Origin
Impatiens elegantissima Gilg is a plant species that belongs to the Balsaminaceae family. The plant is endemic to East Africa, specifically in Tanzania, where it naturally grows in the Uluguru Mountains at an altitude of 1500–2000 meters above sea level.
Common Names
Impatiens elegantissima Gilg is commonly known as the "Elegant Balsam" or "Elegant jewelweed" due to its graceful appearance. The plant is also sometimes referred to as "Uluguru Impatiens" in reference to its origin in the Uluguru Mountains.
Appearance
Impatiens elegantissima Gilg is an attractive, fast-growing herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 1 meter tall. It has deep-green, serrated leaves that are ovate and measure 5-18 cm long. The plant produces stunning flowers that bloom from late summer to early autumn, and the flowers are typically 4 cm in diameter, with five petals that are bright-red, purple, or pinkish-red in color. The flowers also have a distinct yellow spot on the upper petal that acts as a guide for pollinators.
Uses
Impatiens elegantissima Gilg is a popular plant among gardeners due to its ornamental value. The plant is often used as an accent plant in flower beds and borders, and it can also be grown in pots and containers. Additionally, the plant is known for its medicinal properties. The juice extracted from the leaves and stems of the plant is used in traditional medicine in Tanzania to treat skin conditions such as boils and wounds.
Growth Conditions for Impatiens elegantissima Gilg
Impatiens elegantissima Gilg is a shade-loving perennial plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Below are some essential growth factors to consider when cultivating this plant:
Light
Impatiens elegantissima Gilg prefers growing in partially shaded environments with dappled sunlight exposure. This plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it may cause leaf scorching and other damage. It thrives in places such as under tree canopies shade houses, and partially shaded gardens where sunlight is filtered through the leaves of trees or other plants.
Temperature
The plant prefers to grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C during the day and 16°C to 25°C at night. This plant usually cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C. During the winter season, it's best to grow Impatiens elegantissima Gilg in greenhouses to maintain optimal temperatures and protect it from frost damage.
Soil
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, light, and loamy. A pH level of 5.5 to 6.8 is ideal. Impatiens elegantissima Gilg will not grow well in compact soil with poor aeration. The soil's moisture level should be kept consistently moist since it values shade, and the soil may not dry out as quickly as in sunlit areas.
In summary, Impatiens elegantissima Gilg thrives in partial shade, a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C, and well-draining, moist soil. Taking into account these factors and creating an optimal environment for the plant will lead to healthy growth and an attractive display.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens elegantissima Gilg, commonly known as the elegant impatiens, is native to the tropical regions of East Africa. To cultivate this plant successfully, replicate these conditions in your garden. Grow the plant in an area that receives partial to full shade. It also grows well in an environment that is sheltered from strong winds.
Choose a location with well-draining, moist soil. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. Prepare the soil by digging to a depth of 12 inches, and adding compost to it.
Watering Needs
The impatiens elegantissima requires frequent watering to thrive. Water the plants once or twice a week, or whenever the ground feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering. Ensure you water the plants at the base, as water on the leaves can encourage fungal diseases.
Fertilization
For the impatiens elegantissima, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer bi-weekly to support growth and flowering. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize the plant as this could lead to excessive foliage growth and few flowers.
Pruning
Pruning this plant is essential to encourage bushier and compact growth. Impatiens elegantissima responds well to pruning, and it is best to do it after flowering. Cut back the top third of the stems using sharp, sterilized pruning shears. Doing this will help remove any leggy growth, encourage new shoots, and prevent the plant from becoming lanky.
Propagation of Impatiens elegantissima Gilg
There are different propagation methods that can be used for Impatiens elegantissima Gilg. This species can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is a reliable way of propagating the Impatiens elegantissima Gilg plant. Seeds produced by this plant are viable and can germinate quickly. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and sown in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist by spraying the soil with water. The germination process usually takes between 1 to 2 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another effective way of propagating Impatiens elegantissima Gilg. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut a section of about 10cm from the tip of the stem. Remove the lower leaves leaving only the top pair. Dip the cut stem in hormone rooting powder and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting and keep it in a warm area that is shaded. The cutting should root within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Impatiens elegantissima Gilg. It involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections. To do this, carefully dig up the plant and divide the root ball into sections using a sharp, clean knife. Ensure that each section has roots and shoots. Plant each division in a separate pot with well-draining soil and water it. Keep the plant in a shaded area and moisten the soil. The plant should start to grow within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Impatiens elegantissima Gilg is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it is susceptible to a few diseases, including:
- Downy Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing of the leaves and a white or gray, fuzzy growth on the undersides of the leaves. To manage this disease, you should remove any infected plant materials and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides containing copper or mancozeb can also be used to control it.
- Fusarium Wilt: This disease causes yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. There is no cure for this disease, so it is best to remove and destroy any infected plants and avoid planting impatiens in the same location for several years.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Impatiens elegantissima Gilg is vulnerable to attacks by pests. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil.
- Thrips: These insects cause discoloration of the leaves and flowers and can transmit viruses. They can be controlled by using sticky traps or insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These pests can chew holes in the leaves and can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or insecticidal soap.
