Origin and Common Names
Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson, also known as Engler's Impatiens, is a species of flowering plant native to Africa, specifically found in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It is a member of the family Balsaminaceae and the genus Impatiens, which consists of over 1,000 species of annual and perennial herbs and shrubs.
Appearance
Engler's Impatiens is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1m tall. It has a bushy, upright growth habit and deeply toothed leaves that vary in size from 4 to 10 cm long. The flowers are produced in clusters at the end of the stems and are pink in color, with a characteristic spur on the lower lip. The flowers bloom from midsummer to early autumn and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Uses
Engler's Impatiens is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, particularly as a bedding plant in gardens and parks. The plant thrives in well-draining soil in partial shade or dappled sunlight, making it an ideal choice for border plantings and under deciduous trees. The flowers can also be used for cut flower arrangements. In traditional African medicine, the plant is used to treat a range of ailments, including headaches, stomachaches, and respiratory infections.
Growth Conditions of Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson
Light: Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson prefers partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves and slow down its growth. It thrives in areas with filtered light or receives morning and late afternoon sun. Achieving the right amount of light is crucial to ensure healthy growth and blooming.
Temperature: This plant thrives in a temperature range of 18-26°C (64-79°F). It does not tolerate frost and will die under freezing temperatures. It enjoys a moderate to high level of humidity, so it's advisable to mist its leaves regularly. If planted outdoors, protect it from cold winds, and frost by covering it with fleece or moving it indoors during winter.
Soil: The ideal soil for Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is moist, rich in organic matter, well-draining, and slightly acidic. The plant prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. A mix of equal parts of peat moss, loam, and sand make the perfect growing medium. Regular watering is crucial to maintain soil moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is a beautiful plant that can grow up to 60cm (24 inches) tall and 30cm (12 inches) wide. By providing the right growing conditions, the plant can fill your garden with vibrant colors in the blooming season. Ensure sufficient light, moderate temperatures, and consistent moisture in the soil, and it will reward you with its stunning flowers year after year.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is a tropical plant that grows in well-draining soils with good water retention. It thrives in shades or partial shades with high humidity, and its temperature tolerance range is 18°C to 30°C. The plant can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. For seeds, they should be sown indoors before the growing season in a warm, well-lit area.
Watering Needs
Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly before watering to avoid root rot. The plant should be watered directly at the base, avoiding wetting its foliage that can attract pests and diseases.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular feeding to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 is recommended. The fertilizer should be applied every two weeks and should be dissolved in water before application.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in controlling the growth and shape of Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson. It can be done by pinching off the tips of the young stems to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading or removing faded flowers also helps stimulate new blooms. Pruning or cutting back the plant should be done in the growing season.
Propagation of Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson
The common method of propagating Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is through seeds. These can be collected from mature seed pods when they have turned brown and dry. The seeds can be sown on a well-draining substrate and kept moist. They should germinate within two to three weeks.
Another method of propagation is through stem cuttings. This is best done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings of about 10 cm in length taken from the stem tips can be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting should develop roots within a few weeks.
Division is also a feasible method of propagating Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson. This can be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Simply dig up the whole plant and carefully separate the rootball into smaller divisions. You can then plant the divisions in individual pots or in the ground.
It is worth noting that Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is a self-seeding plant. This means that it will naturally drop its seeds which will grow into new plants. Often, seedlings will pop up nearby the parent plant during the growing season. These can be left to grow or transplanted to another location.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens Engleri Gilg Subsp. Pubescens Grey-Wilson
Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is a plant that is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. To keep it healthy and thriving, it is important to be aware of the potential issues and take preventative measures to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause white or gray powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. In case of infection, a fungicidal spray or solution of baking soda, water, and dish soap can be used to control it.
Another fungal disease that can affect the plant is downy mildew. The symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a white or gray mold on the undersides of the leaves. To prevent it, avoid overhead watering and maintain proper soil drainage.
Viral infections can also affect Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson, causing symptoms such as yellowing or dark streaks on the leaves. Unfortunately, once a plant is infected with a virus, there is no cure and the infected plant should be removed to prevent the spread to other plants.
Common Pests
Aphids are a common pest that can affect the plant, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. They can be controlled by a blast of water or with insecticidal soap spray. In addition, ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids that can be introduced to the garden to help manage their populations.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson. Symptoms include yellowing and stippling on leaves. These tiny pests are difficult to spot without a magnifying glass. To manage them, use a spray of insecticidal soap and water. Neem oil can also be used once a week to prevent infestations.
Caterpillars can also be a problem for the plant. They can be identified by the presence of holes in the leaves or droppings on the leaves and surrounding soil. Handpicking caterpillars from the plant or using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) can help manage the infestation.
By being vigilant and taking preventative measures, Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson can be kept healthy and free from disease and pests.
