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Balsam

Useful properties and applications of Impatiens, Impatiens care


Botanical characteristics of Impatiens

Impatiens belongs to the family of Balzaminov. Translated from the Latin "Impatiens"means"impatient". Is associated with the name of balsam with a singularity of its fruit, the slightest touch of which (in Mature state), it causes cracking, causing the seeds scatter in the far distance. Impatiens, depending on the species, belongs to the annual or perennial plants.

For typical Impatiens bushy, fleshy, juicy stems. Leaves toothed or entire, lanceolate leaves, without stipules, the location on the stem whorled or opposite. Color green of various shades. The flowers are irregular in shape, simple or double, meet single types of flowers of Impatiens and gathered in a loose inflorescence. Flowers differ in color palette, depending on the species can be white, red, yellow, or bicolor, single.

The fruit of the plant – polyspermous box. The genus Balzaminov includes about 400 species of herbaceous plants. They grow usually in Africa and Asia, prefer tropical and subtropical climate.


The beneficial properties of Impatiens

Impatiens is increasingly used as ornamental plants, but in folk medicine it is used for therapeutic purposes. To date, the chemical composition of the balsam is unclear, it is safe to say that this plant is poisonous and in the flowering period in its composition generates a large amount of ascorbic acid.


The use of Impatiens

Impatiens is a beautiful plant, widely used in horticulture. Its flowering period is quite long (it blooms from July until the first frost), and in England, the plant became known as Busy Lizzie – "hard Lisa". For its beauty and expressiveness Impatiens the Austrians called "a Beautiful wreath." This title is a comparison of plants with a beautiful girl.

Today, the Impatiens are grown for their own pleasure in private, and for industrial purposes. Commercial figures are taken for its cultivation in the effort to use plants as decorative ornaments for balcony boxes, hanging baskets, terraces, and outdoor cafes.

Despite the poorly studied the composition of the balsam, are aware of frequent cases of its use as a medicinal plant by traditional healers of the Caucasus, Asia, Siberia and the Urals. Infusions and decoctions prepared on the basis recommended by healers for presence of stones inthe kidneys and bladder. Impatiens is an effective tool for the treatment of ulcers, wounds and hemorrhoids, to control which uses fresh leaves of the plant.

Impatiens is assigned in the form of decoction (external use in the form of baths), with rheumatism. Recipe infusion: take 1 teaspoon of herbs of Impatiens and a glass of boiling water, pour raw materials and leave for 20 minutes. Scheme 1 (rarely 2) tablespoons per day. Should not take more than the recommended dosage: overdose causes vomiting.


Care for Impatiens

Wanting to achieve a beautiful flowering of Impatiens, you should take into account that the plant does not like direct sunlight, but this requires light at least several hours a day. In the warm period of the year it is desirable to make the open air, while avoiding exposure to direct sunlight and precipitation. The best temperature for growing is around 20-22 °C in winter not below 15 °C. to avoid cooling.

Care of Impatiens requires proper watering. In the spring, summer and first half of autumn watering should be abundant and regular in summer, in the hottest weather, daily watering is allowed. In the winter the amount of water for irrigation can be significantly reduced in order to avoid drying of soil and stagnant water in the pan. Impatiens loves spraying that is recommended at temperatures over 20 °C. If you do not maintain the necessary humidity, the leaves may drop.

From may to September, Impatiens should be fertilized, maintaining the interval between feedings for 15 days. When buying plants, planted it immediately in a close pot, trying to stimulate blooming. It is worth noting that after two years, the plant ceases to be attractive from a decorative point of view and needed to be updated.

It is important to monitor the absence of pests affecting Impatiens. The most dangerous of pests for the plants are spider mites, which settled in the interstices of the stems, whiteflies and aphids that settle on the plants whole colonies. For pest control it is recommended to wipe the whole flower soapy sponge, then rinse under a warm shower. If the lesion is strong, the plant to spray solution aktellika 0,15 % (1-2 ml per liter of water).


The flowers of Impatiens

Types of Impatiens, introduced into the bedroom culture, are valued at the expense of attraction of their flowers. One of the brightest representatives of room types is called Impatiens Canvas(Impatiens holstii) and Impatiens room, or sultanovici (Impatiens sultanii). These plants have a long flowering period, their height ranges from 30 to 60 cm.

Flowers vary color palette. You can meet representatives from red, purplish-pink flowers, monochrome and colorful color. Interestingly, in one group there are buds with different stepet development: not yet blooming flowers, blossoming or withering. High popularity today is purchased a hybrids of these species, which are characterized by Carmine, red or purplish pink hues.


