Overview
Impatiens capensis Thunb. is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. It is native to North America, particularly in the eastern and central parts of the United States and parts of Canada.
Common Names
Impatiens capensis Thunb. is commonly known as jewelweed, spotted touch-me-not, orange balsam, or orange jewelweed.
Appearance
Impatiens capensis Thunb. typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet and usually flowers in summer. It has succulent stems with ovate to lanceolate leaves that are 2-4 inches long and alternate on the stem. Its flowers bloom in clusters and are orange-yellow spotted with reddish-brown dots. The plant has a long and slender seedpod that explodes when touched or mature.
Uses
Impatiens capensis Thunb. is known for its medicinal properties. It has been used traditionally to treat skin irritations, poison ivy rash, and insect bites. It is also used as a natural remedy for poison ivy, oak, and sumac exposure owing to its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has also been used for culinary purposes, with the young leaves and shoots added to soups and stews. Additionally, the orange jewelweed is known to help attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a great plant to add to a pollinator garden.
Light Requirements
Impatiens capensis Thunb. prefers moderate to bright indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can lead to scorching of leaves while too little sunlight can lead to leggy growth and decreased flower production. It grows well in partially shaded areas and prefers morning sunlight to afternoon sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Impatiens capensis Thunb. grows best in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (15-24°C). Temperatures outside this range can lead to stunted growth and decreased flower production. It is not frost-resistant and should be grown in areas with mild winters.
Soil Requirements
Impatiens capensis Thunb. prefers moist, well-drained soil. The soil should be lightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.5-6.5. The addition of organic matter such as compost or peat moss can help improve soil quality. Soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Impatiens capensis Thunb. or jewelweed is a herbaceous flowering plant that grows well in partial shade to full sun. It is commonly cultivated in moist, well-drained soil and can thrive in pH levels that range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. When planting, ensure that the spacing between each plant is about 12 to 24 inches to allow for sufficient growth. Jewelweed can be propagated using cuttings or seeds.
Watering needs
Jewelweed is a plant that requires moderate watering. Make sure the soil is evenly moist, and avoid letting it dry out completely. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the plant is not sitting in standing water. During hot or dry weather, it may be necessary to water more often.
Fertilization
Impatiens capensis Thunb. can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks. Avoid fertilizing late in the season as this can interfere with the plant's ability to harden off for winter.
Pruning
Jewelweed benefits from regular pruning to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. For best results, prune in early spring before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged stems and remove any suckers that are growing from the base of the plant. Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and promote fuller growth.
Propagation of Impatiens capensis Thunb.
Impatiens capensis Thunb. is commonly known as jewelweed or touch-me-not. It is a North American native plant that can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
Impatiens capensis Thunb. produces small seeds that can be propagated easily. The seeds should be sown in a mixture of peat and sand in a tray or pot. The tray or pot should be kept in a warm, moist area until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings are big enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots or trays.
Division
Another method for propagating Impatiens capensis Thunb. is by dividing the plant. This can be done either by dividing the existing root ball or by taking stem cuttings. The best time for division is in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
Stem Cuttings
To propagate Impatiens capensis Thunb. through stem cuttings, take a stem with several leaves and cut it from the parent plant. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting into a mixture of peat and sand. Keep the cutting in a warm, moist area until it roots and then transplant it into a pot or tray.
Layering
Another method of propagation is layering. This involves bending a branch of the parent plant to the ground and pegging it down. Cover the area where the branch touches the ground with soil and keep it moist. After a few weeks, roots will start to form, and a new plant will emerge from the base of the branch. Once the new plant has established roots, it can be removed from the original plant and transplanted into a new pot or tray.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens capensis Thunb.
Impatiens capensis Thunb. is a popular plant for its bright orange flowers and lush green foliage, but it is not immune to diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions for managing them:
Diseases
1. Downy mildew: Downy mildew is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, along with white or grayish fuzz on the undersides of leaves. To manage downy mildew, remove and destroy infected plants or plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
2. Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and eventually death of the plant. To manage Fusarium wilt, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting Impatiens capensis Thunb. in areas where the disease has been known to occur.
3. Root rot: Root rot is a common fungal disease that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, along with soft and discolored roots. To manage root rot, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid over-watering, and improve soil drainage.
Pests
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, along with fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. To manage spider mites, remove and destroy severely infested plants, rinse the plant with water, and apply insecticidal soap if necessary.
2. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and curling of leaves. To manage aphids, remove and destroy infected leaves, rinse the plant with water, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
3. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, flying insects that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, along with a sticky substance on the leaves. To manage whiteflies, remove and destroy infected leaves, rinse the plant with water, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
By practicing good sanitation, avoiding over-watering, and applying the appropriate controls, Impatiens capensis Thunb. can remain healthy and beautiful for years to come.
