Origin
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson is a species of flowering plant in the family Balsaminaceae. It is endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania, where it grows in the montane forests at elevations of 1600-2200m above sea level.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Witte's Impatiens or Burton's balsam.
Appearance
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 30cm tall. It has numerous stems that emerge from a short upright rhizome. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate, and up to 20cm long and 10cm wide. The flowers are bright pink, produced in clusters of 2-6, and up to 2cm across. The flowers have a spur that is longer than the rest of the flower, which contains nectar that attracts pollinators such as birds and insects.
Uses
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei is mainly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks because of its bright and attractive flowers. In traditional medicine, the roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as coughs, wounds, and malaria. There is also some interest in the plant's potential pharmacological properties as some studies have shown antifungal and antibacterial effects of its extracts.
Light Requirements:
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson thrives in bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight may cause the leaves and flowers to wilt or even burn. Therefore, it is essential to provide around 4-5 hours of filtered sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimal temperature for Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson to grow is between 15°C and 22°C (59°F to 72°F). It is crucial to keep the plant away from heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces, as it may cause its leaves to dry out. In contrast, extremely low temperatures can affect the growth of the plant. Therefore, it is best to keep the temperature in a moderate range to promote healthy growth.
Soil Requirements:
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix should be able to hold moisture without becoming waterlogged. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. One can add peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite to improve the texture and drainage of the soil. Fertilizers can be added regularly during the growing season to provide necessary nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson is a relatively easy plant to grow. It is a shade-loving plant that thrives in well-draining, moist soil. It prefers a cool and humid environment, which makes it an ideal houseplant.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. It is best to sow them in spring or early summer using seed trays filled with compost-rich soil. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots once they reach a height of 10-15 cm.
Watering Needs
Impatiens burtonii var. wittei needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, it is essential not to overwater as this can cause the roots to rot. Water the plant once a week during the growing season and reduce the frequency during winter.
Avoid watering from the top as the leaves may be susceptible to fungal infections. Instead, water the plant from the bottom, allowing the soil to absorb the moisture.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth, it is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer. Use of a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended.
Avoid fertilizing the plant during winter when it is not actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Impatiens burtonii var. wittei. However, pinching off the tips of the stems can encourage bushier growth. If the plant becomes leggy, cutting back the stems may be necessary to encourage new growth.
Deadheading the spent flowers can prolong the flowering season as it encourages the production of new blooms.
Propagation of Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei can be propagated by both seed and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The seed of Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei can be sown directly onto the soil surface after the last frost date in spring. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Seeds typically germinate in one to two weeks. To maximize success, the soil temperature should be kept around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Plants grown from seed should be ready for transplanting after six to eight weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to take a 6-8cm (2-3 inch) section of stem from a healthy plant, taking care not to damage the parent plant. Remove the lower leaves and the flowers, as these can drain energy from the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a small pot filled with well-draining soil. Cover the pot with clear plastic to maintain humidity and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Store the pot in a warm, bright place that receives no direct sunlight. Rooting should occur in three to four weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or container.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson is a highly valued plant in the horticultural industry because of its attractive flowers and foliage. However, like most plants, it is also prone to diseases and pest attacks. Proper management of these problems can help ensure the plant’s health and vitality.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that forms a white or gray powder-like substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Another disease that can affect this plant is impatiens necrotic spot virus, which causes yellowing, wilting, and necrosis of the leaves.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove any diseased plant material and improve air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity. Fungicides can also be applied to protect new growth. To manage impatiens necrotic spot virus, it is vital to remove any infected plants and control thrips, which are the primary vector for the virus.
Common Pests
Some pests that can attack Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson include aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips. These pests can cause leaf curling, discoloration, and distortion. Aphids and spider mites are sap-sucking pests that can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. Whiteflies and thrips are flying insects that can be controlled with sticky traps or insecticides.
Preventive Measures
Preventive measures play an important role in controlling diseases and pests in Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson. These include regular inspection of the plant for signs of disease and pest infestations, proper irrigation to avoid waterlogging, and avoiding overhead watering, which can encourage the growth of fungal diseases. Additionally, it is helpful to plant the Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson in a location with good air circulation, away from other susceptible hosts.
By following these management practices, you can keep your Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. wittei (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson healthy and vibrant, and enjoy its blooms for years to come.
