Overview
Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family of Balsaminaceae. The plant is native to Vietnam and was first discovered by G.M. Schulze in 1910. It is a unique plant that has several medicinal and ecological benefits.Common names
Impatiens hemrichii is commonly known as the Hemrich's touch-me-not due to its characteristic feature of the exploding capsule that ejects matured seeds when touched. It is also known as the Balsam, Jewelweed or Busy Lizzie.Appearance
Impatiens hemrichii is a herbaceous annual plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. The plant has green, succulent, and upright spreading branches. The leaves are simple, alternate, ovate or lanceolate, with toothed margins and a pointed apex. The flowers are zygomorphic, large, and showy, with pink to reddish hued petals. The plant blooms from late spring to mid-summer.Uses
Impatiens hemrichii has several uses in traditional medicinal practices. The plant's crushed leaves and stems are believed to be effective for treating minor burns, skin rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy. The sap of the plant is also used as an antidote for stinging nettles and as a cooling balm for heat rashes. The dried leaves and flowers of Impatiens hemrichii have been used as traditional medicines for curing skin diseases, coughs, and colds. The plant also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to the presence of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The plant's ecological significance includes its role as a host plant for several butterfly species, making it an excellent plant for butterfly gardens. Its showy flowers also make it an attractive addition to a garden. In conclusion, Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze is a unique and useful plant with medicinal and ecological benefits. Its pink to reddish hued flowers and exploding capsules make it an interesting and attractive plant that can find a place in both traditional gardens and medicinal practices.Growth conditions for Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze
Light: Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze prefers to grow in locations with partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can harm the delicate leaves and cause them to wither. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in areas with filtered or diffused light to promote healthy growth.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for growing Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze is between 60°F to 75°F (15.5°C to 24°C). The plant does not tolerate extreme temperatures and prefers a mild and moderate climate. Exposure to frost can damage the foliage and hinder growth. Therefore, it is important to keep the plant indoors during the colder months or provide ample protection if grown outdoors in cold regions.
Soil: Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze requires well-draining, moist, and nutrient-rich soil to thrive. A soil pH between 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for the plant. It is recommended to mix organic matter such as compost or peat moss into the soil before planting. Avoid using heavy clay soils that retain water for too long, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze benefits from regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Fertilize the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season. Be cautious not to over-fertilize as this can harm the plant and inhibit growth.
Water: Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze requires regular watering to maintain moist soil conditions. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and damage the plant. It is recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Depending on the location and temperature, watering may need to occur once or twice a week.
Humidity: Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze prefers a humid environment, making it an excellent choice for indoor or terrarium growers. If grown in dry or arid conditions, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to maintain a humid microclimate.
Cultivation of Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze
Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze is a relatively easy plant to cultivate as it does not require very specific growing conditions. It is a tropical plant, and therefore, it will thrive well in warm temperatures and high humidity. When growing them indoors, ensure that there is ample sunlight for the plant to mature.
Watering Needs
Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze prefers moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause leaves and flowers to wilt and eventually die. Therefore, always ensure that you water the plant thoroughly, but at the same time, allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
Feed your Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, which is usually from spring to autumn depending on your location. Refrain from fertilizing during the winter as this is a dormant period for most plants, and any feeding may do more harm than good.
Pruning
Prune your Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze plant periodically to control their size and improve their appearance. Remove any dead or yellow leaves/stems to reduce the chances of diseases spreading to healthy parts of the plant. Be careful not to damage healthy parts of the plant when pruning.
Propagation of Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze
Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze, commonly known as Hemrich’s Balsam, can be propagated through various methods that include the use of seeds, stem cuttings, and division of root ball.
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation of Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze through seeds requires a well-draining, moist soil mixture with a pH level of 6-7. Seeds should be sown directly on the soil surface, lightly covered with soil, and kept in a bright, shady area at a temperature range of 20-25°C. The germination period for Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze is around 10-15 days. After the germination, the seedlings should be kept in indirect sunlight to avoid leaf burn.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
The propagation of Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze through stem cuttings can be done by taking a cutting of around 10 cm length from a mature plant. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept in indirect sunlight and misted regularly to keep the soil moist. The rooting of stem cuttings usually takes around 2-3 weeks, and after that, the plant can be potted into a bigger container.
Propagation through Division of Root Ball
Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze can also be propagated through division of root ball. The mature plant should be lifted out of the soil, and the root ball should be separated carefully, ensuring that each division has some roots and leaves. These divisions should be planted in well-draining, moist soil and kept in a bright, shady location. The new plants should be watered regularly to ensure proper root growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze
Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze is a popular plant known for its beautiful flowers. However, this plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage it. Therefore, it's essential to know about the available management strategies to help the plant thrive.
Diseases
One common disease that affects Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze is downy mildew. This disease is caused by the fungus-like pathogen Plasmopara obducens. Symptoms of downy mildew include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and a fuzzy growth on the underside of leaves.
The best way to manage downy mildew is by providing proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. In addition, it's essential to remove and destroy infected plant debris to prevent spreading.
Bacterial wilt is another disease that affects Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze. This disease is caused by the bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum. Infected plants usually exhibit wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth.
To manage bacterial wilt, it's crucial to avoid overhead watering. Moreover, it's essential to plant in well-draining soil and remove and destroy infected plants to prevent spreading to healthy plants.
Pests
Spider mites are a common pest that affects Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze. These pests usually cause yellow stippling on leaves, which may eventually turn brown. Infected plants may become stunted or exhibit slow growth.
To manage spider mites, it's essential to maintain proper moisture levels and provide adequate nutrition to the plant. In addition, overhead watering and over-fertilization should be avoided as they create a favorable environment for the mites. If the infestation is severe, a miticide can be used.
Whiteflies are another common pest that affects Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze. These pests usually appear on the underside of leaves and cause yellowing of leaves due to sap-sucking. Infected plants may suffer from stunted growth, and if left uncontrolled, the population may explode and become difficult to manage.
To manage whiteflies, it's vital to use yellow sticky traps to catch the adults. In addition, natural enemies such as predatory insects and parasitic wasps can be used. Moreover, it's essential to maintain proper moisture levels and avoid overcrowding, which creates a favorable environment for the pests.
In conclusion, Impatiens hemrichii G.M.Schulze requires proper disease and pest management practices to thrive. By keeping in mind the management strategies discussed above, you can ensure that your plants are healthy and lush.