The seeds of Impatiens

The seeds of Impatiens are round balls of brown color, the formation of which occurs in 25-30 day since the start of the flowering plants. Viable seeds can save up to eight years. Balzaminov collect seeds when the capsule has reached the stage of whitening, but it is worth remembering that gathering should be very careful, since it is known that boxes are easily cracked by any touch.

Propagation of Impatiens seeds, it is important to remember that this is a heat-loving plant and plant it in open ground, preferably with the onset of heat, i.e. somewhere in June. The seedlings is prepared in advance (since March), for which the seeds are planted in special boxes. If the seedlings you plan to grow in the greenhouse, her training can begin in April-may.

For germination it is important to observe the temperature conditions: 20-25 °C. seeds are Planted shallow, about the depth of 0.7 cm, followed by a little water the soil and cover with cellophane or glass. Germinate seeds at the 8-10th days after sowing.


Growing Impatiens

Propagation of Impatiens occur in two ways: by seeds and cuttings. For planting in open ground is the best first option involving reproduction with seeds. Seed cultivation requires the prior preparation of seedlings. Propagation of Impatiens seeds, be sure to wait until heat, since Impatiens can not stand the cold and its seeds do not germinate if the temperature is less than 20-25 °C.

Seedlings are prepared beforehand. If Impatiens will be planted on the exposed surface, preparation of seedlings should start in February-March, for this purpose seeds are sown in boxes. Seeds are planted shallowly, about 0,7 cm, then pour a little soil and cover with plastic or glass to maintain the required humidity level. Periodically cellophane (glass) should be removed in order to ventilate the seedlings.

If Impatiens will beto grow in the greenhouse, preparing the seedlings, you can start later in April and may. For germination it is necessary to observe the temperature conditions of 20-25 °C. seeds Germinate at the 8-10th days after sowing. As soon as the sprouts (they should be one piece), they are transplanted into pots, each seedling separately. Here they will grow until transplanting outdoors.

For planting Impatiens in the ground cooking pits, keeping the distance between plants 20-25 cm, and in these periods of the earth should mix in some fertile soil and compost. Before planting the seedlings, while still in the pot, watered thoroughly, and then removed from the containers and planted in the ground. The plants are buried and watered.

Balsam leaves

The leaves of Impatiens, depending on the plant species, reach a length of 8-12 cm They are oval or lanceolate shape, serrated, leaf color green or purple-bronze. Hybrids of Impatiens – for example, the new Guinea – variegated leaves.

Chopped fresh balsam leaves are used in folk medicine. Because they have anti-inflammatory effects, they recommend applying hemorrhoidal lumps, wounds and ulcers.


Varieties of Impatiens

The genus Impatiens is incredibly big, it has about 400 species, there are, however, the most striking of its representatives, which are cultivated as ornamental, cultural and medicinal plants.

One of the most common is the balsam of Wallerwith a second title – the balsam of Waller. It is worth noting that today there are many varieties of Impatiens Waller, who for the purpose of classification are combined in series. In one series may be present about 20 varieties of plants with different coloration. The flowers of Impatiens Waller Terry, in structure they are similar to rose, but much less of them. Often there are lots of colors with dual color.

There are the following series of Impatiens Waller.

F1 Accent series – compact plant whose height ranges from 15 to 25 cm. the Flowers are large, color a variety of colors. This series includes 18 varieties. Tempo series F1: the height of these plants ranges from 20 to 25 cm the Series includes two varieties – Peach Butterfly, which is characterized by an apricot color of the petals and bright orange eye, Butterfly and Peach (the color pink, raspberry eye).

Series F1 Stardust Mixed: height from 15 to 25 cm Colour of the petals stands out among relatives, as if they were powdered in the middle; the trim is wide, bright colors – dark pink and orange.

Series Bruno F1: height up to 30 cm Flowers are large, the diameter reaches 6 cm, have a purple color, red, white, purple with pink shimmer.

Series Fiesta F1: the flowers of this series, Terry. The height is about 20-25 cm, flowering rich, the flowers are very similar to roses.

Series Firefly F1: height of about 25 cm Includes ten varieties, their characteristic feature is the rich flowering. Colors can be bright and pastel colours, dominated by purple, pink and orange.

Series Stardust and Frosty: these series are very similar, they share a common feature – the presence of white spots inside the flower. The plant is very expressive.

Symphony series – grade refers to early flowering. Height is about 20 cm, flowers large, expressive, the colors are different.

The Super Elfin series includes 13 varieties, with different colors of petals.

