Vinca is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae. The flower is native to Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. Vinca (Catharanthus roseus), commonly referred to as Periwinkle, is an evergreen perennial that blooms in the spring and summer. This flower is both heat and drought tolerant. It will grow in evenly moist soil but does not like standing water.
Vinca has a fibrous root system that stretches horizontally which can absorb moisture before it seeps down into the soil. This easy to maintain flower can survive with less water versus too much water. Overwatering this plant can be harmful and it is difficult for the plant to recover.
Vinca Plant That Needs Watered
How To Tell If Vinca Needs Watered
To begin with, make sure that your Vinca is planted in well-draining soil. This heat and drought tolerant plant can handle moist soil, but does not thrive in standing water. During particularly dry summers or drought conditions, you may see Vinca leaves curl up. This is merely the plant trying to conserve moisture during the heat of the day. The leaves should uncurl when the temperature drops again.
On the other hand, if you notice the leaves drooping or wilting, then this is cause for concern. Your vinca is thirsty and needs water immediately. Do not allow the leaves to wilt for very long as the plant is hard to revive once this begins.
A Vinca plant can die from overwatering as well. Excessively wet soil can cause fungal diseases such as blight or leaf spot. Infected plants will start to show yellow to dark brown spots on the leaves. The Vinca plant will need to be treated as soon as possible.
Same Vinca Plant 12 Hours Later
How Often To Water Vinca
Newly planted Vinca should be watered well until established. Depending on if the plant is in a sunny location, this may mean daily for the first week. Switch to every other day watering during the second week. Make sure that the soil is allowed to dry between waterings. This plant can suffer from sitting in wet soil for too long.
Vinca plants are heat and drought tolerant. Once established, typically the flowers will need water every other week. Follow the general rule that if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, then water the plant. If the Vinca is receiving regular rainfall, then additional water is not needed.
Vincas growing in containers can follow the same guidelines as stated above. Keep in mind that plants in containers tend to dry out a lot faster. Be sure that the pot you choose has drainage holes as this plant does not like wet roots.
Best Time To Water Vinca
Vinca plants growing in gardens, containers or indoors should be watered during the morning hours. This will allow the excess water to drain out or evaporate throughout the day. If the plants are watered in the evening, the extra water will remain on the plant or in the soil which can cause fungal infections. Vincas are heat and drought tolerant, so less water will be needed as the weather cools off in the fall.
How to Water Vinca
Step 1 - Water only when the soil is dry.
Apply water when the soil is dry to the touch 2 inches down.
Step 2 - Apply water directly to the soil around the plant.
Avoid getting the foliage wet, aiming at the base of the plant.
Step 3 - Slowly water the soil.
Water the plant to about 6 inches deep.
Step 4 - Water during the early morning hours.
Early morning watering allows the excess water to evaporate during the day.
Vinca Watering Tips
- Avoid over watering Vinca
- Water Vinca every other week.
- Water when the soil is dry to the touch 2 inches down.
- Container Vinca may need additional watering.
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Author Chris Link - Published 10-08-2021 |