Vinca care and details:Fast growing plants with medicinal value
Vinca or Sadabahar are fast-growing evergreen and ground covering plants grown mostly for their colorful flowers which contrasts the dark green leaves. Vinca care is easy and they can do well full sunlight or event medium sunlight. Since the plants are fast-growing and low lying they are suitably used as a ground cover in gardens and other places.
Vinca Care and Quick Details
| Other Common Names | Vinca, periwinkle, Sadabahar |
| Type | Flowering ornamental outdoor plant. |
| Maintenance | Low/ moderate |
| Flowering | Summer (throughout the year) |
| Light | Bright direct light |
| Water | Regular watering or when the soil is dry |
| Temperature | Can survive the harsh climate |
| Soil | Any well-drained potting soil |
| Fertilizer | Any house plant fertilizer |
| Habitat | Europe, Africa, Asia |
| Toxicity | Mild toxicity to pets. |
| Common Diseases | Aphids, blight, root and crown rot |
| Scientific name | Vinca rosea |
Vinca Buying Instructions
- Buy a small and bushy plant.
- Plant should look healthy.
- Vinca comes in various colors so buy plant of your choice.
- Vinca care is very easy which makes it perfect choice for the gardening beginners.
Overview of Vinca
This is a genus of flowering plants in the Apocynaceae family. They are native to Europe, North-West Africa, and South-West Asia. These plants subshrubs or herbaceous, with slender stems with a length of 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft ) and does not exceed over 20–70 cm (8–27.5 in) above ground; stems frequently take root where they meet the ground, allowing the plant to spread widely.
They are evergreen in most of the species except for in V. herbacea where the plant dries during winter. The flowers are small, 2.5–7 cm (0.98–2.76 in) long, developed during most of the growing season, with five typically violet (occasionally white) petals joined together at the base to form a tube. The leaves are opposite, flat, wide to ovate laneolate. There are seven species of vinca the most common being Vinca major and Vinca minor
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Special features:
They are easy growing plants with medicinal properties.
Usage and Advantage of Vinca
- Used as an ornamental plant.
- The alkaloids extracted are used for the treatment of tumors.
- Used as disinfectant
- Also used in the treatment of diabetes and blood pressure.
- Vinca Care is very minimal if provided proper conditions and can be with you for long time.
General Vinca Care
Special Vinca care
Vinca do not need pruning for proper growth or flowering. However, pruning can be done to have a bushier appearance.
Soil
Vinca can grow in any kind of well-drained soil. However, the addition of compost or fertilizer during the time of planting helps in the proper growth of the plant.
Watering
Vinca are mostly drought tolerant but watering them when the topsoil seems dry can help them to grow and thrive. Over-watering of vinca can result in root rot.
Light
Vinca require proper direct sunlight for flowering. However, vinca grows in the presence of partial sunlight. A layer of topsoil can be added during summers to protect the plant from harsh climatic conditions.
Fertilizer
Any common garden fertilizer can be used while planting the cuttings or the division. However, the addition of fertilizers regularly helps in increasing the bloom.
Pests and other problems for Vinca
Aphid attacks can be common in vinca. This can be treated by spraying neem oil or soap water.
Excess watering can lead to root rot.
Botrytis blight: Caused due to Botrytis cinerea. The leaves and the flowers near the soil rot and have a covering of gray fungal growth.
Root and crown rot: Caused due to Phytophthora spp. The root and crown develop dark spots that spread to the whole plant. This can cause the plant to wilt and dry.
Control: The fungal infections can be controlled by reducing the moisture content around the plant and by removing the dead or infected parts. In severe cases, fungicides can be used.
Propagation of Vinca
Vinca can be propagated through division, stem cutting, and through seeds.
Division: For the effective growth of the plant after division, it is always advisable to plant the divided parts during fall. The main plant is selected and is separated into bunches and planted in soil.
Stem cutting : It can be done anytime during the growing season. New growth is selected which does not bear any bloom and is cut to a length of 2-6 inches with at least 3 sets of leaves. The leaves are cleared from the bottom half and the stem cutting is planted in the soil and watered regularly till new roots develop. A rooting hormone can be used. Covering the stem cutting with plastic bags helps in retaining the humidity and keeping the soil moist.
Seed: Seeds can also be used to propagate. The seeds are sown in the soil and watered continuously till the seedlings appear. Make sure the soil does not have excess water.
