardiest species is Phalaenopsis four-scutellum, or Tetraspis. He is content with minimal care, is not capricious at all, and easily adapts. And, unfortunately, it almost completely disappeared from the windowsills. Varietal hybrids with their spectacular flowering are found at every step, but you will have to hunt for each species specimen. But if you love the exotic, then Phalaenopsis tetraspis is worth it.

Catharanthus is an evergreen annual or perennial (it all depends on the chosen growing method), belonging to the Kutrov family, which are herbaceous plants or subshrubs. There are only eight varieties in the genus of this culture. Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka are considered its homeland.

General information

The most popular cultivated variety is considered to be catharanthus rosea, which is a subshrub, reaching a height of up to 50 centimeters, having a dense lush crown, glossy leaf plates of a dark green hue and pink inflorescences similar to periwinkle.

You can grow this unusually beautiful plant either in a pot on the windowsill or in the garden. Moreover, the process of growing and caring for catharanthus is so simple that even a novice gardener can handle it.

Catharanthus varieties and types of photos with names

– the plant reaches a height of up to 60 centimeters. Catharanthus branches are erect, branching in the upper part. The leaf blades are lanceolate, glossy, dark green. The inflorescences are pink, five-petalled, similar to periwinkle or phlox. They practically do not smell. The flowering time of the plant lasts from late spring to mid-autumn.

– this plant variety is simply ideal for growing in pots. Catharanthus is an evergreen perennial. The leaf blades are elongated, glossy, rich green in color. The branches are fleshy, becoming woody with age. They can reach a length of up to 1.5 meters. The inflorescences have five petals and can be white, pink or light purple with a yellow or purple center. The plant blooms from May to October.

- is a semi-shrub perennial, reaching a height of up to 60 centimeters. The branches are distinguished by their erectness. Branching is observed at the tips of the shoots. The bark on the branches can have either a pinkish or green tint. Large leaves are of the lanceolate type. They have narrowed edges, a white vein in the middle, glossiness and a dark green tint. The inflorescences of the plant are five-petalled, white or pink. Catharanthus blooms from late spring to early autumn.

- is a small compact subshrub, reaching a height of up to 30 centimeters. The crown diameter is from 15 to 20 centimeters. The leaf blades are lanceolate, large, dark green in color. The flowers are medium sized and white in color with a bright center.

– this perennial subshrub reaches a height of 30 centimeters and has erect branches and branches at the top. The leaves have a lanceolate type and a rich green tint. The inflorescences have a pinkish tint with a purple center. Catharanthus blooms from late spring to mid-autumn.

The plant is distinguished by its compactness and dense crown. It reaches a height of 15 to 20 centimeters. The leaf blades are large, glossy, dark green in color. The inflorescences are five-petalled, white, pinkish or lilac. The flowering time of catharanthus lasts all summer and affects the first two months of autumn.

– the plant is compact. Its height reaches 15 centimeters. The subshrub has long flexible shoots of a creeping type. The leaf blades are lanceolate, rich dark green. The inflorescences are large, five-petaled, white or pink in color. Flowering time lasts all summer and ends in mid-autumn.

– this variety was bred by Japanese flower growers. The plant has dark green, large, glossy leaf blades. The inflorescences are five-petaled in a bright purple hue with a yellow center. The bush reaches a height of up to 30 centimeters, has a lush crown and blooms throughout the summer.

– the plant is compact and has lush branching. It reaches a height of up to 20 centimeters and has erect shoots with lush foliage of a rich green hue. The inflorescences are large in peach, dark purple and pinkish shades. The plant blooms in summer.

– the plant reaches a height of up to 20 centimeters. The shrub is compact with erect, elastic branches. The leaf blades are round, dark green with a distinct glossiness. The inflorescences have a peach hue and a dark center. The flowering time of catharanthus is in the summer.

The plant reaches a height of up to 30 centimeters and has a lush crown. The leaves are large, glossy and rich, green in color. Rounded ends. The flowers have a purple tint with dark streaks. The plant blooms from mid-May to October.

- a lush shrub, reaching a height of up to 60 centimeters, has a crown with dense, dark green foliage. The flowers are white in color and have virtually no scent. This variety of catharanthus blooms from late spring to mid-autumn.

– the plant reaches a height of up to 60 centimeters and has erect, flexible, dense branches. The leaf blades are lanceolate, glossy, rich green. The inflorescences are large, yellow with a brightly outlined center. This variety blooms throughout the summer.

