Origin
Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze, commonly known as Schlieben’s balsam, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. The plant is native to Tanzania, where it is found in the Uluguru Mountains at altitudes of 1900 to 2200 meters above sea level.
Common Names
Schlieben’s balsam is commonly known by its scientific name Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze. However, it is also referred to as Uluguru balsam or Uluguru impatiens due to its native location.
Uses
Schlieben’s balsam has not been extensively utilized for commercial or medicinal purposes. However, it has been grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers. The plant blooms during the wet season, producing pink to purplish-pink flowers. The foliage is dark green, with leaves that are alternate, simple and ovate.
General Appearance
Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1m tall. The stems are succulent and cylindrical, with a reddish tinge towards the base. The plant’s leaves are ovate and have a serrated margin. The flowers are pentamerous, with the corolla being zygomorphic. They are 3-4cm long, consisting of a spurred lower lip and a hood-like upper lip. The fruit is a capsule that bursts open when ripe, dispersing the seeds.
Overall, Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze is a beautiful plant with limited commercial uses, but serves well as an ornamental plant.Light Requirements
Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze prefers partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant, causing its leaves to wilt and scorch.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in a warm and humid environment. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 15°C to 25°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 30°C can significantly affect the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze prefers well-draining and fertile soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is also important that the soil is able to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze is a semi-hardy perennial plant that grows well in partial shade to full sun. It requires rich, well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. For seeds, sow them in a seedbed in spring while cuttings can be directly planted in pots at any time of the year.
Watering Needs
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your impatiens regularly, especially during dry weather, to prevent them from drying out. Avoid overhead watering as it can cause leaf spots or encourage fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plant to keep its foliage dry.
Fertilization
Fertilize impatiens with a balanced fertilizer, applying it every few weeks during the growing season. The plant requires high levels of phosphorus to promote flowering and fruiting. Use a slow-release fertilizer, or a water-soluble fertilizer that can be mixed with water and applied directly to the soil.
Pruning
Prune Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze regularly by removing spent flowers and deadheading, which promotes the plant's bushiness and blooming. Cut back the plant by one-third of its size in late autumn or early spring to encourage regrowth. Pinch back the tips of the plants to keep them compact and encourage branching.
Propagation of Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze
Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze can be propagated through various means. The most common propagation methods include seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze through seeds is relatively easy. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist. They should be covered lightly with a thin layer of soil and kept in a warm, humid location. Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagating Impatiens schliebenii G.M.Schulze through cuttings is a simple and effective method. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy mother plant and should be at least 4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mixture and keep them moist. In a few weeks, the cuttings will start rooting, and new growth will emerge.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is a more straightforward approach but can only be used if the parent plant has multiple stems. Divide the parent plant into several sections, ensuring that each section has roots attached. Plant each section in well-draining soil and keep them moist. The new plants will grow from the divided sections.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens schliebenii G. M. Schulze
Impatiens schliebenii G. M. Schulze, commonly known as Schlieben’s balsam, is a beautiful ornamental plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. This plant is native to eastern tropical Africa and requires well-drained soil with a moderate amount of moisture and partial shade. It is susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can damage the plant and reduce its productivity eventually. Therefore, disease and pest management are crucial to maintain healthy Impatiens schliebenii plants.
Common Diseases
Damping off: Damping off is a common fungal disease that affects seedlings in the early stages of growth. This disease causes the seedlings to wilt and eventually die. To prevent this disease, make sure to use well-drained soil or use a sterile potting mix when planting seeds.
Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a serious fungal disease that affects the vascular system of the plant, restricting the flow of water and nutrients. This disease causes the leaves of the plant to turn yellow, and the stems to become droopy. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering and maintain good drainage.
Botrytis blight: Botrytis blight, or gray mold, is a fungal disease that affects the flowers and leaves of the plant. This disease causes the flowers and leaves to rot and turn brown. To prevent this disease, avoid overhead watering and keep the air circulation good in the growing area.
Common Pests
Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They pierce the surface of the plant and suck out the sap, which causes the leaves to become discolored and distorted. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to become stippled and eventually die. To prevent this pest, maintain good air circulation and humidity in the growing area. Use a strong jet of water to dislodge the mites. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Snails and Slugs: Snails and slugs are common pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing irregular and ragged holes. To manage these pests, handpick and remove them, or use a slug and snail bait that contains iron phosphate.
In conclusion, it is important to keep an eye on the health of Impatiens schliebenii plants and take appropriate measures to prevent any diseases or pests from damaging them. A combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods should be used to manage pests and diseases effectively.
