Origin
Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze, also known as the Marloth's Impatiens, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. It is native to the southern parts of Africa, including Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.
Common Names
The plant has different common names depending on the region where it is found. In South Africa, it is called Horned Balsam or Sandveld Balsam. The Zimbabweans call it Chingurukuru, while the Botswanans refer to it as Morantane.
Uses
Impatiens marlothiana has several uses, including medicinal, ornamental, and general horticulture. In traditional African medicine, extracts from the plant are used to treat different ailments, including earache, boils, and abdominal pain. The plant is also grown for ornamental purposes, particularly for its showy flowers that come in various colors and are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Additionally, horticulturists cultivate the plant mainly for its hardiness and ease of maintenance in rock gardens.
General Appearance
The Marloth's Impatiens is a herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 70 cm tall. It has a succulent stem that produces thick foliage, and the leaves are ovate to elliptical in shape, with serrated edges. The plant produces tubular-shaped flowers that are about 5 cm long and come in various colors, including orange, red, and pink. The flowers have a spur on one end and bloom from late winter to early spring. The plant is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Light Requirements
The Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze plant requires dappled shade or filtered sunlight for optimal growth. It cannot withstand direct sunlight for extended periods without showing signs of stress such as wilting, yellowing, or leaf drop.
Temperature Requirements
The Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze plant thrives in temperatures between 21°C to 27°C but can tolerate temperatures ranging between 10°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 10°C are detrimental to its growth and can cause leaves to drop, while temperatures above 35°C can lead to wilting or even death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze plant prefers fertile, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. It does not tolerate waterlogging, so the soil should be well-drained, retaining enough moisture for growth without causing root rot. The addition of organic matter can improve soil structure, nutrient content, and water retention capacity.
Cultivation
Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze can be cultivated in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, they need access to enough light and warmth. They thrive well in warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) with high humidity levels. Outdoors, plant them in areas with partial shade to full sun, but make sure to protect them from intense sunlight.
Watering
Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The soil should feel slightly damp to the touch. Water the plant immediately when the soil starts to feel dry. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot, which is harmful to its growth.
Fertilization
Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze is a heavy feeder that requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks during the growing season to ensure optimal growth. Alternatively, apply a slow-release fertilizer with a high content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil.
Pruning
Pruning Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze is essential to prevent them from becoming too leggy and to encourage bushy growth. Pinch back the tips of the new plant growth regularly to encourage branching. Additionally, remove any yellow leaves or debris from the base of the plant to maintain its health and hygiene.
Propagation of Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze
The propagation of Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze can be done by both seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze can be easily collected from the spent flower pods. These seeds can then be sown in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be placed on the surface of the soil and covered lightly with the potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm and humid place, and the soil should be kept moist. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze can also be done by stem cuttings. To take stem cuttings, select a healthy stem with a few leaves and no flowers. Cut a section of the stem about 4-6 inches long, just below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining potting mix, and water it thoroughly. Keep the cutting in a warm and bright place, and mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity. The stem cutting will take root and start growing within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, including:
- Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus: causes yellow or brown rings and spots on leaves, stunting, and distorted growth. Control measures include removing infected plants and controlling thrips populations, which can spread the virus.
- Powdery Mildew: presents as a powdery white or gray coating on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent this fungal disease.
- Downy Mildew: appears as yellowing foliage and a gray fuzzy coating on the undersides of leaves. To control downy mildew, remove infected plants and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Various pests can attack Impatiens marlothiana G.M.Schulze, including:
- Spider Mites: cause yellowing leaves and fine webbing on the plant. Control measures include releasing natural predators, such as ladybugs, and consistent misting of the plant to increase humidity.
- Thrips: damage the leaves by puncturing them, leaving a stippled appearance. Controlling thrips can be achieved through releasing natural predators such as mites and wasps or spraying with insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: suck sap from the plant and excrete sticky honeydew, which can attract ants. Control aphids by introducing natural enemies like ladybugs, releasing parasitic wasps, or spraying with insecticidal soap.
