Origin of Impatiens balsamina L.
Impatiens balsamina L., also known as garden balsam or touch-me-not, is native to South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
Common Names for Impatiens balsamina L.
Garden balsam or touch-me-not are the most commonly used names for Impatiens balsamina L. However, it is also known by other vernacular names such as rose balsam, spotted snapweed, and jumping Betty.
Uses of Impatiens balsamina L.
Due to its attractive and colorful appearance, Impatiens balsamina L. is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The flowers come in various shades and bloom continuously throughout the summer and autumn months. The leaves and stems of the plant have some medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, they are used to treat burns, fever, and skin infections. Additionally, some parts of the plant are also used in the cosmetic industry.
General Appearance of Impatiens balsamina L.
Impatiens balsamina L. is an annual flowering plant that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has succulent stems that are slightly hairy. The leaves are alternately arranged, simple, and ovate with a serrated margin. The flowers are single or double and come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and yellow. They have five petals and a spur that contains the nectar. The fruit is a capsule that explodes when touched, releasing the seeds and giving it the common name “touch-me-not.”
Light Requirements
Impatiens balsamina L. requires partial to full shade for its growth. It prefers exposure to morning sun with some shade at midday and afternoon. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and stunt the growth of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for the growth of Impatiens balsamina L. is between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). The plant cannot tolerate frost and temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Hence, it is ideally grown as a summer annual in cooler regions and as a perennial in warmer climates.
Soil Requirements
Impatiens balsamina L. grows well in well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It cannot tolerate drought and its growth may be stunted if the soil is too dry.
Adding organic matter to the soil such as compost or manure will improve the soil's moisture retention and nutrient content. It is also recommended to mulch around the base of the plant to maintain soil moisture and to suppress weed growth.
Cultivation methods for Impatiens balsamina L.
Impatiens balsamina L. is relatively easy to grow and can be cultivated as an annual or perennial outdoor plant. The plant requires well-drained soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should also be fertile, rich in organic matter, and moist. Impatiens balsamina L. can grow well in full shade to partial shade conditions. Planting can be done using seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
Impatiens balsamina L. requires frequent and consistent watering. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged. Inadequate watering can cause the plant to wilt and possibly die. However, overwatering can lead to root rot. Watering should be done early in the day to avoid fungal diseases. The plant should be watered from the base, avoiding splashing water on the leaves.
Fertilization
Impatiens balsamina L. requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and blooming. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season, once every two weeks. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 should be used. Fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus can promote flower growth. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning Impatiens balsamina L. is not necessary, but it can help to promote healthy growth and blooming. The plant should be pinched back, or the stem tips should be removed regularly to encourage bushy growth. Deadheading can also help to remove spent blooms, promoting the growth of new flowers. Additionally, pruning can help to prevent disease and pest infestations by allowing more airflow and sunlight to reach the plant.
Propagation of Impatiens balsamina L.
Impatiens balsamina L. can be propagated through various methods like seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common and easiest method of propagating impatiens is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the matured dried seed heads and stored in a dry and cool place until it's time to plant them. The planting season is usually in the early spring when the temperature is mild, and the soil is moist. The seeds need light to germinate, so it's important not to cover them with soil. It takes about 10 to 20 days for the seeds to germinate, and once they sprout, they should be watered lightly. After the sprouts grow three or more leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent spot in the garden.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another effective way of multiplying impatiens. Select healthy stems with no flowers and cut them with a sharp and sterilized knife. Remove the lower leaves leaving only a few on the tip, and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to promote root growth. Plant the cuttings in a soil mixture that is well-drained and place them in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and water the cuttings sparingly to avoid overwatering. In about two to three weeks, the cuttings should root and start growing new leaves.
Propagation through Division
Impatiens can also be propagated through division. Divide mature and healthy plants in the spring when they start to grow. Dig them out carefully, clean the root ball, and divide them into individual plants with a sharp and sterilized knife. Each division should have sufficient roots and shoots, and then re-plant each one in a pot or directly into the garden. Provide them with adequate water and nutrients for healthy growth.
Disease Management for Impatiens balsamina L.
Impatiens balsamina L. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and development. To manage these diseases, it is essential to practice proper cultural and sanitation measures to prevent the spread of infection.
- Downy Mildew: This fungal disease is one of the most common diseases that affect Impatiens balsamina L. It causes yellowing of the leaves, stunting of growth, and the appearance of white fungus on the underside of the leaves. To manage downy mildew, remove infected plants and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead irrigation and maintain adequate air circulation around the plants.
- Fusarium Wilt: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots, causing them to rot. It results in wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage Fusarium wilt, avoid overwatering, and maintain proper drainage. Infected plants should be removed and disposed of properly.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves, followed by a yellow halo. It can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and provide adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation. Avoid overhead irrigation and wet foliage.
Pest Management for Impatiens balsamina L.
Impatiens balsamina L. is also susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce its productivity. To manage these pests, it is essential to practice proper cultural and sanitation measures, and use appropriate insecticides when necessary.
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and cause a stippling effect. They thrive in hot and dry conditions and can quickly multiply. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plants with water to increase humidity, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: These pests are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of Impatiens balsamina L. They cause discoloration and deformation of the flowers, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage thrips, remove and dispose of infested plant debris and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies: These pests are tiny white insects that cause direct and indirect damage to the plant. They suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. They also secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
