Kataranthus (Catharanthus) - an evergreen perennial plant, belongs to the family circle kutrovyh, looks like a shrub. It has about eight varieties. Tropical countries are considered to be the homeland: Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar Cuba, Java, Africa, Indochina, Indonesia. The exact place of origin cannot be determined.
Description
Katarantus is a flower about 50 centimeters high. At the ends are inflorescences, as well as glossy dense foliage covered with pimples. The plant is very fond of warmth. Growing is possible both in the garden and in the pot. In the process there is nothing difficult, not even an experienced florist can handle it. Under subtropical conditions, a plant of this kind grows by 150 cm. The beauty of the flowers redeems the expended efforts and increased attention.
Catharanthus flowers
By following the rules, you can easily grow a whole gallery of flowers of this kind. Katarantus ampelous - a perennial evergreen, ideal for growing in pots and pots, as shown in the picture. The leaves are elongated, have a dark green color and an elongated shape. The maximum length that can reach is 1.5 meters in height along with the stems. The flowers themselves are 8 cm in diameter. In inflorescences 5 petals. They come in white, pink, with a purple or yellow core.
Note! The flowering period lasts from May to October.
Catharanthus is often sold in stores. You can grow these beautiful flowers yourself. Such a process will bring a lot of pleasure to its owner and will be rewarded with positive emotions, thanks to flowering bushes.
Variant of decorating the facade of the house with a cache-pot
Ampelous Catharanthus: growing from seed
Seed preparation
To get ripe seeds, you need to grow a bush in room conditions, at the right temperature, humidity, lighting, reminiscent of the tropics. The result can be achieved only after six months.
Growing ampelous cataractus from seeds is not difficult. Before sowing, it is necessary to disinfect the seeds. They are wrapped in a piece of gauze and dipped in a weak solution of manganese (ratio 2 g. Per 1 liter of water) for 30-40 minutes. Landing is made at the end of winter - the beginning of spring. The container for seedlings is an ordinary wooden box.
Note! Sow seeds to a depth of 2 cm. The soil should be moist. Top cover with a black bag or foil.
The optimum temperature is 23 degrees. After the shoots appear, the films are removed from the pots and the temperature is lowered to 20 degrees. After 2 weeks, a small amount of fertilizer (phosphorus) is added. As the leaves appear on the trunk, the catharanthus is planted 3-4 shoots in one pot. All this is done to obtain a voluminous and lush bush. In the future, the flower is kept on the windowsill, but not in direct sunlight.
Reproduction of the catharanthus ampel is also possible:
- Cuttings
- Dividing the bush
Propagation of catharanthus by cuttings
A simple way is used by ordinary gardeners. Branches are taken as cuttings after pruning with buds on the trunk. They are placed in a glass of water or directly in moist ground. They also cover with a black bag and observe the temperature in the room 23 degrees. A few days later, rooting occurs. The probability of such plant propagation is 97 percent.
Bush division
In mid-spring, independent processes having a root system are separated from the main stem. Each sprout is placed in a separate pot and watered abundantly. It is important to remember that bright sunshine can harm the plant. After a few days, the roots take root, and successful growth occurs. The following actions after cultivation are the right care and care.
Propagation at home
Cultivation and care of quarantine at home
Katarantus ampelous unpretentious, but still have to care. It must be watered on time, monitor the temperature.
Important! A flower cannot be kept in direct sunlight. This can lead to illness and even death.
Optimal light and comfortable room temperature
The required temperature should be from 18 to 23 degrees. Do not forget about the pedigree of the flower (tropics). In spring, you should regularly take the plant to the garden or just out into the open. An important condition for this plant: warm, calm weather.
The flower is most often placed on the windowsill. If the room has no windows or little sunlight, create artificial lighting. An ordinary 150-watt bulb should be used per square meter. This is quite enough for such a photophilous creature.
Watering and humidity
Proper and timely hydration of the soil and air is in second place after sunlight. Abundant watering is done in hot weather 2 times a day. It is very important to monitor moisture in the soil.
With an excess of water, the root system rots and the flower dies. The humidity level in the room can be controlled using a special device (humidifier). If it is not possible, then you should spray the plant with water from a spray bottle every day.
Additional Information! Pouring expanded clay into a tray with a pot, you can save moisture in the room for a long time.
Indoor cataranthus needs an increased amount of moisture.
A flower in the right conditions.
Typical Diseases and Pests
Beautiful appearance is a sign of a healthy plant. Lethargy, dry leaves, pale color - all this indicates improper care and conditions.
- The appearance of spots and bumps on the surface of the leaves, as well as ulcers on the bottom. The reason for this is the increased humidity of the air and soil.
- Yellow or dry leaf ends - lack of moisture.
- A small number of flowers. Very often in the cold season.
- Increased root activity - time for transplantation.
- Parasites, ticks, spider webs are dangerous enemies. They are brought in by the wind, moving from other plants. The best way to deal with them is disinfection. It is necessary to moisten the brush in an alcohol solution and treat all affected areas once a week.
Katarantus Ampelic in the wild
Possible problems when growing Catharanthus
Katarantus ampelous is a thermophilic plant. His main need is a comfortable temperature in the room or outside the window. Depends on the location of the flower. With proper observance of all flower care items, no problems should arise. Having blossomed flowers, the catharanthus will give its owner beautiful brown flowers and a dense shrub as a token of gratitude. It will be majestically hanging from a height of 2 meters or from a regular windowsill. In the southern regions, cataractus ampelous can be safely bred directly in the open air, since cultivation and care in such a warm climate will benefit the flower, and will not be a burden to its owner.
Note! With a lack of light, the flowers of the catharanthus are deformed, become more elongated and change color.
Such a unique flower is a wonderful decoration of the interior of not only the house or apartment, but also the facade of the building.