– the plant of this variety reaches a height of up to 30 centimeters. It has flexible branches with lush, lanceolate, dark green foliage. The inflorescences can be apricot, pink, white and red. Catharanthus blooms from May to October.

– this variety is distinguished by long, flexible, creeping branches. It is suitable for growing in pots. The leaf blades are lanceolate, dark green in color and glossy. The inflorescences are large and bright red.

– the bush is compact and has a dense crown. Dark green leaf blades cover the erect flexible stems of the plant. The inflorescences are large, crimson in color, with a bright red center.

– is a low perennial shrub with a large number of branches and large, glossy, lanceolate-type leaf blades. The inflorescences of this variety are purple, pink and white. The flowering time of the plant is in summer.

– the lush subshrub reaches 25 centimeters in height and has flexible, creeping branches. The leaf blades are glossy, dark green, lanceolate, with a light longitudinal vein. The inflorescences are large, white, pink and purple with a dark center. Catharanthus blooms from mid-summer to early autumn.

Catharanthus growing and care at home

To grow catharanthus in the form of a potted crop, you should follow a number of simple rules and then the plant will delight the grower with abundant flowering and evergreen foliage for many years.

Since the flower loves moisture very much, and the abundance of its flowering depends on air humidity, all this should be taken care of in advance. The humidity of the air masses in the room where the plant is located should not decrease to less than 60%. You can maintain the necessary microclimate using a humidifier and systematic spraying of leaf plates. However, it should be taken into account that moisture should not get on the inflorescences, otherwise they will begin to wither and fall off.

The plant needs diffused sunlight. It will feel comfortable on an eastern or western windowsill. If you create light shading for the catharanthus, it can also be grown on a south-facing window. A culture with hanging shoots can be placed in a flowerpot, but also in light shade. During wintering, the plant needs light; if there is not enough light, the decorativeness of the crop will suffer greatly. Therefore, in winter, you should definitely use a phytolamp as an additional light source.

Ideal temperature conditions for the plant are considered to be between 25 and 25 degrees. In winter, the temperature must be reduced to 15 degrees, but care must be taken that it does not fall below 10 degrees, otherwise the flower will die.

Watering catharanthus

The plant loves moisture very much, so watering should be plentiful. However, it should be taken into account that when overwatering, the plant may begin to hurt as a result of moisture stagnating in the roots and causing them to rot.

To avoid this, you need to water the flower only when the soil dries slightly. The approximate frequency of watering the plant is twice a week.

Soil for catharanthus

For proper growth and development, the plant requires light, fertile and loose soil. To plant it, the soil mixture can be purchased at the store. The ideal option would be a substrate for geraniums.

You can prepare the soil yourself from leaf and turf soil, peat and river sand. Fine expanded clay should be placed at the bottom of the pot for drainage.

Catharanthus transplant

If the grower grows catharanthus as a perennial plant, then it will be necessary to replant it at the beginning of each spring. To transplant the flower, you must first inspect it, removing unnecessary branches.

The new pot should be 5 centimeters larger than the previous one. A drainage layer of at least 4 centimeters should be placed at the bottom of the pot. You should move the plant from pot to pot together with a soil manager so as not to injure the roots. You need to add the same soil mixture in which the catharanthus grew before transplanting to the pot.

If the substrate is different, the plant will not bloom. The soil should be acidic or have a neutral pH. After transplanting, the catharanthus should be watered abundantly. Acclimatization time takes from several weeks to 1.5 months.

Catharanthus pot

Since the crop grows very quickly, it should be replanted annually, choosing a larger pot for it.

The planting container should be 3-5 centimeters larger and wider than the previous one. This rule must be followed with each transplant.

Fertilizer for catharanthus

In order for the plant to bloom long and profusely, it must be constantly fertilized. If the grower decides to grow the crop as an annual, then it should be fed once a week with fertilizer for flowering plants mixed with water for irrigation. It is best to use fertilizer for indoor roses.

If catharanthus is grown as a perennial, then during flowering the plant should be fed once every two weeks, using half the dose of fertilizer. After the plant has finished flowering, you should stop fertilizing. They resume only with the arrival of spring.

Catharanthus flowering

The flowers of this unusual plant consist of five petals and can have various shades from white and pink to red and purple with dark streaks.

Flowering time depends on the plant variety. It can last from May to October or from July to September. The inflorescences of the plant are decorative, but have virtually no odor.