Series Candy contains 17 varieties, the flowers of this series are characterized by their simplicity.

A series of Fanciful Tropicalflowers of these plants are semi-double, bright colors, colors, shades, all sorts.

There are also a series of Duet Rosette, Carousel, Rose Parade, in which the flowers are variegated forms and beautiful double flowers of various colors.

The following well-known strain – Impatiens garden, which is widely used in gardens, flowerbeds and other places. This variety is native to southern China, India and Malaysia. Garden Impatiens is an annual plant, its height is 70 cm, it has branched stems, large, petiolate, alternate leaves. The flowers of the garden Impatiens are single or double, the color is characterized by the variety of colors. Flowering begins in June and lasts until frost.

Balfour's Impatiens. This variety is unpretentious, it is permissible to grow in different environments and containers. Under the condition of cultivation, plant height can reach one meter. This variety is characterized by small flowers painted in beautiful, bright tones. The variety is attractive to insects that want to enjoy the taste of his nectar. Originally Balfour's Impatiens from the Himalayas, the plant loves warmth and abundant watering.

Impatiens zelenkovsky. This species is native to the Himalayas and the East Indies. It is widely used as hedges, planted in groups on lawns, is used to decorate the fences. The plant is expressive and impressive, attracted a large number of insects, however, has a drawback – it often turns into a weed.

The most famous varieties of Impatiens Impatiens also owns forest, red Impatiens, Impatiens flame, Impatiens 'Kandy', the new Guinea hybrids, Impatiens Sultani, Impatiens Orchid, potted Impatiens, Impatiens and double Impatiens Ostrovsky. Each of the varieties hasits specificity brings together their special beauty and expressiveness of colors.


The balsam forest

Forest balsam is an annual herbaceous plant, belongs to the family of Balzaminov, reaches a height of 1 m. Leaves oblong-ovate, edges coarsely toothed, with short petioles. The flowers are irregular, yellow, collected in inflorescence. The fruit is a box-shaped and when fully ripe they open at the slightest touch, scattering the seeds.

Flowering starts from late June and lasts through September. The plant is poisonous. A distinguishing characteristic of the balsam forest is the possibility of its use in medicine. Its membership to date is little studied, however, it is known that in the period of flowering, it contains a high percentage of ascorbic acid. The plant is used for preparation of extracts, which is recommended for several diseases.

Infusions effective for stones in the bladder and the kidneys, in dropsy. The tool is used also for external hemorrhoids (cones), of rheumatism, as an effective means of disinfection of wounds. In the infusion is used the minimum number of plants, because due to its toxicity it can cause vomiting.


Impatiens red

Red Impatiens belongs to the family of Balzaminov, a native plant of East Africa. Its stems are fragile and juicy, the slightest crack is leaking juice. Leaves fleshy red Impatiens, are egg-shaped. The plant likes humidity, when the lack of it leaves quickly droop. For flowers in the axils of the leaves, characteristic red colour, with a long curved spur that holds the nectar.

Flowering begins in June and lasts until the first frost. Impatiens red loves the warmth and does not tolerate freezing. Ideal temperature conditions for it – 20 to 25 °C. In winter, keep the plant in a cool place where the temperature is 15 °C. If the temperature is below the above – the leaves fall off, if the above – may form aphids and the plant will have to handle.

Impatiens red is very attractive for lovers of houseplants. Its flowering period is very expressive, and most importantly – a flower does not require special care. In the summer it should be frequently and abundantly watered (3 times a week, on hot days you can make daily watering), fertilizing with phosphate-potash fertilizer (nitrogen is invalid). In the period of the growing season up to two times pinch out the shoots with the aim of branching. In winter, watering balsamic reduction.

Propagation of Impatiens red is by cuttings, this plant should reach the age of three. In one pot planted on 3-4 cuttings.


Impatiens light

Impatiens – luxury flower with many names. One of the most beautiful is the balsam light. About this flower there is an interesting legend that tells about a girl who's waiting with the battle of your guy. Before leaving, he solemnly promised her to return and asked the girl to light in the window of her house a red light, he wanted to see his light and know that light will beckon him back. Unfortunately, the bright light did not help the brave warrior and he fell in a bloody battle.

Despite the sad news, the girl continued to wait, her spark, eyes and heart burned with hope for the return of a loved one. After a long period of time, the girl grew old and died. Immediately after her death, the light turned into an amazingly beautiful plant, the flowers of which continued to glow.

