Madagascar periwinkle

catharanthus roseus

Also known as: ["Periwinkle","Rosy periwinkle","Vinca rosea"]

Family: Apocynaceae Genus: Catharanthus Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial flowering plant native to Madagascar, known for its glossy leaves and showy flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","medicinal use"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Catharanthus
Botanical Name: Catharanthus roseus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in warm climates, or indoor pot with bright, indirect light in cooler regions
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–32°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly sandy soil with organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during growing season
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, direct sunlight for 6–8 hours daily; adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense summer sun; avoid shaded spots.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in cool conditions.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; test pH if issues arise.

Temperature

Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild heat but avoid frost.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm growth.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright but indirect light

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss

Hormone

Recommended to promote root development

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node

Pruning Plan

To maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove spent flowers

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune in early morning; remove dead or diseased parts; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot)

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out root ball; trim any circling roots; place in slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and vigor.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away completely.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or drop; risk of root damage in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; use a heat mat if necessary.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or flower drop; reduced vigor in prolonged high heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; stop in dormancy.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Catharanthus roseus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Catharanthus roseus can result from water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Catharanthus roseus are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting in Catharanthus roseus is often caused by fungal infections or bacterial pathogens, particularly in the roots or stems, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Catharanthus roseus is toxic to cats due to its alkaloid content, which can cause severe gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological effects. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy difficulty breathing tremors seizures weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

The alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus can cause severe toxicity in dogs, affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The compounds disrupt normal cell function and can lead to life-threatening conditions.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy weakness difficulty breathing abnormal heart rate seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Catharanthus roseus contains several toxic indole alkaloids, including vinblastine and vincristine, which can interfere with cell division and have significant physiological impacts on humans. These compounds are used in chemotherapy but are highly toxic in raw plant form.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness severe hypotension respiratory depression cardiac arrhythmias
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep all parts of the plant away from children and pets. Do not consume any part of the plant. Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Catharanthus roseus toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Does Catharanthus roseus require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Q: What are the medicinal uses of Catharanthus roseus?

A: It is used in the production of alkaloids for treating certain cancers and diabetes.

Quick Reference
Family: Apocynaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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