Origin:
Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. It is native to the East African region, specifically Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names:
Common names for Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson include Impatiens, Busy Lizzie, and Touch-Me-Not.
Uses:
The plant is primarily used as an ornamental plant. Its bright and showy flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and white make it a popular choice for garden beds, borders, and hanging baskets. Some varieties of Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson are also used for medicinal purposes, particularly in traditional African medicine.
General Appearance:
Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 30-50cm tall. It has simple, alternate leaves that are ovate or lanceolate in shape and have a serrated margin. The plant blooms from summer to fall, producing clusters of five-petaled flowers that are approximately 2cm in diameter. The flowers have a spurred lower petal and come in shades of pink, lavender, and white. The fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds.
Light Requirements
Impatiens percordata subsp. newbouldiana prefers bright but indirect sunlight to grow. Direct sun can damage its leaves and inhibit its growth. It is recommended to grow this plant in a shaded area or under a tree canopy where it can get ample indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in a warm and humid environment with a temperature range of 18°C to 25°C. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures or frost, and exposure to cold temperatures can cause severe damage to the plant. Therefore, it should be grown in an area with a stable temperature that does not fall below 10°C
Soil Requirements
Impatiens percordata subsp. newbouldiana prefers moist, well-drained soil. Sandy soil that dries out quickly is not suitable for its growth. It requires a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic. A good soil mix for this plant could include peat moss, perlite, compost and regular garden soil. Adding organic matter like compost increases soil fertility and improves water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
The Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson is a shade-loving perennial that thrives in humid environments. It does well in well-drained, humus-rich soils that are slightly acidic. Before planting, ensure the soil is well dug and incorporate generous amounts of well-rotted compost or leaf mold. This subspecies grow well in areas with mild winter temperatures of not less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering Needs
Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson requires consistent watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil quality and prevailing weather conditions. Always ensure the soil is moderately moist; overwatering may cause root rot and damage the plants.
Fertilization
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, from spring to fall. Apply fertilizer at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson requires minimal pruning. If necessary, you can deadhead the faded blooms to encourage healthy and vibrant growth. Pinch the growing tips once or twice to stimulate lateral branching and bushier growth. Avoid over-pruning since that may cause the plant to become leggy and unappealing.
Propagation of Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson
Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson, commonly known as Newbould's impatiens, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. The plant is native to Tanzania and grows up to 20-35 cm in height. It produces attractive, bright, rose-pink flowers that bloom between August and November.
The propagation of Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson can be achieved through various methods. Let's take a look at them one by one:
1. Seeds
One of the easiest ways to propagate Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson is by using seeds. Collect seeds from the plant when the pods are mature and dry. Sow the seeds in sandy soil and keep the soil moist. When the seedlings are about 2-3 cm tall, you can transplant them to individual pots.
2. Stem cuttings
Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from the plant in the early summer. Cut a 3-4 cm piece of stem from a healthy mother plant, and remove the leaves from the bottom 1 cm. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in a pot filled with moist soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until the cuttings start to grow roots.
3. Division
Division is another method for propagating Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson. When the plant is large enough, carefully remove it from the soil and divide the plant into two or more sections. Make sure each section has some roots and stems. Plant the sections in pots filled with new soil, and water the plants thoroughly.
By following these methods, you can easily propagate Impatiens percordata Grey-Wilson subsp. newbouldiana Grey-Wilson and enjoy its beautiful blooms for years to come.
Disease Management
Impatiens percordata subsp. newbouldiana is usually resistant to most diseases. However, this plant is susceptible to root rot disease, which is caused by over-watering or poorly drained soil. To prevent this disease, make sure that the soil is well-draining, and avoid over-watering the plant. If the plant is infected, remove it immediately to prevent the disease from spreading to other plants.
Fungal diseases can also occur in Impatiens percordata subsp. newbouldiana, especially in humid or wet conditions. Some common fungal diseases that infect this plant include powdery mildew and leaf spot. To control fungal diseases, spray the plant with a fungicide that is labeled for use on impatiens. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and repeat the treatment as necessary.
Pest Management
Impatiens percordata subsp. newbouldiana is a favorite target of spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies, which can suck the sap from the plant's leaves and cause damage. To prevent these pests from infesting your plant, keep the surrounding area clean and weed-free, and regularly inspect the plant for signs of pest activity.
If you notice pests on your plant, you can remove them by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by wiping the leaves with a mild soap solution. For severe infestations, use an insecticide that is labeled for use on impatiens. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and apply the insecticide when the pests are most active.
Remember that prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to pests and diseases. Keep your Impatiens percordata subsp. newbouldiana healthy by providing it with the right growing conditions, such as adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and good air circulation. A healthy plant is less likely to be infested with pests or infected with diseases.
