How to Grow and Care for Vinca Vine Indoors

Vinca vine’s trailing stems and variegated leaves adapt well to indoor life. Its cascading growth is well-suited for hanging baskets or as a “spiller” in mixed containers. Growing this plant indoors allows for year-round enjoyment of its foliage. With proper care, a vinca vine is a low-maintenance and visually appealing houseplant.

Indoor Vinca Vine Care

For healthy indoor growth, vinca vine requires bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is a good location. While it can handle lower light, its growth may become less dense and variegation can fade. Avoid placing it in direct afternoon sun, as this can scorch the leaves.

Use a standard, well-draining potting mix, amended with organic matter like peat moss for nutrients. The pot must have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Repot annually or when the plant becomes root-bound in its container.

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, letting excess water drain away. Water deeply and less frequently rather than giving small, frequent amounts. Reduce watering during the winter as growth slows. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water to avoid root decay.

Vinca vines prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) but are adaptable to household levels. They have no special humidity needs but benefit from misting in very dry air. During the spring and summer, feed every four to six weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength.

Pruning and Maintaining Appearance

Regular pruning is beneficial for maintaining shape and encouraging a fuller plant. Pinching back the tips of the trailing stems prevents the plant from becoming leggy and stimulates new growth, resulting in a bushier appearance. For vines that become too long, cut them back to a desired length just above a leaf node. This encourages new shoots and the trimmings can be used for propagation.

Common Indoor Problems

Indoors, vinca vines can be susceptible to pests like spider mites and aphids. Spider mites create fine webbing under leaves, while aphids cause yellowing. Wash pests off with water or treat the plant with insecticidal soap.

Leggy growth, where stems are long and sparse, is another common issue caused by insufficient light. While pruning helps, the primary solution is to move the plant to a brighter location. This addresses the root cause and encourages more compact growth.

Propagating Vinca Vine

Propagating vinca vine is easily done using stem cuttings in spring or summer. Select a healthy stem and take a 4-6 inch cutting, ensuring it does not have any flowers. Cut just below a leaf node and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. You can place the cutting in a glass of water or dip the end in rooting hormone and plant it directly into a pot with a moist, well-draining mix. Roots should develop within a few weeks, at which point a water-rooted cutting can be transferred to soil.