Catharanthus flowers fascinate with bright colors. This inhabitant of the tropics, although it requires increased attention, but fully pays for it with its beauty. Flowering bush - uplifting. Subject to the rules, growing a catharanthus at home is not difficult. The article will reveal them and some other secrets of an exotic guest.
Content:
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General information
Kataranthus is a representative of the Kutrov family. It is a shrub. Meet as perennialand annual varieties.
The name is translated from Greek as a pure flower. It is given for bright flowers, painted in pure colors.
The plant has a large number of aliases. Here are some of them: periwinkle, cayenne jasmine, pink virgin, lochner, "old maid". Such confusion occurred because scientists attributed it to the genus periwinkle.
Catharanthus
This was due to the similarity of plants, but a detailed study revealed differences. Then the catharanthus was assigned to the genus Lochner, then migrated to the genus Ammocallis. Finally, in 1837, botanists described a new variety and gave it the name Cataranthus.
While scientists determined the belonging of a flower to a particular genus, people got used to its names. As a result, confusion continues to this day.
The flower is called differently: pink periwinkle or rose wine.
With his homeland, too, everything is confusing. In nature, it grows in Madagascar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Africa, the Indochina peninsula.
- Strong trunk with many branches. The color of the shoots is green, maybe with a pink tint.
- The green leaves have a beige vein and sheen. They sit on short petioles.
- Height reaches 60 cm.
- The flower has 5 petals. Their color ranges from white to burgundy.
Kinds
Types and varieties of catharanthus
Quaranthus is divided into 8 species, which contain several varieties. Most of them grow in Madagascar, so this island is considered their homeland.
Kinds:
- Catharanthus pusillus
- Catharanthus coriaceus
- Catharanthus lanceus
- Catharanthus longifolius
- Catharanthus ovalis
- Catharanthus roseus
- Catharanthus scitulus
- Catharanthus trichophyllus
At home, only pink catharanthus is grown. It is an evergreen bushy plant. At home, it grows up to one and a half meters, in our latitudes the height reaches no more than 60 cm.
Catharanthus lanceus
It has lanceolate leaves, with a characteristic beige vein in the middle. Their length is 7 cm. They have a smooth edge and a glossy surface.
Color shades depend on the variety. The flowering period is long, depending on weather and climatic conditions. In cold regions, it blooms from early spring to late summer. The warm climate disposes catharanthus to bloom all year round.
This series is represented by several varieties:
Ampel, cascade, mediterranean
Ampel, cascade, mediterranean
- These are low varieties. The height of the bush is not more than 15 cm.
- Their difference is in long hanging shoots that can reach 150 cm.
- All three varieties have large flowers, in which the color smoothly changes from a light shade at the edge of the petal to a dark one in the middle.
Aristocrat
Aristocrat
- This variety grows up to 50 cm.
- Suitable for growing both in the garden and indoors.
- Flowers can be from white to rich red.
- They definitely have a contrast eye.
- They are large in size, their diameter is 5 cm.
Pacific
Pacific
- This is a miniature plant, its height reaches no more than 30 cm, and the cap has a diameter of 20 cm.
- The difference of the variety is in the bright middle of the flower, a contrasting color.
Pacific burgundy
Pacific burgundy
- It has wine-colored flowers with a white center.
Pacific epricot
Pacific epricot
- These are flowers of delicate apricot color with a bright raspberry eye.
Pacific White
Pacific White
- Differs in monophonic snow-white flowers.
- Sometimes the central part can be painted red.
First kiss
First kiss
- Differs in large flowers of saturated shades.
- There are 13 of them in this variety.
- The most unusual is purple-blue.
- The bushes are low, their maximum height is 40 cm.
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Caring for a catharanthus does not require much effort. But the rules must be observed, given the characteristics of the plant
Quaranthus contains alkaloids. They have both medicinal and toxic properties. To protect yourself from an allergic reaction or poisoning, you must always wear gloves when caring for a plant.
Light
The plant loves bright rooms
But the light must be diffused. Direct sunlight will harm him, in the form of foliage burns. If the windows of your apartment face south, you need to shade the place where the flower stands.
Temperature regime
For a catharanthus, a temperature of 25 degrees in summer and 18 degrees in winter will be comfortable.
It can be exposed in the warm season to the street, balcony or terrace. At the same time, you need to put it in a protected place from wind and rain.
Watering and humidity
Quaranthus is a guest from the tropics and loves moisture. The flowering process depends on its quantity. The room humidity should not fall below 60%.
