Origin and Common Names
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson, commonly known as the Angola balsam or Angola touch-me-not, is a species of flowering plant in the family Balsaminaceae. It is native to Angola in southwestern Africa.
General Appearance
The Angola balsam is a perennial herb that reaches a height of up to 90 cm. It has erect stems that are green or reddish in color. The leaves are simple, ovate to lanceolate, and alternate. The flowers are produced in racemes or cymes and are 20-30 mm in diameter, with 5 petals that are pink, purple, or white in color. The fruit is a capsule that explodes when ripe, dispersing its seeds.
Uses
The Angola balsam is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, such as fever, cough, and sore throat. The sap of the plant is applied topically to wounds and skin infections due to its antibacterial properties.
Light Requirements
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson thrives in partial to full shade conditions. It is not adapted to direct sunlight exposure and requires protection from bright afternoon sun. Too much exposure to light can cause leaf scorching and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson is between 15°C to 25°C. These plants cannot tolerate freezing conditions and should be protected from cold drafts and frost. High temperatures above 30°C can also damage the leaves and flowers, so it’s important to keep the plants in a cool, shaded area during hot weather.
Soil Requirements
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson prefers well-draining fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as these plants are not drought-tolerant and can suffer from root rot in wet soil conditions. Adding a layer of mulch to the soil surface can help to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson is a shade-loving plant that thrives in warm weather conditions. It is best grown under the shade of trees or in a greenhouse where it can receive filtered sunlight. The plant prefers moist soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. When growing impatiens from seed, it is recommended to start them indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Watering Needs
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant cannot tolerate drought, and the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Water the plant early in the day to allow the leaves to dry before nightfall, as moisture on leaves can cause fungal infections.
Fertilization
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson benefits from regular fertilization to support its growth and flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, which can lead to excess foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson does not require extensive pruning, but it may benefit from occasional trimming to control its shape and promote bushier growth. Prune back any damaged or dead stems as soon as they are noticed. Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and more compact growth.
Propagation of Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson is a tropical perennial that is commonly known as the Angola Balsam. The plant is highly valued for its beautiful, brightly colored blooms that come in shades of orange, pink, and red. Here are the different methods of propagating this plant:
Seed Propagation
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson can be easily propagated from seeds. The seeds should be collected from the plant when the seedpods are dry and brittle. After collecting the seeds, they should be stored in a cool, dry place until the planting season arrives.
To get the seeds to germinate, they should be sown in a well-drained potting mix and kept in a warm and bright location. The soil should be kept moist but not damp, and the seeds should germinate in about two weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and should have at least two nodes.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be kept moist and the pot should be placed in a warm, bright area. The cuttings should root in about 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in the spring or fall. To divide the plant, gently lift it out of the soil and use a clean, sharp knife to divide the root ball into two or more sections.
Each section should have at least one healthy stem and root system. The divided sections should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson, commonly known as the African impatiens, is a popular ornamental plant that is highly susceptible to various infections and pest attacks. Understanding the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant is crucial to its management. Here are some tips for disease and pest management for Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson:
Common Diseases
1. Downy Mildew – This disease is caused by the fungus Peronospora sparsa and is characterized by yellow leaves with white-to-gray patches on their undersides. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering and maintain good air circulation. Regular applications of fungicides may also be necessary.
2. Root and Stem Rot – This disease is caused by the fungus Pythium and Phytophthora and is characterized by wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Regular applications of fungicides may also be necessary.
3. Bacterial Blight – This disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris and is characterized by water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and avoid overhead watering. Regular applications of bactericides may also be necessary.
Common Pests
1. Spider Mites – These tiny pests suck sap from the leaves and can cause discoloration and distortion of the foliage. To manage spider mite infestations, release predatory mites and avoid overhead watering. Regular applications of miticides may also be necessary.
2. Whiteflies – These small, winged insects feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and stunting of the plants. To manage whitefly infestations, release natural predators such as parasitic wasps and maintain good air circulation. Regular applications of insecticides may also be necessary.
3. Aphids – These soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plants and can cause distortion of the foliage. To manage aphid infestations, release natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings and maintain good plant hygiene. Regular applications of insecticides may also be necessary.
By being proactive and taking steps to prevent and manage diseases and pests, Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. subsp. angolensis Grey-Wilson can thrive and provide beautiful, long-lasting blooms.
