Overview
Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. It is a native to central Africa, particularly in the countries of Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, and Rwanda.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Dwarf Impatiens and Short-spurred Impatiens.
General Appearance
Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. is a herbaceous plant that typically reaches a height of about 10 to 20 centimeters. It has a slender stem that is often tinged with red. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have an ovate to oblong shape. They are about 2-3 cm long and 1.5-3 cm wide.
The flowers of this plant are the main attraction. They are solitary and are usually borne on pedicels that arise from the leaf axils. They are quite small, about 1 cm in diameter, and have five petals that are pinkish-purple in color. The flowers have a characteristic spur that is shorter than the sepals. The fruit of Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. is a capsule that is about 1.5cm long and contains numerous seeds.
Uses
Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. is mainly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is particularly popular for its attractive flowers and compact size, making it suitable for small garden spaces and as a ground cover. The plant prefers moist, shaded conditions and is often grown as an indoor plant or in pots on a patio. The leaves and flowers of the plant are also used in traditional medicine to treat fevers and other ailments in some African countries.
Typical Growth Conditions for Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild.
Light: Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. thrives in bright but indirect light. This means that indoor growers should place the plant near a bright, filtered window or use artificial light if needed. Outdoors, the plant can be grown in partial or dappled shade.
Temperature: Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures. The plant grows best in daytime temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F) and nighttime temperatures between 18-21°C (64-70°F).
Soil Requirements: Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5-6.5. Vermiculite or perlite can be added to improve drainage. Avoid soils that are heavy or clayey.
Watering: Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. likes moist soil but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but do not let the soil dry out completely. The plant can be sensitive to overwatering, so it's important not to let water sit in the bottom of the pot or saucer.
Fertilizer: Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization during its growing season. Use a water-soluble fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct dosage and frequency.
Humidity: Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. prefers high humidity levels. A humidifier can be used indoors to increase humidity, or the plant can be placed on a pebble tray filled with water to mimic a moist environment. Be careful not to let the plant's leaves touch the water.
Propagation: Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. can be propagated by stem cuttings or by division. Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and rooted in moist soil. Division should be done in early spring before the growing season begins.
Pests and Diseases: Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, thrips, fungal leaf spots, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and proper care can help prevent and treat these problems.
Cultivation Methods for Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild.
Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild., also known as short-spurred impatiens, is a great addition to any garden. This plant variety requires warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost. It grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is recommended to plant Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. in the shade or semi-shade. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs for Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild.
Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. requires moist soil at all times. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Watering should be done in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not as strong to reduce the risk of wilting.
Fertilization of Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild.
Fertilizing Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. should be done during the growing season. Choose a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant once every two weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions. Overfertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning of Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild.
Pruning Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. is not necessary, but it can help promote bushier growth and a fuller shape. Pinch off any dead or faded flowers to encourage more blooms. Any leggy stems can be cut back to the desired length. It is important to use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent damaging the plant.
Propagation of Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild.
Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild., commonly known as the short-spurred impatiens, is a perennial plant that is predominantly found in the highlands of East Africa. The plant is a member of the Balsaminaceae family, which includes several species of impatiens. Propagation is an essential aspect of plant growth, and there are various methods of propagating Impatiens brevicalcarata.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the common methods of propagating Impatiens brevicalcarata. The plant produces seeds abundantly, which are best planted in a moist potting mix. When planting the seeds, they should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. The seeds usually germinate within two weeks when placed in a warm and humid environment.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Impatiens brevicalcarata is through cuttings. This method is ideal for individuals who want to produce identical plants. For successful cuttings propagation, it's best to take cuttings from the plant's healthiest growth. Afterward, the cuttings should be potted into a moist potting mix and kept warm and humid. With enough time, the cutting will take root and grow into a healthy, mature plant.
Division Propagation
Division is also another method of propagating Impatiens brevicalcarata. The plant's roots and rhizomes are divided into sections and re-potted into new containers. This method is best carried out when the plant has outgrown its current container or is exhibiting signs of being root-bound.
Overall, Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. is an easy-to-propagate plant that is an excellent addition to any garden. By implementing any of these propagation methods, gardeners can produce several healthy impatiens while enjoying their home garden.
Disease Management
Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. is prone to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. The following are some of the most common diseases that affect this plant:
- Impatiens Downy mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus-like pathogen and can cause stunted growth, leaf yellowing, leaf drop, and death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overhead irrigation, remove and destroy infected plants, and apply fungicides as a preventative measure.
- Botrytis Blight: It is caused by a fungus and characterized by brown spots on the leaves and stem. It can weaken the plant and lead to its death. To manage this disease, prune infected parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
- Rhizoctonia Damping-off: It is a fungal disease common in seedlings that causes them to rot and die. To manage this disease, use sterile soil and seeds, avoid overcrowding, and apply fungicides.
- Cercospora Leaf Spot: It shows small, circular spots with a dark purple border and gray centers on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected leaves, providing good air circulation, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Several pests can cause damage to the Impatiens brevicalcarata De Wild. The following are some of the most common pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and cause the leaves to appear to have a dusty appearance. They can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant, pruning infected parts, and applying insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that attack leaves and tender shoots. They can be managed by washing them off with a strong spray of water, introducing predators like ladybugs, and applying insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are soft-bodied larvae that feed on the leaves. They can be managed by picking them off by hand, introducing natural predators like birds, or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
- Slugs and Snails: These pests feed on the leaves and leave slime trails behind. They can be managed by picking them off by hand, creating a barrier of copper tape or diatomaceous earth around the plant, or applying iron phosphate baits.