Catharanthus pruning

Since catharanthus grows quite quickly, pruning its branches is simply necessary. After a dormant period, the perennial branches should be cut off by 1/3 of their length. You also need to remove dried shoots, giving the plant the required shape. With the help of spring pruning, you can not only rejuvenate the plant, but also give it the strength required for growth and flowering.

To obtain a compact and beautiful crown, the ends of the branches of a young crop are pinched. They stop growing upward, while the side shoots, as they grow, will give the crown density and decorativeness. However, you will have to constantly monitor the beauty and grooming of the plant, promptly removing yellowed leaf plates and wilted inflorescences that spoil the overall picture.

Preparing catharanthus for winter

The plant's dormant period is weakly expressed. After the catharanthus fades, it must be moved to a cool and bright room, reduce watering to a minimum and stop feeding.

With the onset of spring, it is necessary to return to the previous regime of caring for the plant.

Propagation of catharanthus by cuttings

You can propagate the plant using cuttings as follows. Planting material should be prepared in early spring. For this purpose, you need to select a well-formed shoot, cut off its end and dig it into the soil mixture.

The roots of the cuttings will appear very quickly if the grower waters them in a timely manner and properly cares for them. After the seedlings have a root system, they can be planted in pots in a permanent place of growth.

Catharanthus growing from seeds

In indoor conditions, the seed method is not in great demand, but it is still worth mentioning. For seed propagation, you should take the seed material and sow it in a container with a suitable soil mixture. Seeds must be sown to a depth of no more than two centimeters. After sowing, the container should be covered with a whip and put in a warm place.

Since catharanthus seeds have very good germination, the first shoots will appear within 10 days after planting. When the seedlings have four leaf blades, they can be planted in pots. In order for future bushes to be branched, seedlings must be pinched.

Reproduction of catharanthus by dividing the bush

Bush division is carried out during spring transplantation. Each division taken from the mother bush must have a strong root system.

After receiving the planting material, it must be planted immediately in a permanent place of growth.

Diseases and pests

Like many flower-type plants, catharanthus is subject to attack by pests and diseases. Both the first and second occur as a result of improper care of the flower.

The most common cultural disease is root rot caused by improper watering and stagnation of moisture as a result of insufficient drainage. Fungi infect the root system, spreading throughout the plant, leading to its death. The disease manifests itself in the form of gray or brownish spots on the leaf blades .

To save a diseased catharanthus, it should be transplanted into a new pot and soil, after first examining the roots, removing their rotten areas and disinfecting them with a 1% solution of potassium permanganate. You also need to remove damaged leaf plates, if any.

Problems when growing catharanthus

Most often, when growing plants, gardeners encounter the following problems:

Curling leaves - these symptoms may appear as a result of damage to the plant by aphids or spider mites. You can get rid of them by treating with Actellik according to the instructions on the package.
Yellowing of leaf plates - leaves turn yellow due to low air humidity and lack of moisture. To eliminate this problem, you should water the catharanthus in a timely manner and place a humidifier next to the plant.
Withering and drying of leaf blades - if this problem occurs, you need to move the plant to another window sill or shade it. Direct sunlight has a detrimental effect on catharanthus and can lead to its death.
Dropping buds — when buds or flowers fall off, it is necessary to completely reconsider the care of the plant, listening to the advice of experienced gardeners.

Flower growers choose this spectacular plant not only for its decorative value, but also for its medicinal properties, which were discovered by Aesculapians in ancient times. Indonesian and Madagascar herbalists use the plant to treat diabetes, cough, trophic ulcers and cancer.

The branches and leaf blades contain over 60 substances useful to the human body. According to research data, it has been established that some of them reduce the glycemic index, and alkaloids such as vinkistrine and vinblastine can successfully fight cancer of varying degrees of severity.

Infusions and decoctions are prepared from the green part of the catharanthus to combat ailments such as:

Trophic ulcers;
Myomas, prostate adenoma;
Diseases of the oral cavity;
Lung diseases;
Hypertension;
Oncology;
Diabetes.

When preparing products based on the plant, it should be taken into account that it is poisonous, therefore, if safety precautions are not observed, preparing tinctures and decoctions from it is not recommended.

Contraindications

When using plant-based products, burns or allergies may occur. There are also a number of contraindications, presented:

Gestation and lactation;
Childhood;
Hypotension;
Tendency to allergies.

