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Catharanthus roseus
A small flowering plant that loves sun and heat: flowers all summer on a balcony or a terrace.
At a glance
Care
For each area, the instruction specific to this plant, then the general principle that explains why.
For this plant
The principle
A low need means a clear dry-then-wet cycle. Wait until the top two thirds of the substrate are dry, water until it runs from the base, then empty the saucer ten minutes later. Permanently moist soil suffocates roots far faster than dryness starves them.
For this plant
The principle
Full sun means six hours or more of direct light a day. These plants build thick foliage and dense tissue to cope with it; in insufficient light they stretch, lengthen their internodes and lose their compact habit. After buying or repotting, reintroduce direct sun gradually over ten to fifteen days to avoid scorch.
For this plant
The principle
A fast grower exhausts its substrate quickly: a half-strength feed every two to three weeks from March to October beats one strong monthly dose. A new leaf smaller than the last almost always signals depleted soil or a pot that has become too tight.
For this plant
The principle
This plant takes Moroccan heat peaks, chergui included, without lasting damage. Above 40 °C it simply pauses its growth: that is a protection, not a sign of distress. Cold exposes it more — watch winter nights at altitude and inland.
Yearly rhythm
Calendar derived from the plant's profile — water need, heat tolerance, environment and growth rate — applied to the Moroccan climate; adjust it to your city, your exposure and your substrate.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watering | Watering in January: Reduced | Watering in February: Reduced | Watering in March: Reduced | Watering in April: Reduced | Watering in May: Reduced | Watering in June: Regular | Watering in July: Regular | Watering in August: Regular | Watering in September: Regular | Watering in October: Reduced | Watering in November: Reduced | Watering in December: Reduced |
| Feeding | Feeding in January: Nothing to do | Feeding in February: Nothing to do | Feeding in March: Regular | Feeding in April: Sustained | Feeding in May: Sustained | Feeding in June: Sustained | Feeding in July: Sustained | Feeding in August: Sustained | Feeding in September: Regular | Feeding in October: Nothing to do | Feeding in November: Nothing to do | Feeding in December: Nothing to do |
| Pruning | Pruning in January: Nothing to do | Pruning in February: Regular | Pruning in March: Regular | Pruning in April: Nothing to do | Pruning in May: Nothing to do | Pruning in June: Nothing to do | Pruning in July: Nothing to do | Pruning in August: Nothing to do | Pruning in September: Nothing to do | Pruning in October: Nothing to do | Pruning in November: Nothing to do | Pruning in December: Nothing to do |
Morocco
Our observations city by city, crossed with the local climate. A city that is missing is not a refusal: it simply has not been documented for this plant yet.
We have not documented this plant city by city yet. Write to us and we will answer with the detail for your neighbourhood.
Diagnosis
The three most common disorders on a plant with this profile, and the move that corrects them.
What you see
Lower leaves turning yellow and dropping at the slightest touch while the surface still feels fresh.
Likely cause
Watering too close together: the roots never get to breathe between two doses.
The right move
Switch to a clear cycle — dry through two thirds of the depth, then a thorough watering with full drainage. Always empty the saucer and raise the pot on feet if needed.
What you see
Stems stretching towards the window, long internodes, new leaves smaller and paler.
Likely cause
Not enough light. A full-sun plant three metres from a window receives less than a tenth of what it asks for.
The right move
Move it to the brightest glazing or out onto a balcony, reacclimatising it to direct sun over two weeks. Cut back the stretched shoots: it will regrow compact.
What you see
Grey dust on the foliage, growth slowing with no obvious cause.
Likely cause
A dusty blade captures markedly less light, and city dust in Morocco builds up fast.
The right move
Wipe the leaves with a damp sponge every month, upper and lower surfaces. Avoid leaf-shine products, which block the stomata.
Take the step
Every available size, the premium setup and delivery across Morocco are on the product page.