Origin and Common Names
Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Balsaminaceae or Touch-Me-Not family. It is native to the highlands of Tanzania, specifically in the Uluguru Mountains, Usambara Mountains, and the Southern Highlands. The plant is commonly known as "Velvet Impatiens" due to the velvety texture of its leaves and stems.
General Appearance
The Velvet Impatiens plant grows up to a height of 60cm and has leaves that are ovate-shaped, dark green in color, and covered with fine hairs that give them a velvet-like appearance. Its flowers are small, about 1.5 cm in diameter, with five petals that are pink, lavender, or white in color. The plant blooms from May to August and produces many flowers that are held aloft on thin, wiry stems.
Uses
The Velvet Impatiens plant is grown mainly for its ornamental and aesthetic value. It is commonly cultivated as a houseplant, but it can also be grown outdoors in temperate climates. The plant thrives in moist soils with partial shade to full sun and is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and container planting. In addition to its visual appeal, the Velvet Impatiens is also a natural pollinator, attracting bees and butterflies to gardens and providing a food source for them.
The plant contains an alkaloid compound called berberine, which has been used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including inflammation, fever, and digestive problems. However, it should be noted that this plant is not approved for medicinal use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and caution should be taken when using it for such purposes.
Growth Conditions for Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson
Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson belongs to the Balsaminaceae family and is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is native to East and Central Africa and requires specific growth conditions for proper development and flowering.
Light Requirements
This plant requires partial shade to full shade for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can burn its leaves, causing damage to the plant. It thrives in areas with dappled sunlight and moderate shade. Therefore, it is suitable for growing in under tree canopies or similar light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson prefers a moderate temperature range of 20-24°C (68-75°F). However, it can tolerate a range of temperatures from 18-30°C (65-85°F). The plant does not tolerate frost and should not be exposed to very low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
This plant grows best in well-drained and moist soils rich in organic matter. It requires a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5, slightly acidic to mildly acidic. The addition of compost or peat is encouraged to improve the soil condition and fertility. It is essential to ensure the soil remains moist but without waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and plant death.
Therefore, the Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson requires a specific growth condition that favors its development. These include partial to full shade, moderate temperature range, and well-drained and rich in organic matter soil. By providing the necessary conditions, the plant can grow vigorously and produce beautiful flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson requires a warm climate and ample moisture to grow. It is best grown in a partially shaded area in well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. The plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown directly in the garden or started indoors in pots and transplanted after the last frost.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential for the growth of Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson. The plant should be watered frequently, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot. The soil should be checked regularly to ensure that it is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson benefits from regular applications of a balanced fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied at the beginning of the growing season, followed by monthly applications during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the plant and not directly onto the leaves.
Pruning
Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson does not require much pruning. However, deadheading faded blooms can help to promote the growth of new flowers. The plant can be trimmed to maintain its shape and size if it becomes too large or leggy. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson
Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is a beautiful and delicate herbaceous plant that grows best in semi-shaded and moist environments. Propagation of this plant can be done by either sexual or asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson can be achieved by collecting seeds from mature plants. The seeds should be collected when the plant starts producing pods, and once the pods start to dry, they should be harvested and dried for a few days. After drying, the seeds can be sown in a seed-raising mix, and the container should be kept in a warm and shaded place. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, and after that, the seedling can be transplanted to the desired area.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative parts of the plant. One of the easiest and most popular asexual propagation method for Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is stem cuttings. Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plant during spring or summer season. Choose the healthy top stem of the plant and cut it at a 45-degree angle. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting, leaving only the top two or three. The cutting can then be dipped in rooting hormone powder, and planted in a potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm and shaded location. Within a few weeks, new roots will appear, and the new plant can be transplanted to the desired area.
Another asexual propagation method is division, which can be performed on mature plants. Carefully dig up the plant, and divide the root system into several parts. Each part should have a healthy set of leaves and roots. The divided parts should be replanted in a potting mix, and kept in a warm and shaded place. Within a few weeks, new growth will appear, and the new plants can be transplanted to the desired area.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson
Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is an attractive plant species, but it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can cause severe damage or even death of the plant. Therefore, it is essential to understand the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and the ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Fusarium Wilt: It is a fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and death of the plant. Control measures include removing and destroying infected plants, avoiding overhead watering, and improving soil drainage.
- Downy Mildew: It is a fungal disease that causes yellow leaves, stunted growth, and premature death of the plant. Control measures include planting resistant varieties, avoiding overhead watering, and improving air circulation.
- Botrytis Blight: It is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and flowers, and the entire plant may become covered with a grayish mold. Control measures include avoiding overhead watering, providing adequate spacing between plants, and removing and destroying infected plants.
- Bacterial Wilt: It is a bacterial disease that causes sudden wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. Control measures include removing and destroying infected plants, disinfecting tools after using, and providing proper plant nutrition.
Common Pests
Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson is also prone to pests, including:
- Spider Mites: They are tiny pests that can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant. Control measures include spraying the plant with water, using insecticidal soap or oils, and maintaining proper humidity levels.
- Aphids: They are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause curling and yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth of the plant. Control measures include spraying the plant with water, using insecticidal soap or oils, and introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs.
- Thrips: They are tiny, slender insects that can cause silvering of leaves and deformation of flowers. Control measures include using sticky traps, introducing predatory mites, and applying insecticidal soap or oils.
- Whiteflies: They are small, winged insects that can cause yellowing of leaves and a honeydew-like substance on the plant. Control measures include using yellow sticky traps, applying insecticidal soap or oils, and introducing beneficial insects, such as predatory wasps.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management are critical for the health and longevity of Impatiens keilii Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson. Regular monitoring, quick identification, and appropriate control measures can prevent or minimize the damage caused by diseases and pests.