To maintain it, it’s good to put moss in the pan
Another raise its level, standing next to the aquarium. You can gently spray the plant, but the spray should not fall on the flowers, only on the shoots and foliage. Perhaps use a steam humidifier.
Watering should be regular
If the root system is dried, then the leaves will begin to curl. If you quickly notice and water, they will straighten out, the bush itself will not suffer.
However, stagnant water should not be allowed either. This will lead to rotting of the roots and death of the catharanthus.
In winter, watering is recommended to be reduced. This will keep it until next year. The substrate must be kept slightly damp. At this time, you should pay more attention to air humidification.
top dressing
During flowering, top dressing should be more frequent. At the same time, its intensity varies from whether it is a perennial or annual plant.
Annuals need fertilizer once every 7 days, perennials once every 14 days
For catharanthus, fertilizers are suitable for indoor roses. The dosage must be specified on the package. It is better to choose a liquid top dressing and dilute it with water. This mixture will replace one of the regular waterings.
Soil selection
When choosing soil for catharanthus, you need to give preference to light and nutritious mixtures.. You can buy them in the store.Any of the presented flower mixtures will suit the bush. The ideal substrate for geraniums.
Light potting soil
When using it, drainage is important, for this, put fine expanded clay on the bottom of the pot. You can do it yourself.
- sod land
- leaf ground
- Peat
- Humus
- coarse river sand
Pot selection
Quaranthus grows very fast. In a small pot, its roots quickly fill up spaces and clog drainage holes.
In order to transplant no more than once a year, the container must be voluminous
The roots of the plant grow up to 35 cm long. They need to provide a place to grow. The health of the flower will depend on this.
pruning
In order for the bush to be lush and beautiful, you need to shape it. So that the shoots do not stretch out, they give a lot of side branches, their tops need to be pinched. This will stop the growth and add volume to the flower.
Bush during flowering requires constant attention
To prevent wilted flowers from spoiling the view, they are removed. Dried leaves and twigs are removed from the bottom of the bush. The pruning procedure will rejuvenate the plant. She will give him new strength for growth and flowering.
Transfer
like anyone perennial catharanthus needs a transplant.
It needs to be transplanted in March every year.
Step-by-step instruction:
Sometimes, under favorable conditions, transplantation is carried out several times during the year.
- yellowed leaves
- Falling flowers and buds
- Roots peeking out of drainage holes
It happens that the plant is difficult to get out of the pot. In order not to injure him, you need to water. If this measure does not work, you will have to cut the plastic pot.
If the container is made of clay, then you can draw a knife along the wall. It must be done very carefully and remember that damaged roots will lead to a lack of flowers on the transplanted bush.
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reproduction
Catharanthus can be propagated in three ways:
Each of them has its own nuances, let's consider them in detail:
Growing seedlings from seeds
Seedlings should be sown in late February - early March.
Seeds can be obtained in two ways:
In order to get catharanthus seeds at home, you need to be patient and make an effort. The bush needs to be brought home with the onset of autumn.
Create tropical conditions for him: lighting, humidity, temperature stably warm, without drops.By spring, they will ripen, if the conditions have been provided with the right ones.
After the seeds are received or purchased, you can start sowing. First of all, you need to prepare them and the substrate.
- Dilute 2 gr. potassium permanganate in 1 liter of water
- Seeds wrapped in cloth and immersed in the solution for 30 minutes
- Take out and dry
- Treated seeds can be planted the next day after the procedure.
- The soil must be moist, fertile
- Her PH should be 5.5
- There should not be an excess of salt impurities in the ground
- Peat
- Humus
- Coarse sand
- leaf ground
Home catharanthus
All ingredients are mixed in equal amounts. Before sowing seeds, the substrate must be disinfected. To do this, pour plenty of boiling water over the soil. Remove excess water. Let stand to cool and dry out a bit.
You can buy soil at the store. There is no special mixture for sale for catharanthus, but the land is suitable for it. geraniums.
Sowing
Pour the prepared soil into the seedling box. Or other prepared container
Under these conditions, sprouts will appear on the seventh day. If it is cooler, then the germination process will be somewhat delayed. The film is removed after the sprouts hatch.
seedling care
Young seedlings are best kept on the windowsill. The best place would be a window facing the west side. It is not recommended to keep it on the south window. But if there is no choice, then shade from direct sunlight.
2 weeks after germination, you need to carry out the first top dressing. Suitable liquid fertilizer for indoor roses. According to flower growers, Uniflor-growth is suitable. Next, feed regularly every 14 days.
When the plant reaches a height of 7 cm and it has at least 2 leaves, a pick is carried out
The land is taken the same as was used for sowing seeds. Separate pots are filled with it, 1 root is planted in each.
