How to grow catnip so that it will bloom rapidly?

As a member of the herb family, in recent years, catharanthus has become a popular potted plant in the market due to its unique leaf shape and beautiful appearance. Almost every family has at least one pot. Most plants have their own secrets to growing well beyond the pot. Let’s learn together how to grow catnip so that it will grow well beyond the pot.

1. Soil conditions

Catharanthus prefers to grow in loose, breathable and well-drained soil. There are a variety of soil formulas available on the market, but a mixture of peat moss, perlite , garden soil, vermiculite and river sand (or crushed stone) is generally recommended.

2. Lighting requirements

Practice has shown that catnip grows more luxuriantly under long-term soft sunlight, and its leaves, stems, flowers and fruits all appear vibrant. If your pomfret plant looks inferior to others, insufficient lighting could be one of the reasons for the difference. Adequate sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis, which helps it accumulate nutrients and promote growth. If the environment is too dark, the plants may grow slowly or be stunted, and in severe cases may even cause the plants to grow too tall or wither. Due to the strong sunlight in summer, appropriate shade is needed to protect the plants.

3. Temperature Management

The catnip is not very adaptable to temperature and cannot withstand extreme high and low temperatures like some plants. At a temperature of approximately 23°C, the plants are most active and grow fastest. If the temperature exceeds 35℃, it is necessary to lower the temperature and increase the humidity by spraying water frequently and increasing ventilation. In a low temperature environment below 10℃, the potted plants should be moved to a warm place indoors and covered with plastic bags to provide additional insulation and moisture retention.

4. Water supply

Catharanthus is not a typical water-loving plant. Even during its peak growth period, its water requirement is relatively low. Therefore, during the maintenance process, it is necessary to control the moisture moderately, especially in spring and autumn, the soil should be kept slightly dry rather than moist to avoid water accumulation. Watering strategies in summer and winter should be adjusted according to actual conditions, and it may be necessary to reduce the frequency of watering or stop watering completely in winter.

5. Fertilization method

Although the catnip does not bloom continuously, its branches and leaves still need sufficient nutrients to grow. When applying fertilizer, you should follow the principle of "applying small amounts of fertilizer frequently" and avoid using fertilizers that are too concentrated or not fully decomposed. The regular frequency of fertilization is about once every 20 days, and fertilization should be stopped during plant dormancy. Before the catnip enters winter dormancy, an additional application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied to promote its resumption of growth in spring.

In short, catnip not only symbolizes happiness and auspiciousness, but is also loved because its leaves release a fresh apple-like scent when touched. The key points of this plant's care include proper soil, light, temperature, water and fertilizer management to ensure its healthy growth and the development of its unique beauty and aroma.