Before using drugs based on catharanthus, you should consult your doctor.

Catharanthus plant collection and drying

Catharanthus should be harvested in September, since it is during this period that the plant contains the most alkaloids.

Freshly picked foliage and shoots should be stored in a shaded, well-ventilated area until completely dry. The raw material must be used within a year after collection, otherwise it will then lose its medicinal properties.

Tincture of catharanthus for oncological diseases

To prepare the tincture, you should take 2 tbsp. spoons of dry raw materials, fill them with 250 milliliters of alcohol and leave in a dark place for 10 days, removing and shaking from time to time.

You need to take the tincture for 21 days, 5 drops mixed with tbsp. spoon of water thirty minutes before meals. At the end of the period, you should take a 10-day break, then repeat in the same mode, except that the number of drops should be increased to ten. The therapeutic course lasts two months.

Conclusion

Catharanthus is not only a wonderful ornamental crop that is very easy to grow at home, but also an effective cure for many ailments, including cancer.

Therefore, by listening to the advice of experienced flower growers, you can grow real pride in your flower collection and maintain health thanks to this amazing plant.

Catharanthus is more often called “Pink periwinkle” or “Cayenne jasmine”. It began its distribution from the islands of Madagascar, but is also common in Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and Philippine countries. In a wild subtropical climate, the plant can reach one and a half meters in height, and when grown at home it barely exceeds half a meter.

Today, catharanthus is often used as an annual plant for garden decoration and can rarely be found in an apartment or house. But flower growers claim that the plant is unpretentious and can decorate the interior with rich colors for years.

, but it grows much lower and its flowers do not have such a pronounced smell. The advantage of catharanthus is its large bright pink flowers, the corollas of which are painted in a purple hue. The inflorescence consists of five separate petals. Over time, breeders developed hybrid plant varieties that added variety to the color scheme of this crop.
Today you can find catharanthus with violet, blue, purple and white flowers, which are concentrated at the tips of the shoots in several pieces.

The shoots of the flower are flexible and covered with thin green bark for young shoots and brown bark for tall stems. The leaves are a rich emerald color, oval-pointed in shape. They are attached to the shoots using short petioles. The leaves of some varieties are decorated with white veins. After flowering, seed leaflets are formed on the catharanthus, in which small seeds ripen.

In home gardening you can find catharanthus of various types and varieties.

"Pusillus" or miniature periwinkle is an annual flower with erect shoots growing up to 20 cm. It blooms in July or August with white flowers 7-9 cm in diameter. After flowering, decorative pods with seeds are formed.
"Catharanthus roseus" is popular in indoor floriculture. It is a perennial that, with proper care, turns into a lush ornamental bush. The crown is formed by spreading branches covered with smooth glossy leaves. It blooms with simple flowers of all shades of pink. If the plant feels comfortable, it pleases its owner with color from late spring to early autumn.

This species has several hybrid varieties of groups.

"Pacifica" - includes varieties:

"Burgundy" - with burgundy-red flowers topped with a white eye.
“White” - with snow-white flowers.
"Epricot" - blooms with cream flowers with a crimson center.
"Ice Pink" has soft pink flowers.

“Cooler” - combines varieties:

"Grape" - blooms with lilac flowers with a pink eye.
"Peppermint" has snow-white flowers with a red center.
"Red" - with bright scarlet flowers.
“Fest Kiss” - varieties of this group are distinguished by their large sizes and extraordinary colors, among which the most popular is “Blueberry”, blooming with velvety violet-blue flowers.
“Albus” - bushes grow up to 25 cm, whitish veins are clearly visible on large matte leaves. It blooms with white flowers with a yellow center.
'All America Selections' - blooms with blue flowers tinged with purple.
“Cascade” - a variety intended for planting in hanging flowerpots. The shoots of this catharanthus can grow up to one and a half meters in length, cascading down to the ground. Blooms with flowers of various shades.

In addition to its decorative qualities, the flower has pronounced healing properties and is widely used in folk medicine in its homeland, including as an antitumor agent.