You need to water regularly, observing an interval of 2 weeks. But if the drying of the soil is noticed, water it earlier. Be sure to spray the air and leaves of the catharanthus.
Rooting cuttings
The advantage of growing a bush with the help of cuttings is that you can propagate a plant with a favorite shade of color. Catharanthus grown from seeds does not always bloom in the desired tone.
Suitable for cuttings any time of the year
It is important to observe the temperature regime, provide diffused illumination and maintain air humidity.
There are 2 rooting methods:
- With water
- in the ground
Step-by-step instruction of method No. 1:
Step-by-step instruction of method No. 2:
The division of the bush
An adult catharanthus has a peculiarity; the central part of the roots and the stiffened base of the central shoot dies off.. Which leads to the splitting of the bush into parts. They are called particles.
The division of the bush catharanthus
Separated particles have the roots and stem necessary for the continuation of life. They are easily separated without harm to the root system. They do well in the new pot.
For a new bush, a substrate is selected identical to the one in which it grew earlier. The conditions, as for all representatives of the species, are the same. These include: air temperature, good lighting and high humidity.
Features of growing in open ground
Before planting a catharanthus in open ground, you need grow seedlings. He, from immediately planted seeds in the ground, will not grow in a temperate climate. The first frost will kill him.
Landing in open ground is carried out with warm air up to 20 degrees
That is, when the nights become warm and there are no frosts. By the time it is the end of May - the beginning of June.
Planting process:
- A sunny area of the garden is selected.
- The earth needs to be dug up well.
- Remove top layer. Lay a layer of drainage in the recess. Cover it with the removed soil.
- Prepare the holes, the distance between them should be 30 cm.
- Plant seedlings in prepared holes and water.
A flower bed with a catharanthus needs to be weeded. While the bush is small, weeds can suffocate it. The grown plant itself will be able to displace them.
Watering
Quaranthus loves moisture. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the soil to prevent drying out.
On rainy days, the bushes need to be ventilated. This condition is necessary especially when the bushes grow close to each other. This will protect the plant from decay and pests.
In addition to regular watering, you need to irrigate the bushes. Keep flowers away from splashes if possible.
Watering and irrigation should be carried out in the morning or in the evening, when there is no sun. With the active sun, you can spoil the flower. Drops will heat up, evaporate, leaving burns on the leaves.
Fertilizer
Outdoor catharanthus bushes need to be fed regularly. The interval should be 10 days.
Liquid complex fertilizer is used
Flower growers recommend diluting it with water. Watering with top dressing is applied after regular watering. It is convenient to use a watering can, so all the contents will fall on the ground. The procedure is carried out carefully, without wetting the leaves with the mixture.
Wood ash can be used to fertilize catharanthus. For a bucket of water 10 liters is enough 100 gr. ash. Watering with such a mixture will provide complete nourishment of the plant.
pruning
Street bushes are formed by pinching the tops. The bush after this procedure will give more side shoots. Accordingly, they will have more flowers. The decorativeness of the plant will be higher.
Pruning outdoor plants is carried out as needed. By removing broken and withered shoots, you will stimulate the growth of new branches. This will keep the splendor of the bush throughout the summer.
Winter Care
In winter, growing on the street, the catharanthus will die.
It will not survive temperatures below 10 degrees
You can save it. To do this, transplant the bush into a pot and bring it home. To carry it out in early October, when the air temperature drops below 15 degrees. In winter, you need to take care of him just like a flower that is constantly growing indoors.
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sick plant
In case of non-compliance with the conditions of care, the catharanthus gives signals. A symptom seen in time gives a chance to correct errors and save the plant.
- The leaves turned yellow and became soft - speaks of an overabundance of sunlight. The potted inhabitant must be moved to another place, inaccessible to the scorching rays. For a street representative, protection should be installed: pull an awning.
- The tips of the leaves turned yellow - signal a lack of moisture in the air.It is necessary to increase the spraying of the bush. At home, you can fill the pallet with wet expanded clay or moss.
- If all the leaves are normal, and the lower ones turn yellow and fall off, then this is a normal process.. There is too much worry here.
- The reason for the small number of flowers on the bush - cold. The house plant must be moved to a warm place. The garden flower cannot be helped. There is only one way out - to wait for warming.
- The foliage turns yellow and the flowering of the potted catharanthus has stopped - a signal that it's time to transplant. The plant became a small pot. After changing the container to a larger one, the bush will come to life, sparkle with colors.
In addition to the problems that arose due to improper care. The plant may be attacked pests. It can be aphids, spider mites, felt, scale insects. Special tools are sold to deal with them. They will quickly help get rid of adversity.
