How to Care for Madagascar Periwinkle

Last Updated: May 5, 2021

Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is easy to grow and can be grown both indoors and in the garden. It has shiny green leaves and has either pink, white or red flowers depending on which variety you purchase.

Steps

1
Purchase a plant from the local nursery or garden centre. Alternatively, grow the plant from seed in spring to obtain really good flowering plants.
- This plant can also be propagated by cuttings.
2
Use a soil-based compost in the pot.

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3
Place the Madagascar periwinkle in bright light or direct sunlight. A sunny windowsill is ideal or a south-facing room (northern hemisphere) or a north-facing room (southern hemisphere). Avoid growing the plant in conditions under 10ºC.
4
Water regularly. Don't over-water or water log it though; the soil should be evenly moist and well draining.
- Mist the foliage regularly if the humidity is below 50 percent and use a pebble tray to stand the plant on.
5
Feed every 14 days from early spring to autumn (fall). Use a general liquid fertiliser.
6
Consider whether to overwinter it or to treat it as an annual. It's not likely to provide as good a show of flowers the next year that it is grown unless you feed and water it regularly.
- If keeping, repot it in the spring.

Community Q&A

Question

How tall do Madagascar periwinkles typically grow?

Community Answer

Madagascar periwinkles, if grown in the correct conditions, can grow 7 to 24 inches tall (18 to 60 centimeters).
Question

What climate do Madagascar Periwinkles grow best in?

Community Answer

The Madagascar Periwinkle is from a tropical climate, so it would grow best in a humid and warm climate.
Question

My bottom leafs are turning yellow, why is this?

Community Answer

If only the bottom leaves are yellow, prune them. If the whole plant is turning yellow, it could be that you’re overwatering it.

Warnings

Wash hands after handling as this plant is poisonous. Keep out of the reach of pets and small children.

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Inadequate light usually means fewer blooms.

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Mealy bugs are fond of this plant.

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