Overview:
Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri is a species of flowering plant in the family Balsaminaceae. It is commonly known as Gossweiler's Jewelweed and is native to East Africa.
Description:
Gossweiler's Jewelweed is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 50 cm tall. Its leaves are alternate, ovate-lanceolate, and have sharply toothed margins. The flowers are 2-3 cm in diameter, and have five petals that are bright pink or magenta in color. The plant blooms from October to April.
Habitat:
This species is endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains, which are a chain of mountains located in southeastern Kenya and Tanzania. It is commonly found in humid forests and forest edges at altitudes between 1,800 and 2,400 meters.
Uses:
The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including skin diseases, joint pains, and stomach disorders. Some studies have shown that the plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Additionally, the plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant.
Conservation:
Gossweiler's Jewelweed is currently listed as critically endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by human activities such as logging and agriculture. Efforts are being made to conserve this species, including the establishment of protected areas and habitat restoration programs.
Light Requirements
The Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri plant requires filtered light or partial shade. The plant will suffer from sunburn if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Therefore, it is essential to plant the Impatiens gossweileri in an area with plenty of shade or use a shade cloth if you live in an area with intense sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri plant prefers environments with warm temperatures between 60-75 °F. This plant is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate temperatures below 40 °F. Therefore, it's essential to protect the plant from cold weather during winter.
Soil Requirements
The Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri plant grows best in well-drained soil with high organic matter content. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires regular watering, but the soil should not be water-logged to avoid root rot. You can improve soil drainage by adding compost or sand to the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil with partial shade. It prefers moist soil and a humid environment with a temperature range between 18-25°C. Sow the seeds in trays or pots and keep the soil moist with a spray bottle as the seeds germinate within 14-21 days.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. It's important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as excessive water can cause root rot. Water the plant daily with a watering can or spray bottle, preferably in the morning or evening, and avoid soaking the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season or as recommended by the manufacturer. Over-fertilization can cause leaf burn or reduce flowering, so be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage.
Pruning
To promote bushy growth and more abundant flowering, pinch back the tips of the plant when it's about 4 inches tall. This encourages lateral branching and creates a fuller plant. Deadhead the spent blooms regularly to promote new growth and prolonged flowering. Use sharp scissors to make clean cuts, and avoid damaging the stems or foliage. Prune the plant in the early spring to remove any damaged or diseased branches before new growth appears.
Propagation of Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri
Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation Through Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Impatiens gossweileri subsp. gossweileri is through seeds. Collect the seeds when the capsules turn yellow and the seeds inside turn brown. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, keep them moist, and cover them with clear plastic to increase humidity. Place them in a warm, bright location, and expect germination within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation Through Cuttings
Another propagation method for Impatiens gossweileri subsp. gossweileri is through cuttings taken from healthy and well-established plants. Choose a healthy stem about 10cm long, make a clean cut below a node, and remove the lower leaves leaving only a few on the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location with protection from direct sunlight. Roots should form in about a month, and new growth should emerge shortly afterwards.
Propagation Through Division
Impatiens gossweileri subsp. gossweileri can also be propagated through division. The best time to divide the plant is in spring when it starts to grow after the dormant period. Gently remove the entire plant from the pot or ground and separate the root ball into several sections each with at least one stem and roots. Plant each section in a pot or new location and water well. Keep the plants in a warm, bright location with protection from direct sunlight until they establish.
Disease Management
Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri is susceptible to various fungal diseases that can affect its growth and production. Here are some of the common diseases that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the vascular system of the plant. Symptoms can include wilting, yellowing, and dropping of foliage. To manage this disease, you should practice crop rotation, avoid over-watering, and ensure proper drainage. Additionally, you can treat the plant with fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl or myclobutanil.
Gray Mold
Gray mold, also known as botrytis blight, is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of Impatiens gossweileri. Symptoms can include gray or brownish spots and a fuzzy gray mold on the foliage. To manage this disease, you should prune off any infected plant tissue, keep the surrounding area clean and dry, and use fungicides such as copper sulfate or chlorothalonil.
Pest Management
Impatiens gossweileri G.M.Schulze subsp. gossweileri is also susceptible to various pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yield. Here are some of the common pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids can cause damage by sucking sap out of the plant tissue, causing yellowing and distorted growth. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil, both of which are effective at killing aphids without harming the plant. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control aphid populations.
Spider Mites
Spider mites can cause damage by feeding on the underside of the leaves, causing yellow stippling and webbing. To manage this pest, you can use miticides such as abamectin or spinosad, or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or lacewings. You can also increase the humidity around the plant to deter spider mite infestations.