When moving a plant from the street to the house, you need to inspect all the leaves. If you bring pests with it. They can spread to other houseplants.
You can fight pests with folk methods. One of these is soapy water. It is necessary to wipe the leaves with a soft cloth or sponge moistened with it.
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Medicinal properties
Kataranthus is famous for its medicinal properties. It contains 65 alkaloids
Table 1. Percentage of alkaloids in catharanthus
| plant part | Content of alkaloids |
| Roots | Up to 2.1% |
| Leaves | Up to 1.3% |
| stems | Up to 0.4% |
The most valuable are those that are able to fight cancerous tumors:
- vincristine
- virozin
- vinblastine
- rosidine
- perquin
- leurosine
- leirozidin
The healing qualities of catharanthus are used by both non-traditional and traditional medicine.. To combat malignant tumors, preparations for chemotherapy are made from the ground part of the bush.
Healers on its basis prepare infusions, decoctions, extracts and oils.
Mid-September is the time of seed ripening, the concentration of alkaloids in the plant reaches its highest peak. This is the right time to collect raw materials. Leaves and shoots are dried, then medicine is prepared from them. You can keep them for a year.
With the help of catharanthus, diseases in oncology are treated, such as:
- cervical cancer
- leukemia
- blastoma
- leukemia
- breast cancer
- adenomacarcinoma and others
In addition to oncology, infusions and decoctions help with prostatitis, adenoma, polyps, hemorrhoids, uterine fibroids, varicose veins, stomach ulcers. It helps with diabetes. With its help, blood sugar normalizes, cures ulcers and stops the development of gangrene.
The decoction acts as an anesthetic. It relieves pain syndrome.
decoction recipe
Ingredients:
- Dry raw materials - 1 tablespoon
- Water - 200 gr
Cooking:
- Take a ready-made decoction of catharanthus 3 times a day 1 hour before meals.
- To do this, in 50 gr. water dilute a teaspoon of medicine.
- If the infusion is prepared for external use, it is fashionable to add 2 tablespoons of dry catharanus to 1 glass of water.
- Infusion to fight cancer
The ingredients are taken in equal quantities:
- Catharanthus
- pharmaceutical camomile
- Celandine
- mistletoe
1 tablespoon of a mixture of herbs is poured with a glass of boiling water, infused for half an hour. Infusion drink before meals, 50 ml. The duration of the course is 30 days. It needs to be repeated 3 times a year.
Tincture
With catharanthus prepare tinctures based on vodka or alcohol
- Crushed leaves and shoots are poured with vodka. The ratio of ingredients is 1:20.
- Infused for a week. Keep in a dark place at room temperature.
- Then strain and take 10 drops, previously diluted with a small amount of water.
- Take the medicine for 3 weeks, then take a break. This tincture treats prostatitis and varicose veins.
Harm
We must not forget that the catharanthus is poisonous
All medicines prepared on its basis should be taken under the strict supervision of a physician.
- Elevated body temperature
- Vegetovascular dystonia and hypotension
- Peripheral neuritis
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Many people believe that 100 catharanthus flowers have magical powers. But in vain
Magical rites and beliefs are associated with it:
- Flowers keep you young
- Protects from the evil eye
- Protects the home if hung over the front door
- Reconciles lovers after a quarrel
- Saves a person from tongue-tied tongue
In addition to these beliefs, it is believed that witches use it in their rituals. All beliefs are good. It is believed that this plant gives people positive qualities.
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Previously, catharanthus was grown only on window sills. Modern flower growers and designers use it in landscape decoration. Its ampelous varieties are hung in pots on balconies and terraces. They decorate gazebos and use creeping whips on flowerbeds.
Bushes delight the eye with splendor and a large number of flowers. They look flawless in various compositions.
When planting flowers, you need to think about the combination of colors
With correctly selected and placed shades, you will get a beautiful summer composition. Flowers of different varieties will look beautiful, but the same color. Bright, contrasting tones will attract admiring glances.
You can beautifully arrange low bushes garden paths. To do this, plant them along on both sides, creating a floral border.
Quaranthus has taken root in our climate. If desired, you can create a flower greenhouse with him at home. You can decorate garden beds. To do this, you need a little patience and compliance with the above recommendations for caring for him at home.
QATARANTUS. THREE IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER!
Quaranthus - a tropical guest: features of care, planting, reproduction and its health benefits (50 Photos & Videos) + Reviews
This year I sowed exactly as described in the article. I already have 30 cups with this wonderful flower. Sowed in mid-January.