Origin
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. is a native plant in the United States, specifically in the Appalachian region of the eastern part of the country. It is commonly found in woodland habitats, particularly in areas with moist soil.
Common Names
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. is commonly known as Norton's touch-me-not or Norton's jewelweed. The name "touch-me-not" comes from the fact that the ripe seed pods will burst open and catapult the seeds several feet away when touched lightly.
Uses
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is most commonly used as a remedy for skin ailments, including poison ivy and insect bites. Norton's touch-me-not has also been used to soothe sore throats and as a diuretic.
General Appearance
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. is a herbaceous plant that grows up to four feet tall. It has green, oval-shaped leaves that are serrated at the edges. The flowers are typically yellow with reddish-brown spots and hang from the stem on short stalks. The plant produces seed pods that are about an inch long and oblong in shape.
Light Requirement
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. requires bright, indirect light to grow and thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant. Therefore, it is best to grow it in a spot that receives morning sun and filtered shade in the afternoon.
Temperature Requirement
The optimal temperature range for Impatiens nortonii Rydb. is between 55°F and 85°F. It is a tropical plant and does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. This plant prefers warm and humid conditions, making it an ideal choice for indoor cultivation in colder climates or greenhouse settings. It is essential to maintain stable temperature to promote growth and flowering.
Soil Requirement
Well-draining and fertile soil is critical for Impatiens nortonii Rydb. to grow in maximum capacity. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil mix containing organic matter, peat moss, and perlite is a good choice for this plant. Soil plays a critical role in moisture retention, which is important to prevent the plant from drying out.
Cultivation
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. is a perennial plant that is best grown in a garden. Ensure that the soil is rich, fertile, well-draining, and moist. This plant prefers partial or full shade, making it an excellent choice for an area where other sun-loving plants may not grow.
The ideal planting time is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. The planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Water the plant immediately after planting, and continue to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season.
Watering Needs
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. prefers consistently moist soil, and it is essential to water it regularly. However, it would be best if you did not overwater this plant as the roots will rot and damage the plant. It is best to water this plant when the top 1 inch of soil is dry. You can test this by sticking your finger down into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water.
Drip irrigation is ideal for providing the plant with consistent moisture. It is a good idea to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture levels in the soil and suppress weed growth.
Fertilization
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. benefits from regular fertilization. Apply fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer or organic fertilizer that will gradually release nutrients to the plant.
Avoid overfertilizing the plant as this can lead to leaf burn and other problems. Always read the instructions on the packaging and follow them carefully.
Pruning
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. does not require much pruning. However, it is a good idea to remove any dead, damaged or diseased leaves and stems. This will prevent any issues from spreading throughout the plant.
To promote bushy growth and keep the plant looking neat, you can pinch back the tips of the stems. This should be done in the spring to encourage compact growth. You can also remove any spent flowers during the growing season.
Propagation of Impatiens nortonii Rydb.
Propagating Impatiens nortonii Rydb. requires patience and careful attention to detail. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division.
Seed Propagation
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. seeds can be collected from mature plants and then sown in a seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with the growing medium and keep them moist. Seeds typically germinate in 7-21 days and can then be transplanted into individual containers for further growth.
Cutting Propagation
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. can also be propagated through cuttings, which involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant. Remove the bottom leaves of the cutting and place it in a rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a bright area without direct sunlight. Roots should form within a few weeks, and the plant can then be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Division Propagation
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. can also be propagated through division, which involves separating the plant into smaller pieces and then replanting them. This method can be done in the early spring before the plant begins to grow. Gently remove the plant from the soil and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections. Replant each section in a pot or directly into the ground with well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until roots are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens nortonii Rydb.
Impatiens nortonii Rydb. is a beautiful flowering plant that is susceptible to numerous diseases and pests. Here are some common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
Bacterial wilt: This disease is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas solanacearum, which infects the vascular tissues of the plant, causing wilt, yellowing, and ultimately death. It spreads through infected soil, contaminated tools, and infected plant materials. To manage bacterial wilt, remove and destroy infected plants and soil, sterilize tools, and plant disease-resistant cultivars.
Fungal leaf spot: This disease is caused by two types of fungi, Alternaria impatiens and Cercospora impatiens, which infect the leaves, causing yellowing, browning, and defoliation. It spreads through splashing water, contaminated soil, and infected plant debris. To manage fungal leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and plant debris, water the plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, and apply fungicides as needed.
Verticillium wilt: This disease is caused by the fungi Verticillium albo-atrum and Verticillium dahliae, which infect the vascular tissues of the plant, causing wilt, yellowing, and stunting. It spreads through infected soil, contaminated tools, and infected plant materials. To manage verticillium wilt, remove and destroy infected plants and soil, sterilize tools, and plant disease-resistant cultivars.
Pests:
Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing curling, yellowing, and stunting. They also produce honeydew that attracts ants and sooty mold. To manage aphids, spray the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed.
Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and webbing. They thrive in hot and dry conditions. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed.
Thrips: These pests feed on the flowers and leaves of the plant, causing distortion, discoloration, and scarring. They can also transmit viruses. To manage thrips, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed, or use yellow sticky traps to monitor and trap them.
By being vigilant about disease and pest management, you can keep your Impatiens nortonii Rydb. healthy and beautiful for a long time.