Catharanthus cannot be called a demanding plant; its cultivation does not take much effort and does not require special skills. It is important to create conditions that are close to natural, and the flower will feel comfortable:

Lighting should be plentiful, but without direct exposure to sunlight. It is optimal to place the catharanthus on the southeast or southwest side. After winter rest, the flower is gradually accustomed to light, otherwise it may get sunburn. And if artificial lighting is provided in winter, it can bloom almost all year round.
The temperature in summer should be in the range from 21 to 28 degrees, and in winter from 16 to 19 degrees. It is important that during wintering the soil in the flowerpot does not get too cold.
Ventilation. Catharanthus will not live in stuffy rooms. Therefore, ventilation should be provided regularly, and in the warm season, the flower should be taken out into the fresh air.
Humidity is an important component of living conditions. The plant needs daily spraying, and in the summer it is advisable to place flowerpots on trays with moistened moss or pebbles.

If flowers are planted in flower beds, then you need to choose a well-lit open place, but protect it from direct sun. The planting area must have good drainage to avoid stagnation of water, which negatively affects the health of the plant.

Even inexperienced gardeners can grow catharanthus. It is enough to follow the rules of propagation and planting, and after a while you can get a young flowering plant. Catharanthus have a fast growth rate and in order for the flowers to develop normally, they need to be planted in spacious clay or ceramic flowerpots.

Plants prefer light, salt-free, nutritious soils, for the preparation of which they take equal parts of turf, humus and leaf soil, peat and sand. When purchasing a soil mixture, you should choose soil for geraniums.

Catharanthus can be propagated in three ways: by dividing the bush, by cuttings, and by sowing seeds.

Bush division. It is used when there are mature, well-developed bushes that need replanting. The procedure is carried out in spring. An adult plant is carefully dug up, the roots are freed from the soil and divided into several parts. The plots take root well and can be planted both in pots and in flower beds.

According to experienced flower growers, catharanthus should not be kept for more than three years. The plant grows quickly, which affects its decorativeness and flowering quality:

cuttings are cut from the apical shoots
the cut parts are placed in a container of water, to which it is recommended to add a growth stimulator
When roots appear, the plant can be planted in prepared soil
cuttings also take root well in wet sand
to speed up the root formation process, you need to maintain a temperature of at least twenty degrees
After planting the cuttings, they need to create greenhouse conditions by covering them with a jar or polyethylene. It is also necessary to ensure regular ventilation

Catharanthus are often grown from seeds; this process is carried out according to the standard scheme:

sowing can be done all year round
purchased or collected seed is treated with a manganese solution to destroy pathogens. After the procedure, the seeds must be dried
prepared seed material is deepened into moist soil by 1-1.5 cm
the crops are covered with light-proof polyethylene or sent to a dark place
the temperature should be maintained at least 23 degrees

If everything is done correctly, the seeds will sprout within a week. The seedlings need to be watered regularly, and after 14-21 days the first fertilizing should be done. When two pairs of leaves form on the seedlings, they are planted in individual containers.
Landing rules:

Catharanthus need to be planted in well-loosened soil. You should also add expanded clay or fine gravel to the soil. Planting holes are pre-prepared, the bottom of which is covered with a drainage layer.
Part of the prepared soil is poured onto the drainage layer. Place seedlings, rooted cuttings or plots in the holes, straighten the roots and cover with the remaining soil. The soil needs to be compacted and watered; a layer of mulch can be laid on top.

When working with catharanthus, remember that this is a poisonous plant. Therefore, you need to protect your hands with gloves. Also, plants should not be placed in a place accessible to children and pets.

For the successful development of catharanthus, it is enough to ensure optimal growing conditions and provide competent care, which consists of standard actions:

Irrigation. The flower loves water, but does not tolerate stagnation. Therefore, the plant needs to be watered abundantly all year round. Do not allow the earthen ball to dry out and remove excess liquid from the pan. When growing catharanthus in a flower bed, plantings should not be made dense. This helps plants survive the rainy season, during which they stop growing.
Application of fertilizers. The rapid growth of the plant contributes to the rapid depletion of the soil, so fertilizers need to be applied every week and a half. The flowers are fed for the first time at the beginning of flowering. Mineral fertilizing should be alternated with, and humus or humus should also be added to the soil. If catharanthus is grown in an apartment, then fertilizing is carried out throughout the year.
Transfer. Due to its rapid growth, catharanthus needs to be regularly replanted into larger containers. Transplants are carried out annually in spring. Before the procedure, you need to trim the shoots by a third of their length.
Trimming. Young plants are cut or pinched shoots. This is necessary to stimulate branching and the formation of a fluffy decorative bush. Also, such events increase the number of buds that form on young branches.

