Origin
Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. It is native to Tanzania, East Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Pale Pink Busy Lizzie or Pale Pink Balsam. In Tanzania, it is known as "Mnana Mviringo".
Uses
The Pale Pink Busy Lizzie is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its beautiful pink flowers. It is suitable for both outdoor and indoor plantings. The plant is easy to grow and requires minimal care. It is propagated by seeds or cuttings, and blooms throughout the year.
Additionally, the Pale Pink Busy Lizzie has some medicinal uses in traditional Tanzanian medicine. The leaves and stems are used to treat cuts, burns, and skin irritations. It is also used as a diuretic.
General Appearance
The Pale Pink Busy Lizzie is a compact annual plant with a maximum height of 30cm. It has an erect stem that is green or reddish-brown in color. The leaves are simple and alternate, with a pale to dark green color. The flowers have a pale pink to white color, with five petals and a spur at the back. The blooms are small, measuring 1-2 cm in diameter. The plant prefers partial shade and moist soil.
Light Requirements
Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis requires bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and scorch, especially in hot temperatures. Therefore, it is ideal to provide filtered sun or screen the plant from the afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in a moderate temperature range of 18 to 27 degrees Celsius. It cannot withstand extreme temperatures, especially frost, which can damage or kill the plant. It is essential to keep the temperature stable and avoid placing the plant in drafts or near air conditioning vents that can cause temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis prefers well-draining and moist soil, rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, with adequate fertility levels. A soil mix with peat, perlite, and vermiculite can provide good drainage and aeration. It is essential to avoid waterlogged soil conditions as they can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods
Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson is an easy-to-grow perennial plant that can thrive in almost any environment. It prefers partial to full shade, high humidity, and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. When planting, ensure there is adequate space between the plants to allow for good airflow and easy maintenance.
The best time to plant Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson is in the spring or early summer after the frost has passed. You can propagate the plant from seeds or stem cuttings. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil, but if you want to start them indoors, use a seedling tray filled with a seed starting mix and water them lightly to keep the soil moist.
Watering needs
Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. The plant does not like to be waterlogged, so ensure the soil has good drainage. Water the plants deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently to encourage deep root growth and prevent disease problems.
The water requirement of the plant depends on various factors, including the temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. During the summer months, when the weather is hot and dry, you may need to water the plants more frequently than in the winter when the air is colder and the soil tends to retain moisture for longer.
Fertilization
Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson benefits from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. Use an all-purpose fertilizer, preferably water-soluble, and apply it every two weeks during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooming. Read the instructions on the fertilizer packaging carefully and follow the recommended dosage. After applying the fertilizer, water the plants thoroughly to help the roots absorb the nutrients.
Pruning
Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson does not require extensive pruning, but you can pinch back the stems to promote bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Pinch the tips of the stems using your fingers or scissors to encourage branching and more flower production.
If you notice any diseased or damaged leaves or stems, remove them promptly to prevent the spread of the disease or pest infestation. Regular pruning also helps to control the size of the plant and keep it neat and tidy.
Propagation of Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson
Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson, commonly known as Pale Pink Jewelweed, is a beautiful plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. It is found mainly in Tanzania, Zambia, and Malawi, and is characterized by its delicate pink flowers and dark green leaves.
Propagation Methods
There are different methods of propagating Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson, which include:
Stem Cuttings
This propagation method involves taking off a stem from an existing plant and planting it in soil or water until it develops roots. Make sure to cut the stem at an angle, and remove the lower leaves to avoid rotting. Place the stem in a container with soil, or in a vase with water, and wait for it to grow roots. Once roots have developed, transfer the cutting to a pot or garden bed.
Seed Propagation
Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson can also be propagated using seeds. Collect the seeds from the plant and sow them into a container filled with soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist and warm, and cover the container with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Once the seedlings have grown, transplant them into individual pots or garden beds.
Division
Another method of propagating this plant is through division. This involves dividing the root ball of an existing plant into smaller sections and replanting them. Carefully dig up the plant and divide the root ball into several sections, making sure each section has enough roots and shoots. Replant each section in a pot or garden bed, and water it well.
Whichever propagation method you choose, ensure that the plant is kept in a warm, moist environment and that it receives adequate light. With proper care, Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson will thrive and provide beautiful pink flowers and lush green foliage for years to come.
Disease Management for Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson
There are several diseases that can affect Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis. One of the most common diseases is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can be identified by the appearance of a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation and to water the plants from below to avoid getting the foliage wet. Fungicides can also be effective in managing powdery mildew.
Another disease that can impact Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis is downy mildew. This disease is caused by a water mold and is characterized by yellowing leaves that eventually fall off the plant. The best way to manage downy mildew is to remove infected plants immediately and to avoid planting Impatiens in areas with poor air circulation.
Pest Management for Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis (G.M.Schulze) Grey-Wilson
There are several pests that can feed on Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis. One of the most common pests is the spider mite, which can be identified by the appearance of small, yellowish-brown spots on the leaves. To control spider mites, it is important to maintain high humidity levels and to spray the plants with insecticidal soap or a miticide.
Another pest that can affect Impatiens pallide-rosea Gilg var. lupangaensis is the aphid. Aphids can be identified by their small size and their propensity to cluster on the undersides of leaves. To manage aphids, it is important to inspect plants regularly and to spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil to reduce their populations.
