Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Madagascar periwinkle on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Madagascar periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as Madagascar Periwinkle or Vinca, is a profusely flowering herbaceous annual or perennial plant, native to Madagascar. It produces showy five-petaled flowers in shades of white, pink, fuchsia, and red, often with a contrasting eye. It is ideal for pots, hanging baskets, and as ground cover in tropical and subtropical gardens, providing continuous color for months.
Native range
Madagascar
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering, although it tolerates some partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be regular but moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, as it is susceptible to root rot from overwatering. It prefers well-drained and fertile soils; a good quality universal potting mix is suitable. A common mistake is overwatering, especially in low light conditions, which can quickly lead to fungal diseases.
How to save a dying Madagascar periwinkle
- Warning signs
- Yellow or wilting leaves, soft stems, scarce or no blooms, leaf drop.
- First aid
- Check watering, ensure good drainage, and place in direct sun. Prune damaged stems.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its main enemy, quickly rotting roots. Also lack of sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and there are still green, firm stems.