When growing catharanthus in pots or flowerpots, plants are planted three in one container. To prevent excessive thickening, you need to cut out damaged branches and those that grow deep into the crown. This method of planting helps to increase decorativeness due to different colors of flowers, if different varieties of catharanthus are planted in one flowerpot.

Catharanthus have strong immunity to diseases and pests. But if not properly cared for, they can be affected by fungal infections, spider mites and scale insects:

fungi attack leaves and stems when the plant is overwatered. Appears as brown spots
scale insects and mites attack the flower when there is insufficient moisture
lack of lighting leads to elongation of shoots
lack of microelements slows down flower growth
low air humidity leads to drying of leaf tips
lack of light leads to shedding of buds

You can fight fungi and harmful insects using special chemicals or spraying with kerosene mash with added oil and alcohol.

Catharanthus is often used by landscape designers. The plant is valued for its decorative appearance and ease of cultivation. In flower beds, the flower grows as an annual, and in apartment conditions it pleases owners for many years. Catharanthus looks impressive in combination with petunias and balsam. To achieve the desired decorative look. You need to care for the plant with love, because it reacts sharply to negative emotions.

More information can be found in the video:

Catharanthus is a perennial evergreen plant belonging to the Kutrovaceae family. In the wild and when kept in winter gardens, catharanthus can grow up to one and a half meters in height. When keeping catharanthus indoors, this fast-growing plant is usually pruned, as its stems tend to become bare with age. Catharanthus flowers are white, pink or light lilac, the leaves are dark green and shiny. In indoor conditions, the plant blooms almost constantly. Catharanthus can be grown as an ampel plant in a hanging pot. By simple pruning you can make a beautiful flowering ball.

Healing properties

Catharanthus is a medicinal plant that contains about a hundred alkaloids - toxic substances) that are used in medicine in the treatment of oncological diseases, in particular diabetes, leukemia, cancer and other diseases. Tinctures and decoctions are prepared from catharanthus leaves. However, you should not self-medicate, since a large amount of toxic alkaloids can greatly harm you. Therefore, be sure to consult your doctor regarding use.

Procurement of raw materials for treatment

Raw materials for treatment are harvested in late August - early September, during the period of seed ripening. At this time, catharanthus leaves contain the maximum amount of alkaloids. The raw materials must be dried in the shade and used within a year, since after this time the raw materials lose their beneficial properties. Therefore, every year it is necessary to procure new raw materials.

Folk recipes

Below are standard recipes for catharanthus decoction and tincture.

Decoction of catharanthus : pour a tablespoon of dry raw material into 200 ml of water, boil for 1 minute and leave for about 30 minutes. After straining, it is recommended to take the decoction 2-3 times a day an hour before meals, diluting one teaspoon of the drink in 50 ml of water. For external use, you can add 2 tablespoons of dry herb to a glass of water.
Catharanthus tincture : for the prevention of cancer, it is recommended to use a collection of catharanthus rosea, chamomile, mistletoe and celandine in equal parts. Pour a tablespoon of the crushed mixture into a glass of boiling water and let it brew for about half an hour. The infusion is taken 50 ml 30 minutes before meals for a month. A preventive course is carried out 2-3 times a year.

