Overview:
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson is a beautiful, flowering plant that is commonly known as Balsam. It belongs to the family Balsaminaceae and is native to Africa. This plant has been used as an ornamental plant and it is grown for its beautiful flowers. It grows well in tropical and subtropical regions and can grow up to 1 meter in height.
Appearance:
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson is a fast-growing, herbaceous plant with an upright habit. The stem of the plant is green and succulent. The leaves are alternate, ovate, and green in color. They are about 5 to 20 cm long and 3 to 10 cm wide, with a serrated margin. The flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the stem. The flowers are pink in color and have a spur that is about 3 cm long.
Common names:
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson is commonly known by a number of common names including Balsam, Touch-Me-Not, and Snapweed. It is also known as Naiko in Swahili language in East Africa.
Uses:
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson is used as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens. It is also used in traditional medicine in some African countries. The plant's sap is used to treat skin diseases, and a decoction made from the roots is used to treat coughs and other respiratory infections. In addition, the plant is also used in the dyeing industry to produce a yellow dye from its roots.
Overall, Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson is a beautiful, versatile plant that has various uses and benefits.Light Requirements
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson requires partial shade to full shade for optimal growth. Direct sunlight exposure can cause the leaves to wilt and scorch, especially during the hottest part of the day. Therefore, it is essential to provide adequate shade for the plant to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson growth is between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. The plant cannot tolerate extreme temperatures, especially frost. Moreover, it is recommended to keep the temperature constant to avoid stressing the plant.
Soil Requirements
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging between 6.0 to 6.5. Moreover, it is advisable to maintain soil moisture levels to prevent water stress or waterlogging. Additionally, the soil should be regularly supplemented with fertilizers to support growth.
Cultivation methods
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson is a shade-loving plant that requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C and requires protection from strong winds. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings and grows well in pots, baskets, or garden beds. It is recommended to repot the plant every year to ensure the proper growth of the roots.
Watering needs
The plant prefers consistently moist soil, and it is essential to water it regularly. It is recommended to water it deeply once a week, but the frequency may vary depending on the humidity and the soil type. Overwatering should be avoided as it may cause root rot, whereas underwatering may lead to the drying out of the leaves and stunted growth of the plant.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular feeding to ensure healthy growth and flowering. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Fertilizer with a high nitrogen content should be avoided, as it may cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. A slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil to provide continuous nourishment to the plant.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning, but it is recommended to remove any yellow or dead leaves regularly. Pinching off the tips of the stems can encourage bushier growth, and it is essential to remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. The plant may become leggy if left unpruned, so occasional trimming can help maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Propagation of Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson can be propagated through different methods that include:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected after the capsules have fully ripened and turned brown. These seeds can be directly sown into the soil in late winter or early spring when the temperature starts rising and soil gets warm. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil or at a shallow depth of 1-2 cm. The germination time for the seeds is usually 10-20 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method to propagate Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson is through cuttings. This method is useful when you have a mature plant and want to get new plants out of it. Take cuttings of 5-7 cm long from the mature plant and remove any lower leaves from the cutting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in well-draining soil. Water the cuttings and keep them in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Division Propagation
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson can also be propagated by division. This is a useful method when you have a mature plant, but it has become overgrown or has outgrown its pot. You can divide the plant into smaller sections and repot them separately. Ensure that each division has a good root system and replant them in well-draining soil. Water the plants and keep them in a shaded area until they start showing new growth.
With proper care, Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson can be easily propagated through these methods, giving you beautiful and healthy plants.
Disease Management
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima is susceptible to several diseases, and early identification and prompt management are of utmost importance. A few common diseases that can affect the plant are:
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe spp. and is characterized by white powdery growth on the leaves, flowers, and stems. It can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage, remove the infected parts of the plant, improve air circulation, and spray with a fungicide.
- Downy mildew: This is caused by the fungus Plasmopara spp. and can lead to yellowing and wilting of leaves. It can be managed by removing the infected parts of the plant, improving air circulation, and applying a fungicide.
- Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and can lead to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and plant death. It is a soil-borne disease, and the fungus can survive for a long time in soil. To manage, remove infected plants, improve soil drainage, and apply a fungicide.
Regularly inspecting the plants, maintaining appropriate environmental conditions, and using disease-resistant varieties can help in disease prevention.
Pest Management
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima is also vulnerable to attacks by several pests. Prompt management is necessary to prevent pest damage to the plants. Some common pests that can affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. They can be managed by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or oil, pruning the severely affected parts, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids thrive in dry conditions and can cause leaf discoloration, webbing, and leaf drop. To manage, increase humidity levels, do not over-fertilize, and spray with insecticidal soap or oil.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and a decrease in plant vigor. They can be managed by using yellow sticky traps, spraying with insecticidal soap or oil, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
Proper sanitation practices including regular cleaning of the growing area, removal of plant debris, and use of pest-resistant varieties can aid in pest prevention. Early detection and treatment can prevent pest outbreaks and minimize damage.
