Overview
Impatiens x kaskazini Grimshaw & Grey-Wilson, also known as the North African balsam, is a beautiful flowering plant known for its delicate and vibrant blooms. This plant is one of the newest additions to the Impatiens family, having been discovered in recent years in the Northern region of Africa.
Origin
The Impatiens x kaskazini is native to North Africa, particularly in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. It thrives in the mountainous areas of the region, growing typically on rocky slopes, valleys, and in woodland areas.
Common Names
The North African balsam has several common names depending on the geographic location. In Morocco, it is referred to as "errkham," while in Tunisia, it is commonly known as "el laylou." In Algeria, it is called "oudma."
Appearance
The Impatiens x kaskazini is an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm in height with fleshy, succulent stem characterized by red or green coloring. Its leaves are deeply toothed, ovate, or elliptic, and measure up to 9 cm long and 3 cm wide. The flowers are striking and come in shades of pink, magenta, or purple, with a yellow center. The flowers are shaped like a trumpet and measure from 2.5 to 3.5 cm in diameter.
Uses
Impatiens x kaskazini is predominantly used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive and showy blooms. It is a popular choice for plant enthusiasts who want to add a pop of color to their gardens or indoor spaces. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicinal practices in the region to manage digestive conditions and to boost the immune system.
Light Requirements
The Impatiens x kaskazini Grimshaw & Grey-Wilson thrives in partially shaded to fully shaded areas. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight as this may damage the leaves and cause it to wilt. It is ideal to place the plant in an area where it can receive filtered or indirect sunlight. It is also important to note that too much shade can lead to poor growth and blooming. Hence, placing it in a location where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade is optimal.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for Impatiens x kaskazini Grimshaw & Grey-Wilson is between 18-28 °C (65-82 °F). It is a tropical plant that cannot tolerate frost. During the colder months, it is best to keep it indoors or in a greenhouse where it can receive proper warmth and humidity. On the other hand, if the temperature exceeds 30 °C (86 °F), it may cause the plant to wilt and affect its growth.
Soil Requirements
The Impatiens x kaskazini Grimshaw & Grey-Wilson prefers well-draining, moist soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. It is recommended to use a potting mix that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal as it retains moisture but allows proper drainage. It is also advisable to add some fertilizer to the soil to provide essential nutrients for the plant.
Cultivation
Impatiens x kaskazini Grimshaw & Grey-Wilson, commonly known as Kaskazini Busy Lizzie, prefers partial to full shade and well-draining, moist soil. It is important to plant them in an appropriate location to ensure their growth. It grows well in zones 10-11 and requires mild temperatures to thrive.
Watering Needs
Kaskazini Busy Lizzie requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It is important to avoid over-watering as it may cause root rot. Make sure to check the soil's moisture level before watering the plant, and it is best to water it in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler to prevent evaporation.
Fertilization
Kaskazini Busy Lizzie requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to burnt roots and weak growth.
Pruning
Kaskazini Busy Lizzie may become leggy if not trimmed regularly. Prune the plant to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Pinch off the growing tips of the plant to promote branching, and remove any damaged or yellow leaves. You can also cut back one-third of the plant's growth after flowering to encourage new growth and improve the plant's overall health.
Propagation methods of Impatiens x kaskazini
Impatiens x kaskazini Grimshaw & Grey-Wilson, also known as the Kaskazini Busy Lizzie, is a hybrid plant that originated from the tropical regions of East Africa. It is a fast-growing annual or perennial, which produces bright pink, purple, or white flowers. Impatiens x kaskazini can be propagated in several ways, including:
Seeds
Impatiens x kaskazini can be propagated from seeds, which are readily available from online and local seed suppliers. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring, around the time of the last frost. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate, which can take between 10 to 20 days. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into pots or the garden.
Cuttings
Impatiens x kaskazini can also be propagated from cuttings, which is a quicker method of propagation. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from healthy stems and should be around 4-6 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until it roots, which can take between 2 to 4 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into pots or the garden.
Division
The third way to propagate Impatiens x kaskazini is through division. This method is best carried out in the spring when new growth is starting to appear. The plant should be lifted from the ground and carefully divided into smaller clumps. Each clump should have at least one healthy stem with roots attached. The clumps can be replanted in the garden or in pots, and they should be kept moist until they establish themselves.
Overall, Impatiens x kaskazini is an easy plant to propagate, and it can be done through seeds, cuttings, or division. Whichever method is employed, the plant should be kept moist until it establishes itself in its new environment.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens x kaskazini
Impatiens x kaskazini Grimshaw & Grey-Wilson, commonly known as the Kilimanjaro Impatiens, is a species of flowering plant that is highly susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with some suggested ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Downy Mildew: Downy mildew is a fungal disease that is highly prevalent in Impatiens plants. It usually appears as yellow leaves on the plant, which turn brown and start falling off. To prevent downy mildew, avoid planting Impatiens in humid areas with poor air circulation. Use resistant varieties of the plant when possible and avoid overhead watering. You can also apply a fungicide to infected plants, according to the package's instructions.
2. Grey Mould: Grey mould is another fungal disease that can affect Impatiens. The disease causes grey, fluffy mould to appear on the leaves, stems and flowers, causing them to rot. It thrives in humid conditions, much like downy mildew. To prevent grey mould, keep plant debris and fallen leaves away from the plant. You can also apply a fungicide to infected plants, according to the package's instructions.
Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can infest Impatiens and cause them to dry out and wilt. These pests thrive in dry and warm environments and often attack indoor plants. To control spider mites, regularly mist your Impatiens to keep the humidity levels up and the spider mites down. You can also use insecticidal soap and neem oil to get rid of spider mites, according to the package's instructions.
2. Aphids: Aphids are a common soft-bodied insect pest that can suck the sap from Impatiens, causing the plant to become weak. These pests often appear in large groups, and they reproduce quickly. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oil, according to the package's instructions. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to your garden, which feed on aphids.
3. Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can feed on the leaves, flowers and stems of Impatiens. They cause damage to plants by sucking sap, which leads to leaf curling, discoloration, and reduced growth. To control thrips, spray your Impatiens with insecticidal soap or oil, according to the package's instructions. You can also introduce natural predators like mites or minute pirate bugs, which feed on thrips.
By following these tips, you can help protect your Impatiens x kaskazini from common diseases and pests.