Photo

Origin	Homeland: Madagascar.
Lighting	For catharanthus, southern windows with sunlight are perfect, as the plant needs plenty of direct sunlight. But western and eastern windows would also be a good option. If there is no direct sunlight, the catharanthus will not bloom well. In the summer, catharanthus can be taken out onto the balcony and veranda, just protect it from direct rainfall.
Temperature	Catharanthus loves the heat. In summer, the ideal temperature for him will be 27-28 degrees. In this case, flowering will be abundant. In winter, the temperature should be lower, around 15-18 degrees. If, of course, there is such an opportunity. Just remember that temperatures below 10 degrees are detrimental to the plant. Since the catharanthus has a weak dormant period, if the catharanthus is kept in a warm room in winter, its shoots will become very elongated and the flowers will become very small with a lack of sun.
Humidity	Catharanthus loves moist air, so in the warm season you can spray it with a spray bottle. Catharanthus will respond well to regular spraying.
Watering	Watering should be abundant and regular. The earthen clod should not be allowed to dry out, but there should not be stagnation of water in the pan. If the air is too dry during the visit, the tips of the catharanthus leaves will turn yellow.
Rest period
Top dressing	Like any actively flowering plant, catharanthus needs fairly intensive feeding. Catharanthus needs to be fertilized every 10 days. Buy a universal liquid fertilizer for indoor flowering plants at a flower shop.
The soil	Don’t worry too much about the composition of the substrate. The main thing is that the substrate is light and nutritious. I would advise you to simply purchase any ready-made earthen mixture for flowering indoor plants. If the soil is not too light, you can add coarse sand.
Pot size	Which pot to choose for catharanthus? It depends on what goal you are pursuing. If you want abundant flowering, then choose a small pot. The ideal solution would be a 1 liter pot. If the pot is larger, the foliage will actively develop, while the flowering will be mediocre. I conducted an experiment and planted catharanthus grown from seeds of one batch in liter and two liter pots.
Transfer
Reproduction	Catharanthus propagates using seeds and apical cuttings. The seeds are harvested when they ripen in pods. When the seeds ripen, the pods turn yellow and begin to burst. As a result, the seeds fall to the floor. Collect all the seeds and next year in February-March you can start sowing them. To plant seeds, use a mixture of sand and peat. Scatter the seeds over the surface of the soil and lightly sprinkle them. Water using a spray bottle and cover the container with glass to maintain soil moisture. When pruning catharanthus in spring, you can also get cuttings, which should be placed in water and wait for the roots to appear. Change the water in the jar with cuttings every day. When roots appear, you can immediately plant them in liter pots.
Bloom
Beneficial features
Harmful properties
Plant dimensions
Growth rate	It grows very quickly.
Features of care	Every spring it is recommended to cut off the main shoots of the catharanthus by 1/3. With intensive growth and excessive growth of shoots, you can also make the necessary pruning throughout the year, provided that the growth of the plant is disrupted. For catharanthus, it is very important to promptly remove withered flowers and leaves turning yellow at the bottom of the shoots, which are very noticeable on this plant. Catharanthus will not maintain its impeccable appearance without your help. Make sure that during the warm season the plant grows in a hot room, since it will not bloom normally in cold rooms.
Diseases and pests, difficulties	If the air is too dry, the catharanthus may be attacked by scale insects and spider mites. Therefore, if you took flowers out into the fresh air in the warm season, and now bring them back home, carefully inspect them for the presence of pests. In the garden, a flower may be attacked by aphids. If pests are found, then take a brush and alcohol. Soak the brush in alcohol and wipe the leaves to remove all pests. You can also use a soap solution. If you water too much, fungal diseases may appear. Usually, the appearance of the latter is indicated by the appearance of dark spots on the leaves.

The plant has such an attractive and familiar appearance that it is surprising that it is still quite rarely found at home. Much more often it is used as an annual garden plant. But catharanthus is very unpretentious and can delight its owner for many years with its lush green leaves and impeccable flower color.

Confusion in classification

Catharanthus has so many popular names - pink periwinkle, Madagascar vinca, Cayenne jasmine, old maid, lochnera, ammocalis - that you can’t help but wonder why one plant has so many names.

The history of its description and classification is truly complicated. When scientists first saw the flower on the island of Madagascar (the plant’s homeland), based on its appearance and colors, they decided that it was the closest relative of the popular periwinkle (Vinca) in Europe, and placed it in this genus. For many years after this, the plant was called Madagascar or pink periwinkle. But soon they took a closer look at him and realized that they were mistaken. For a long time he could not be finally assigned to any clan. Either they placed it with the Lochners, or with the Ammocallis, and only in 1837 the genus Catharanthus was officially recognized and described as independent.

Throughout this time, while the classification was being put in order, flower growers had to get used to new names each time, but the most popular name remained pink periwinkle, as catharanthus is often called, to this day.

Description of the genus, origin, species

The name of the genus comes from two Greek words catharos, which means “clear, pure” and anthos - “flower”. This name really suits the description of the delicate, pure shades in the color of catharanthus flowers. The genus belongs to the Kutrov family, which is famous for its beautifully flowering, but at the same time poisonous plants, and catharanthus is no exception.

Only 8 species are known in the genus Catharanthus, 7 of which are endemic to the island of Madagascar and only one is native to India. At home, the flower lives in tropical rainforests. In indoor culture, only one species is common - Catharanthus rosea ( C. roseus).

