Impatiens L. - A Descriptive Overview
Impatiens L. is a genus of about 1000 species of flowering plants that are commonly known as jewelweed, touch-me-not, snapweed, and spotted jewelweed. The botanical name Impatiens is derived from the Latin word 'impatient' that means impatient or restless, which refers to the explosive dehiscence of the seed pods of the plant.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to the Northern Hemisphere and is widely distributed in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. It is commonly found in moist and shaded areas such as woods, meadows, marshes, stream banks, and roadsides.
Common Names
Impatiens L. is commonly known by various names in different regions of the world. In North America, it is called touch-me-not, jewelweed, and snapweed because of its unique method of seed dispersal. In Europe, it is known as policeman's helmet due to its distinctive shape, while in Africa, it is called balsam, and in Asia, it is known as busy Lizzie.
Uses
The plant has various traditional and medicinal uses. Jewelweed has been used for centuries as a remedy for skin irritations, burns, insect bites, and poison ivy rash. It has anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties and is used to soothe and heal the skin. The sap of the plant is also effective in treating fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Moreover, the leaves and stems of the plant can be used to make a herbal tea that is said to have a relaxing and calming effect.
General Appearance
Impatiens L. is an herbaceous annual or perennial plant that grows up to 2 meters in height. It has succulent stems that are often bristly or hairy. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped, with toothed margins. The flowers are usually orange, yellow, or pink and have a distinctive spurred shape that resembles an upside-down horn. The fruit is a capsule that explodes when touched or disturbed, releasing the seeds with an audible popping sound.
Light Requirements
Impatiens L. prefers growing in partial shade to full shade conditions. They thrive in areas with filtered sunlight or diffused light, such as under trees, shrubs, or undercovert. Direct sunlight exposure can lead to dehydration, browning of leaves, and stunt growth.
Temperature Requirements
Impatiens L. requires moderate temperatures to grow. The optimal growth temperature range is between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) or below 50°F (10°C) can cause stress which can lead to slow growth or leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Impatiens L. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be loose, crumbly, and have good air circulation. It should also be slightly acidic with a pH of between 6 to 7.5. It is best to avoid soil that is heavy clay or sandy as it retains or loses water quickly, respectively. A moist, well-drained planting location is ideal for Impatiens L.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens L., also known as Busy Lizzies, is an annual flowering plant native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. The plant thrives in warm, moist environments and grows well in pots or in garden beds with partial to full shade. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging between 6.0 and 6.5. It is crucial to plant the seeds during the spring or early summer seasons, when the temperatures are warm enough to promote germination.
Watering Needs
Impatiens requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should remain moist, but not waterlogged. The plant needs watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the soil's drainage capacity. To avoid waterlogging, ensure the pots have adequate drainage holes. During periods of heavy rainfall, it is advisable to shelter the plants to prevent damage.
Fertilization
Impatiens requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied fortnightly or monthly, depending on the instructions on the package, will suffice. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers like compost or manure to enrich the soil and encourage better growth.
Pruning
Pruning helps to remove dead flowers and prevent seed formation, a process that can lead to stunted growth. The practice also promotes bushier growth and enhances the plant's appearance. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to cut off any dead flowers or leaves at their base. You can also trim the stems by ? of their length to encourage lateral growth and denser foliage. Do not prune during the fall as this can cause frost damage.
Propagation of Impatiens L.
Impatiens L. is a genus of flowering plants that can be propagated by various methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Impatiens L. is by seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and covered lightly with soil. The seedlings will emerge within 7-10 days. In order to ensure good growth, the soil should be kept moist and the seedlings should be placed in a bright, but not direct, sunlight.
Propagation by Cuttings
Impatiens L. can also be propagated by cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the tip of a stem that has not yet flowered. The cuttings should be approximately 4 inches long and should be taken from a healthy plant. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a soil mix that is kept moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should develop roots within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Division
An established Impatiens L. plant can be propagated by division. This involves separating the plant into smaller sections and repotting them. The plant should be carefully dug up and the root ball separated into sections with a sharp knife. Each section should have roots and foliage. The sections should be potted up in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until new growth appears.
Propagation by Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagating Impatiens L. In this method, small pieces of plant tissue are placed in a nutrient-rich agar medium in a sterile environment. The tissue grows and develops into a plantlet, which is then transferred to soil and grown to maturity.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens L. Plants
Impatiens L. plants are prone to diseases and pests that can cause significant damage and reduce their overall health and beauty. To ensure long-lasting and healthy growth, it is imperative to take proper care of your plants and closely monitor them for any signs of issues. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Impatiens L. plants and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases of Impatiens L. Plants
Downy Mildew: This fungal disease is prevalent among Impatiens L. plants and can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. It often appears as a white-gray powdery substance on the leaves' underside and stems. The best way to prevent downy mildew is to keep the foliage dry and avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy any infected plant parts and apply fungicide spray to control the disease.
Fusarium Wilt: It is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the plant's vascular system, limiting the water and nutrient supply to the rest of the plant. The symptoms of Fusarium wilt include yellowing and wilting of leaves, and the plant may eventually die. To manage Fusarium wilt, avoid overhead watering, use well-draining soil, and remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests of Impatiens L. Plants
Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the undersides of leaves, sucking the sap and causing yellowing and wilting. The infested plant may also have fine webbing on the leaves and stems. To control spider mites, remove any infested leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray regularly.
Aphids: These sap-feeding insects are common pests of Impatiens L. plants and can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. The infestation usually attracts ants, which feed on the honeydew excreted by the aphids. To manage aphids, spray the affected plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil to smother and kill the insects and wash away the honeydew.
Thrips: These pests feed on the leaves and flowers of Impatiens L. plants, leaving behind tiny black fecal dots. They cause the leaves and buds to turn brown or silver, which can be mistaken for a fungal disease. To control thrips, remove any infested plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray regularly.
Regular monitoring and proper care of Impatiens L. plants are essential to prevent diseases and pests from affecting the plant's health and growth. In case of severe infestations or infections, it may be necessary to remove and destroy the entire plant and start anew to prevent the spread of the disease or pests to other plants.
