Impatiens Balsamina L.

Origin of Impatiens balsamina L.

Impatiens balsamina L., commonly known as garden balsam or rose balsam, belongs to the Balsaminaceae family. It is a plant native to India and Myanmar and is widely cultivated in gardens globally.

Common Names of Impatiens balsamina L.

Impatiens balsamina L. is commonly known as garden balsam or rose balsam. Other common names include touch-me-not, snapweed, jumping Betty, and lady slipper.

Uses of Impatiens balsamina L.

Impatiens balsamina L. is widely grown in gardens due to its attractive, brightly coloured flowers that bloom throughout summer. Its seeds are employed in traditional medicine for their laxative properties, treating coughs, and skin conditions. The plant is also a source of essential oil used in the cosmetic and perfume industry.

General Appearance of Impatiens balsamina L.

Impatiens balsamina L. is a bushy, annual shrub that grows up to 60 cm in height. Its stems are fleshy, brittle, and succulent, with branches extending laterally. The plant has alternate leaves, ovate in shape, and toothed margins. They are a delicate green and grow up to 8 cm in length and 5 cm in width. The flowers are solitary or clustered, bisexual and have five petals, with different colours ranging from white, pink, rose, purple, and red, to bicoloured. The fruit of Impatiens balsamina L. is a capsule that explodes when ripe, scattering seeds up to one meter away from the mother plant.

Light Requirements

Impatiens balsamina L. requires partial shade to grow well. Exposing the plant to direct sunlight for an extended period can damage the leaves and reduce flower production. It is best to plant the flowers in an area with filtered light or where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

Temperature Requirements

Impatiens balsamina L. requires warm temperatures to grow successfully. The recommended temperature range is between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting these flowers in colder temperatures can slow down growth and cause damage to the leaves. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the temperature is within the recommended range.

Soil Requirements

Impatiens balsamina L. prefers rich, moist soil that is well-drained. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range from 6.0 to 6.5. A well-draining soil will prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. To improve the soil's quality, adding organic matter such as compost can provide necessary nutrients and ensure proper drainage.

Cultivation Methods

Impatiens balsamina L., also known as garden balsam or rose balsam, is a warm weather annual plant that requires a soil temperature between 75-80°F for seed germination. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal time to plant them is in the spring when the risk of frost has passed. The plant thrives in partial shade to full sun, but it needs protection from the hot afternoon sun to prevent wilting. Once established, garden balsam is easy to care for and maintain.

Watering Needs

Impatiens balsamina L. prefers consistently moist soil that is well-draining to prevent root rot. It's essential to water the plant regularly during dry spells and hot weather. However, overwatering should be avoided since it can cause waterlogging and prevent the roots from getting enough oxygen. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering to avoid waterlogging.

Fertilization

Garden balsams require moderate to high levels of fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied once a month during the growing season. That being said, it is best not to apply fertilizer during the flowering stage. Instead, use a fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage flower growth, but only apply it once every two weeks.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for Impatiens balsamina L. to encourage bushy growth, prevent legginess, and promote more prolific flowering. Prune the plants when they are about six inches in height by pinching off the tips of the stems with your fingers. This will encourage the plant to grow bushier rather than taller. Also, any dead or diseased parts of the plant should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease and maintain a tidy appearance.

Propagation of Impatiens balsamina L.

Impatiens balsamina L., commonly known as garden balsam, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. This plant is mainly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.

Seed Propagation

Seed propagation is the most common method used for Impatiens balsamina L. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started in pots. Here are the steps for propagating through seeds:

1. Prepare the soil by adding compost and fertilizer.
2. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch and water the soil thoroughly.
3. Provide sufficient light and warmth, with temperatures around 70°F to 75°F.
4. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and germination should take place within 7 to 14 days.
5. After the seedlings have grown to a height of 2 inches, thin them out to prevent overcrowding.

Stem Cutting Propagation

Another method of propagation is through stem cuttings. This method is used to produce new plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant. Here are the steps for propagating through stem cuttings:

1. Take a stem cutting from a healthy plant that is around 4 to 6 inches long.
2. Remove the lower leaves to leave around 2 to 3 sets of leaves at the top of the cutting.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it into a pot filled with moist soil.
4. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to increase humidity and prevent moisture loss.
5. Place the pot in a brightly-lit area away from direct sunlight and keep the soil moist.
6. Within a few weeks, the cutting should have developed roots.
7. Remove the plastic and transplant the new plant to a bigger pot or directly into the garden.

Propagation is a simple and effective way of increasing the number of Impatiens balsamina L. in your garden. By following these methods, you can successfully grow new plants with ease.

Pest and Disease Management for Impatiens Balsamina

Impatiens Balsamina, also known as Garden Balsam or Rose Balsam, is a beautiful and popular annual ornamental plant. It produces showy blooms in a variety of colors in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests which can damage or even kill the plant. In this article, we will discuss some of the common pests and diseases that affect Impatiens Balsamina and suggest ways to manage them.

Common Pests

Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap. They cause distorted leaves, stunted growth, and can transmit plant viruses. To manage aphids, spray the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or use insecticidal soap.

Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny mites that feed on the plant's sap, leaving yellow, stippled leaves behind. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with water frequently and keep them away from hot and dry locations or use insecticidal soap.

Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white, moth-like insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing wilting, yellowing of leaves, and plant death. To manage whiteflies, introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases

Pythium Root Rot: Pythium Root Rot is a common soil-borne disease that affects Impatiens Balsamina. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and plant death. To manage Pythium Root Rot, avoid over-watering and use well-draining soil. Ensure proper drainage and do not allow water to accumulate around the plant's roots.

Botrytis Blight: Botrytis Blight is a fungal disease that affects Impatiens Balsamina during humid or wet weather. Symptoms include brown spots on leaves and blooms, and wilting of flowers. To manage Botrytis Blight, remove infected plants immediately and avoid overhead watering. Ensure good air circulation, which will aid in drying plants quickly.

Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus: Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus is a viral disease that affects Impatiens Balsamina. Symptoms include curled leaves, mottled yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus, remove infected plants immediately and avoid overhead watering.

Overall, the best way to prevent pests and diseases affecting your Impatiens Balsamina is to maintain a healthy growing environment and to monitor the plants closely. Early detection and management are key to keeping your plants healthy and productive.