Overview: Impatiens balfourii Hook. f.
Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. is commonly known as Balfour's balsam, poor man's orchid, and Kashmir balsam. This flowering plant belongs to the family Balsaminaceae and is native to the western Himalayas in India and Pakistan. It was named after John Hutton Balfour, a Scottish botanist and professor at the University of Edinburgh.
Appearance
The plant has a bushy growth habit and can reach 30-60 cm in height. The stems are green, angular, and branching. The leaves are elliptical, dark green, and have a serrated edge. The flowers are borne on long stalks and are a striking shade of lavender with a dark purple throat. The blooms are 4 cm in diameter and have five petals with a spur at the base. The fruit is a capsule that bursts open when ripe, scattering the seeds.
Uses
Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers. It has showy flowers that bloom from June to September and can be used to add color to flowerbeds and borders. The plant prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. In traditional medicine, Balfour's balsam has been used to treat skin ailments and digestive problems. However, its medicinal properties have not been extensively studied.
The plant has also been used as a source of dye. The flowers yield a purple dye that can be used to color fabrics and yarn.
The seeds are edible and are used in some cuisines. The seeds are small and have a nutty flavor. They can be roasted or used in sweets and pastries.
Light Requirements
Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. requires partial shade to full shade to grow optimally. Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and the plant to wither. It is ideal to place them in areas with filtered light or under trees.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C). Low temperatures can cause yellowing and shedding of leaves, and frost can damage the plant. Extreme heat can also cause the foliage to become dull or wilted.
Water and Soil Requirements
Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. prefers moist but well-drained soil. It thrives in soils with higher levels of organic matter and with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 5.5-6.5. Provide regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
To cultivate Impatiens balfourii Hook. f., choose a location with partial to full shade and well-drained soil. The plant prefers cool to moderate temperatures and high humidity. Sow the seeds in early spring indoors or outdoors after the last frost. Water well, and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate in around 1-2 weeks. Transplant seedlings to a distance of 4-6 inches once they have two sets of true leaves.
Watering Needs
Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. needs regular watering to maintain moist soil. Water when the surface of the soil dries out as the plant does not tolerate drought well. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases. Avoid watering the leaves as this can cause them to rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, every two weeks during the growing season. Apply at the recommended rate on the fertilizer package and water well after feeding to flush the nutrients into the soil. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Prune Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. to maintain its shape and size and encourage bushy growth. Pinch back the tips of the stems when the plant is around 6 inches tall to create a fuller plant. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and prevent the plant from developing seeds, which can decrease flowering. Cut back the entire plant to a few inches from the ground in the fall after it has finished blooming.
Propagation of Impatiens balfourii Hook. f.
Propagation is an excellent way to give rise to new Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. plants, whether for personal enjoyment or for sale. This species can be propagated in various ways; the most popular being through seeds, stem cuttings, and root division.
Seed Propagation
Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. produces seeds that are relatively easy to germinate. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil at a depth of about 1/4 inch. They should be kept in a warm, moist, and bright location, such as a greenhouse or a windowsill. Germination typically takes between 10 and 14 days.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings are also another effective and straightforward propagation method for Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. They can be taken during the spring or summer months, when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 2-4 inch stem tip and remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Place the pot in a warm, shaded area, and keep the soil consistently moist. Within six to eight weeks, new roots should emerge.
Root Division Propagation
Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. can also be propagated by root division. This method is recommended during the plant's dormant season, usually in the fall. Dig up the plant and carefully separate its roots into small sections, each containing at least one shootbud and several roots. Plant each section in well-draining soil, and water it well. Keep the soil consistently moist and fertilize it as needed. New growth should begin to appear within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Downy mildew: This fungal disease appears as yellowing leaves that drop prematurely. A white, powdery substance may develop on the undersides of leaves. To manage downy mildew, remove infected leaves and stems, and avoid overcrowding plants.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by several soil-borne fungi and typically results in stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering plants and make sure the soil has good drainage.
- Botrytis blight: Also known as gray mold, this disease targets the flowers and leaves of Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. To manage botrytis blight, remove infected plant material and avoid overhead watering that can keep leaves moist.
Pest Management
Several pests may attack Impatiens balfourii Hook. f., including:
- Spider mites: These pests are small, but they can cause significant damage by sucking plant juices and creating a fine web on leaves. To manage spider mites, use a strong spray of water to dislodge them from the plant, or apply a neem oil or insecticidal soap spray.
- Aphids: These soft-bodied insects can quickly multiply and form dense colonies on leaves and stems. They can cause distortion and yellowing of plant tissue. To manage aphids, use a strong spray of water to dislodge them, or apply a neem oil or insecticidal soap spray.
- Thrips: These pests are tiny and hard to see, but they can cause damage to Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. foliage. They leave behind black fecal spots on leaves. To manage thrips, remove infected plant material and avoid overcrowding plants.
