Catharanthus roseus 'Soiree® Lavender'

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

General houseplant fertiliser

Feed this plant with a general houseplant fertiliser.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed regularly during growth

This plant needs feeding for optimum foliage growth and flowering. Feed regularly, but moderately. Feeding at alternate waterings while growing, Spring to Autumn, will encourage gentle growth. Don’t feed in winter. Follow the feed manufacturer's guidance.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Keep moist, but not standing in water

Keep moist at all times. Water more sparingly in winter, keep the compost just moist.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Put pot in water until compost is moist

Stand the pot in water to allow the compost to absorb water from below until it is moist.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth.

Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Spring · Planting

Repot yearly

Repot yearly if grown in a pot. Move it to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. Some of the old compost can be shaken away, but don't disturb the roots too much.

Be careful to ensure the roots are spread out in the new pot, and that the plant is sitting on compost and not an air pocket. Firm the soil gently, and make sure that the plant sits at the same level above the soil as it did previously.

Winter · Outdoors

Water sparingly during dormancy

In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.

When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.

Winter-Spring · Planting

Protect from winter cold

Bring the plant into a frost-free area before frosts occur, and do not put them outside until all danger of frost is past. Follow watering instructions, or allow the plant a period of dormancy during the winter.

Plants need to be brought inside in cold areas, i.e. colder than zone 8.

Compost · Planting

Houseplant compost for repotting

Repot using any good quality house plant compost.

Indoor temperature · Planting

Average room, cooler room (min 13C/56F) in winter

This plant thrives in average or cool rooms when grown as a houseplant (average room temperature is around 20C/68F). The minimum advisable temperatures at night and in the colder months are 13C/56F.

Compost · Planting

Multi-purpose compost

Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a bright spot, no direct sun

Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.