It is a small perennial shrub reaching 70 cm in height. The stems are branched, erect, with oblong-lanceolate leaves of dark green color up to 7 cm in length. There is an elegant light vein in the middle of the leaf. The flowers are simple, with five petals. In appearance, they are similar to both balsam and phlox flowers. In the center of the flower there is a white or crimson eye. Despite the specific name, many varieties of catharanthus have been bred with a variety of colors: scarlet, pink, white, purple, with numerous specks. In favorable conditions, catharanthus can bloom from late spring until the end of September. Currently, it has spread throughout many areas of the tropics and humid subtropics of America, Asia, Australia and Europe.

Basic requirements for home care

Catharanthus needs a lot of light and it is advisable to choose a sunny place. South-east and south-west windows are quite suitable for him. After winter, you need to gradually get used to direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves may burn. In winter it may not have enough light. But if you provide it with additional lighting, the catharanthus can bloom almost all year round.

The flower loves warmth; in summer it can be kept at temperatures from +20°C to +27°C. In winter, it is desirable to reduce the temperature to +15°-+18°C. True, with additional lighting, catharanthus will overwinter quite well even at higher temperatures. The most important thing for a plant in winter is not to overcool the soil in which it grows.
Catharanthus loves fresh air and does not tolerate being kept in a stuffy or unventilated room, for example, in the kitchen. In the summer, you need to use every opportunity for the plant to live outside and bathe in the sun.
The strait should be abundant in the warm season, but Catharanthus does not tolerate excessive dampness. It can survive drying out of the earthen clod, although this is not advisable, as it greatly weakens the plant. In winter, when the temperature drops, watering should be moderate. If kept warm and in good light, watering can be done in the same way as in summer.
Air humidity is very important for catharanthus. It is necessary to spray daily and place the flower on a tray with damp moss or pebbles.

Meals, transfers

From the beginning of spring or from the moment the buds form, catharanthus needs regular feeding three times a month. It is advisable to use fertilizers with the same NPK ratio. From time to time you can alternate mineral fertilizing with organic fertilizing and add vermicompost or humus to the soil. If the plant overwinters in a warm place and in good light, then you can feed it all year round.

Catharanthus must be replanted every spring and before replanting, all shoots are cut off by at least one third for good branching of the shrub. The soil should be loose and nutritious, with a pH equal to 5.5 - 6. It can be composed of equal parts of leaf, humus, turf, peat soil and sand. It is advisable to add vermiculite, pine bark and fine gravel. It is important that when watering, uniform wetting of the soil occurs, and not individual places. Good drainage is a must. If it is not possible to create your own soil mixture, then ready-made soil for azaleas or conifers will be suitable.

You can choose a spacious pot, since catharanthus grows quickly, but it is advisable not to overdo it so that the soil does not turn sour.

Reproduction

Catharanthus is propagated by seeds, as well as green and semi-lignified cuttings.

Propagation by seeds is traditional; many grow catharanthus as an annual garden plant and therefore sow seeds for seedlings every year. If you sow the seeds at the end of winter, it is possible to observe flowering in the summer.

Before planting, it is better to soak the seeds for several hours in a solution of stimulants. Prepare a light substrate from one half of ordinary soil for adult plants and vermiculite. The seeds are sown at a very shallow depth, about 1 cm, and covered with a dark film, since they require complete darkness to germinate. At a temperature of at least +24°C+25°C, seedlings appear within 10 days. After germination, the temperature is reduced and the seedlings are placed under bright light. Before picking, it is better to take a transparent bag, place a container with seeds in it and straighten it in height. In this way, it is possible to maintain high humidity in young seedlings. It is better to pick individual pots when the small catharanthus have 4 true leaves.

The flower is also easily propagated by cuttings. You can use those that remain every spring after pruning. It can produce roots even in a jar of water.

Pruning, shaping, problems

The usual growth form of catharanthus is spreading, but it does not begin to branch immediately. To enhance branching, it is better to trim or pinch the tops of plants a few weeks after picking. This is necessary for abundant flowering, since buds appear on the tops of young shoots. When pruning, you must be careful; you must remember that the sap of the plant is poisonous.

When growing catharanthus in pots to obtain a greater decorative effect, young plants are usually planted in threes together. But strong thickening is also harmful for catharanthus if they grow outside in the summer in cloudy and rainy weather. Therefore, when the bushes grow strongly, it is necessary to cut out the branches growing inward, and also remove all yellow, dry leaves and wilted flowers.

Pests rarely attack catharanthus. But the flower has a proprietary disease that cannot be treated. If the catharanthus does not develop, and the leaves turn yellow and pale greenish-yellowish spots appear on them, then most likely you will have to part with this specimen.