Overview
Impatiens procridoides Warb. is a perennial herbaceous plant species belonging to the family Balsaminaceae. It is commonly referred to as the pale yellow touch-me-not due to its unique flowers and the habit of forcefully ejecting its seeds upon touch.
Origin
Impatiens procridoides Warb. is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It thrives in the damp forest understory and in shaded, damp areas along streams and rivers.
General Appearance
Impatiens procridoides Warb. grows up to 60 cm in height. It has a fibrous root system and an erect stem that is slightly hairy. The leaves are alternate and ovate to oblong-ovate in shape, with a pointed tip and serrated edges. The flowers are pale yellow in color, with five petals and a spur that is club-shaped. The fruit is a capsule that can explode when touched, expelling the seeds up to several meters away.
Uses
The plant is highly valued for its ornamental qualities, as it produces numerous flowers that bloom throughout the year. Its medicinal uses include the treatment of fever, inflammation, arthritis, and gonorrhea. The leaves and stems have been used to make poultices and ointments for skin conditions such as boils and eczema.
Light Requirements
Impatiens procridoides Warb. requires partial shade to full shade conditions for optimal growth. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn and stunted growth. This species thrives in filtered light conditions that mimic the natural habitat of the plant, which is found growing under the canopy of trees and shrubs.
Temperature Requirements
Impatiens procridoides Warb. prefers moderate to cool temperatures and does well in areas with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F). It is a tropical plant, and exposure to extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, can cause damage and inhibit growth. This species is not frost-tolerant and should be protected during cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Impatiens procridoides Warb. prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. This plant requires moist soil conditions and cannot tolerate drought. It is important to avoid waterlogging the soil, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. A layer of organic mulch can help to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
Cultivation of Impatiens Procridoides Warb.
Impatiens Procridoides Warb. is a fairly easy plant to cultivate, as it grows easily in a range of conditions.
It thrives in slightly acidic and nutrient-rich soil, although it can tolerate a wide range of soil types. Ideally, it should be grown in well-draining soil that allows water to drain away from the roots.
The plant flourishes in partial shade or dappled sunlight, so it is best to avoid planting it in full sun. However, it can also grow in full shade with low light conditions.
Watering Needs
Water is essential during the growth period, which is typically in spring and summer. Impatiens procridoides Warb. requires regular watering, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
The soil should be watered thoroughly but not overwatered, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. It is recommended to check the soil's moisture level by sticking your finger in the soil. If the soil is dry up to 2 inches deep, it's time to water the plant.
Fertilization
Impatiens Procridoides Warb. benefits from regular feedings of a balanced fertilizer to encourage abundant flowering and lush green foliage.
It is recommended to fertilize the plant monthly during the growth period, using a water-soluble fertilizer. However, it is best to avoid fertilizing during the winter when the plant's growth is slow.
Pruning
Pruning of Impatiens Procridoides Warb. is essential to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.
Deadheading or removing the spent flowers can help promote new blooms and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. It is also recommended to prune back any diseased, damaged, or crossing branches to ensure the plant's overall health.
Propagation of Impatiens procridoides Warb.
Impatiens procridoides Warb. is a perennial herb that can be propagated through various methods. Here we discuss a few popular propagation methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds are the easiest way to propagate Impatiens procridoides Warb. Sow the seeds on the soil surface and cover with a light layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. It takes about 20-30 days for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed two or three leaves, they can be transplanted to a larger container or garden bed.
Stem cutting propagation
Impatiens procridoides Warb. can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Take a 3-4 inch long cutting from a healthy and mature plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of soil and perlite. Maintain high humidity levels by covering the pot with a plastic bag or a glass jar. Keep the soil moist and transfer the cutting to a larger container or garden bed once the roots have developed.
Division propagation
Impatiens procridoides Warb. can be propagated through division during the growing season. Carefully dig up the plant and divide the root ball into several sections. Each section should have roots and foliage. Replant each division in a new container or garden bed. Water thoroughly and provide shade for a few days until the new plants adapt to their new environment.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens procridoides Warb.
Impatiens procridoides Warb. is a species of flowering plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common issues that may affect the plant, as well as tips on how to manage them.
Diseases
Downy mildew: This is one of the most common diseases that may affect Impatiens procridoides Warb. It is caused by the oomycete Plasmopara obducens and can cause leaf yellowing, stunting, and wilting. To prevent downy mildew, you must ensure good air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding of plants. You can also apply fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Viral diseases: These are caused by different viruses like Cucumber mosaic virus, Impatiens necrotic spot virus and Tomato spotted wilt virus among others. Symptoms include stunting, twisted, yellow, or curled leaves. When plants have viral infections, they must be removed and destroyed, and all tools and surfaces must be cleaned to prevent the spread of the virus.
Canker: This is a fungal disease that causes the appearance of brown or yellow spots on the plant’s stem. It can cause wilting, dieback, and eventually, death. You can manage canker by pruning out the infected plant parts and spraying with fungicide. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent the disease.
Pests
Aphids: These are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plants' leaves and stems. They can cause stunting, yellowing, and curling of leaves. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects such as lacewings, ladybugs and parasitic wasps also feed on aphids, hence their presence in the garden is beneficial.
Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant’s leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and eventual leaf drop. To manage spider mites, ensure the plants are regularly sprayed with high-pressure water to remove them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the pests. Apply these insecticides in the early morning or late evening.
Leaf miners: These pests are larvae of flies that feed inside plant leaves, creating tunnels that can distort the leaves. To prevent leaf miners, ensure proper sanitation of your garden and ensure to remove fallen leaves from the ground. You can also spray early in the season with neem oil, spinosad, or Bacillus thuringingensis (BT).
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Impatiens procridoides Warb. is to maintain good cultural practices, such as proper sanitation and regular monitoring, and using appropriate pest and disease control methods when necessary.
