Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr.
Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. is a rare and beautiful plant species belonging to the Balsaminaceae family. It is native to East Africa, particularly found in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, where it grows in moist soils along streambanks and in shaded areas.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly known as Hoehnel's Balsam or simply Hoehnel's Impatiens, named after Austrian botanist Hugo Hoehnel who initially collected the species in the early 1900s.
General Appearance
Hoehnel's Balsam is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 30cm tall. It has dark green, ovate leaves with serrated edges that grow alternately along the stem. The flowers are magenta or pinkish-purple and bloom in clusters at the top of the stem.
The flowers are two-lipped, with the upper lip being small and tapered and the lower lip being much larger and spreading. They have a spur at the back, which is curved and holds nectar, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The fruit is a capsule containing many small seeds that are dispersed when ripe.
Uses
Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. has limited horticultural use, but it is an interesting and attractive plant ideal for shaded borders and rock gardens. It attracts pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden or natural area. Due to its rarity, it is also highly prized by collectors and plant enthusiasts and is often cultivated in botanical gardens and greenhouses.
Outside of horticulture, there are no known traditional medicinal or culinary uses of this plant species.
Light Requirements
The Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. plant requires bright but indirect light to grow optimally. The plant cannot tolerate full sunlight and should be exposed to filtered or partial sunlight for a maximum of four hours daily. Insufficient light leads to lanky and weak stems and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. plant grows best in a temperature range of 16 to 25 degrees Celsius. The plant cannot tolerate temperature extremes, and temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius or above 30 degrees Celsius damage the plant's leaves and stems, reducing its growth rate and flowering productivity.
Soil Requirements
The Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. plant thrives in well-draining, fertile, and humus-rich soils. The pH of the soil should range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and eventually kill the plant. It is essential to ensure that the soil moisture levels are kept consistent, but the soil should not be wet or soggy.
Cultivation
Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. is a tropical herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the southeastern parts of Africa, including Tanzania and Kenya. It grows well in a warm and humid environment, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 29°C and nighttime temperatures between 12°C and 16°C.
The plant requires well-drained fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It should have a pH of around 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must be moist but not waterlogged.
Ideally, the plant should be grown in partial shade or areas with filtered sunlight as direct sun can cause the plant to wither. The ideal time to plant Impatiens hoehnelii is in the early spring when the risk of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Impatiens hoehnelii requires regular watering to maintain a consistently moist soil. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Generally, the plant should be watered once a week, increasing the frequency during periods of hot and dry weather.
It is best to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation and to allow the soil to absorb the water before the sun becomes too intense.
Fertilization
Impatiens hoehnelii benefits from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer should be used every two to three weeks, following the package's instructions. Overfertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth without adequate blooming.
Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can be worked into the soil during planting. This method provides a sustained slow-release of nutrients throughout the growing season, but the frequency of application may vary depending on soil quality and drainage.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Impatiens hoehnelii, but it can help promote and maintain a bushy growth habit. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage new blooms. Overgrown or leggy plants can be cut back by one-third of their height to promote new growth and a more compact form.
It is important to use clean and sharp tools to prevent infection and to avoid cutting too far into the stem. Pruning should be done in the late summer or early fall, after the main bloom period has ended.
Propagation of Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr.
Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. can be propagated through various methods. Some common methods of propagation for this plant include:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest and most common methods of propagating Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. is through seed propagation. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started in seed trays and then transplanted into the garden. When sowing seeds directly into the soil, the seeds should be sown in the early spring. It is important to keep the soil moist during the germination process.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. is through cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from healthy plants in the spring or early summer. The cutting should be around 3-4 inches long and should be taken from the tip of the stem. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone to encourage the formation of roots. The cutting can then be placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots have formed.
Division Propagation
Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. can also be propagated through division. This method works best for mature plants that have been growing for several years. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and a healthy root system. Replant each section in a new location and water thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr.
Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr., commonly known as Hoehne's busy lizzie, is a delicate-looking flowering plant native to Brazil. Although relatively low-maintenance, like any other plant, it is vulnerable to a few diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health.
Common diseases:
1. Downy mildew: Downy mildew is a common fungal disease that affects impatiens plants. The symptoms include yellowing of leaves, leaf drop, and stunting of growth in the plant. To manage this disease, remove the affected plant parts and spray the plant with a fungicide recommended for impatiens plants.
2. Grey mold: Grey mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, can affect impatiens plants. The symptoms include wilting, browning, and the appearance of a grey mold on the surface of the plant. To manage this disease, improve the air circulation around the plant, reduce the humidity levels, and prune the affected areas of the plant. In severe cases, apply a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
3. Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the roots and stems of impatiens plants. The symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant and dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag. Avoid planting impatiens in the same location for at least three years.
Common pests:
1. Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the leaves of impatiens plants, causing the leaves to yellow and develop a stippled appearance. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase the humidity around the plant to discourage spider mites.
2. Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can infest the leaves and stems of impatiens plants, causing curling, yellowing, and stunting of growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewing flies.
3. Snails and slugs: These pests are known to feed on the leaves and flowers of impatiens plants, causing damage and reducing their appearance. To manage snails and slugs, use slug baits, copper strips, or handpick them from the plant.
By monitoring your Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fr. regularly and adopting preventive measures, you can ensure optimal growth and minimize the impact of pests and diseases.
