Overview
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson is a beautiful flowering plant belonging to the family Balsaminaceae. It is a subspecies of Impatiens teitensis, a plant species native to Kenya, East Africa. This subspecies is commonly known as Teita Balsam and is endemic to a small area in eastern Kenya. It is a desirable ornamental plant due to its beautiful, showy flowers.Appearance
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson is classified as a herbaceous plant, meaning it has a non-woody stem that dies back to the ground each year. The flowers of this plant are quite stunning, with pink-lilac petals and a yellow center. The leaves are light green, simple, and lance-shaped. This plant typically grows up to 1 meter in height and spreads widely. The Teita Balsam blooms from December to March.Uses
The Teita Balsam is primarily grown as an ornamental plant. It is widely appreciated for its striking flowers, which add a pop of color to any garden or landscape. In addition, the plant possesses medicinal qualities, which have been used by the indigenous people of Kenya for centuries. The leaves of this plant are usually crushed and applied to wounds and injuries to stop bleeding. The crushed leaves are also used to treat skin rashes, blisters, and other skin conditions.Common Names
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson is commonly known as the Teita Balsam. It is also called the Oblanceolate Teita Balsam to distinguish it from other subspecies of Impatiens teitensis. The plant is named after the Teita Hills, a small mountain range in eastern Kenya, where it is endemic. Other local names for this plant include umutaka in the Kamba language and kalyokoko in the Taita language.Light Requirements:
The Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata requires partial shade to full sun to grow well. It prefers filtered sunlight for most part of the day, especially during hot summers.
Temperature Requirements:
A warm and humid climate with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C is ideal for the Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata to thrive. It cannot survive in extremely cold climates or temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements:
The plant grows well in well-draining, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic and has a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It prefers moist soil but doesn't appreciate standing water, which can lead to root rot. You can add compost or organic fertilizer to the soil to improve its nutrition content.
Cultivation Methods for Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson is a tropical plant that requires specific conditions for optimal growth. It is best suited for cultivation in humid environments, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
When selecting a planting location, ensure that the plant receives partial sun or shade as it does not do well in direct sunlight. The soil should be well-drained, nutrient-rich, and acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
Watering Needs for Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson requires frequent watering to maintain adequate moisture levels. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. Drying out the soil can cause leaf wilting and leaf drop.
It is best to use a watering can or a drip irrigation system to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, which can lead to fungal disease development. Water the plant regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
Fertilization of Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson requires frequent fertilization to help it achieve optimal growth and development. It is best to use a balanced N-P-K fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10, applied every two weeks.
Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, stopping fertilizer application during the dormant seasons.
Pruning of Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson does not require regular pruning as it has a naturally bushy growth habit. However, you can pinch off the tips of the plant's stems to encourage branching, which can lead to more flowers.
If you notice any dead or damaged leaves, remove them as soon as possible to prevent the spread of fungal diseases. Avoid pruning the plant during the dormant season to avoid causing stress.
Propagation of Impatiens teitensis subsp. oblanceolata
Impatiens teitensis subsp. oblanceolata, commonly known as the elongate impatiens, is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. This plant is native to East Africa and can grow up to 2 meters tall.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Impatiens teitensis subsp. oblanceolata is by seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits and planted in seed trays filled with well-draining soil. It's essential to cover the seeds with a very thin layer of soil and keep them moist.
The best temperature range for germination is between 20°C and 25°C. Germination usually takes place within 2-4 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Impatiens teitensis subsp. oblanceolata can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with several leaves and make a clean-cut below the node. Remove all the leaves except the top two or three and plant the cutting into a tray filled with a well-draining potting mix.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment away from direct sunlight. It's essential to ensure that the cuttings do not dry out, and misting them regularly can help to maintain their moisture levels. The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted to their final location after two months.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson is a beautiful flowering plant that is endemic to East Africa. Like most plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Fusarium wilt - This is a fungal disease that attacks the plant's vascular system, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plants or plant parts. Avoid overhead watering and improve drainage to prevent the fungus from spreading.
2. Powdery mildew - Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that usually appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant parts. Keep the area around the plant clean and well-ventilated to reduce humidity levels.
3. Leaf spot - Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots to develop on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant parts. Water the plant from the base to prevent the leaves from getting wet.
Pests
1. Aphids - Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage these pests, spray the plant with a solution of water and soap or use insecticidal soap or oil.
2. Spider mites - Spider mites are tiny, red or black insects that spin webs on the plant. They feed on the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage these pests, hose the plant down with water to dislodge the mites. Use insecticidal soap or oil if necessary.
3. Whiteflies - Whiteflies are small, white insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and die. To manage these pests, use yellow sticky traps to catch the adult flies. Spray the plant with a solution of water and soap or use insecticidal soap or oil.
By following these tips, you can help protect Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. oblanceolata Grey-Wilson from diseases and pests, and ensure it continues to thrive and add beauty to your garden.