Today Impatiens light found in many homes. It is a herbaceous plant, with a height of 30 to 50 cm Stem plants are fragile and juicy. At the slightest touch to it SAP begins to flow. The leaves are alternate, wrinkled, the color green, sometimes reddish. The edges of the leaf blade dentate. Flowers rather large, solitary, they are characterized by curved spur 4-5 cm.long.

Impatiens is absolutely low maintenance. It is worth considering that he does not like direct sunlight and strong frosts. The optimal temperature for life – 18-20 °C, winter 15-20 °C. Requires abundant watering in spring and summer.


Impatiens Sultani

Impatiens Sultani (other names – touch-me, room, light) originating from Africa. Characterized by brittle the stem is translucent or pale pink (sometimes red), the breakdown of which flows the juice. Plant height ranges from 30 cm to 50 cm balsam Leaves are opposite, spreading, purple or green color. The edges of the leaf plates are finely toothed.

The flowers of Impatiens Sultani single, numerous of them are quite large (about four cm in diameter) located on a short peduncle. Color flowers bright pink. Impatiens loves heat, light and moisture. Well, rich bloom, young plants, old look unattractive. From the lack of light, heat, or moisture Impatiens usually throws off the sheets.

For breeding it is desirable to use apical cuttings that are 3 cm long, not seeds. When planting seeds, the plant may lose its appeal. The cuttings quickly take root, they are quite finicky. It is recommended to transplant in a small container , so the flowers bloom wildly.


Impatiens Orchid

Impatiens Orchid has dark pink brittle stalk. Its leaves are velvety, dark green, dark pink or red veins, running the length of the sheet. Flowers form small Shoe, white with Burgundy and yellow-orange marked. Impatiens loves heat, light and moisture. Undemanding in care. Features of Orchid Impatiens in comparison with other representatives of the genus Balzaminov – it is not damaged by spider mites.

Balm's Orchid is often confused with representatives of Balzaminov Waller, it is worth noting that, in contrast to the varieties of Waller, Orchid type grows slower. Impatiens Orchid looks spectacular in any season because of its luxurious foliage, even when not in bloom.


The balsam room

The balsam room is one of the most popular houseplants. Is a beautiful shrub up to 60 cm Stems brittle, juicy, with the slightest touch begins to extract the juice. Foliage bright. Flowers are expressive, large, plush or simple. Color the petals pink, red, white. Today there are many hybrids of this type, which are characterized by brightly colored foliage.

Impatiens are not demanding in care, but to achieve a rich flowering and healthy growth of plants, it is important to observe some simple rules. The first thing to remember is Impatiens likes the heat. It can even cope with the heat, provided copious irrigation, however, from direct sunlight to protect it better. In winter, the temperature should be about 15 degrees.

The second important condition is the humidity. No wonder the balsam room is popularly called "roly wet". Flower really loves moisture, its stem and leaves are full of it. One of the main features of Impatiens is known to the allocation on its stems and on the edges of a sheet of fluid, resembling crystals. Thus the plant gets rid of excess fluid. With insufficient watering the leaves will begin to die and fall off. Overflow can also lead to diseases of Impatiens.

The balsam long flowering period. Under the right conditions it will bloom from spring until the first frost. Moreover, Impatiens after a rest can bloom again, for example, in the winter. The balsam room is growing very rapidly, however, like most representatives of their kind, after two, maximum three years, the flower loses its appeal.

Failure to comply with rules for care for Impatiens, he becomes easy prey for pestsamong them aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. For pest control it is important to treat the plant using washing Laundry soap, and for post-processing – "Actellic"or"Fitoverm".


Impatiens Terry

Terry Impatiens is an annual branched plant. This species, like most of his kin, loves light, heat and moisture. He does not tolerate direct sunlight and freezing. Looks nice in pots and containers. Its flowers are double, in diameter reach three cm, located in the axils of leaves, color of petals pink, red, purple. Used for decoration of balconies, flower beds, etc.


Impatiens new Guinea

The new Guinea Impatiens is a hybrid balsams, cultivation of which began in 1972. Plant height from 20 to 30 see the Homeland of this species is West Africa. The characteristic difference between the new Guinea Balzaminov from their relatives is in the stalk, which is much stronger than in other species; in the more fleshy leaves and flowers; the variety of shades.

In addition, these Bush varieties are more compact, they are very hardy and prone to continuous flowering. Minimum temperature for plant life is +10 °C. the new Guinea Impatiens love moisture, but to fill it. In the summer it is recommended to water little and often, but winter is enough to water once in 15 days.


Contraindications of Impatiens

Impatiens poisonous forest, therefore, it is in minimal doses according to doctor's recommendation. Cannot be used during pregnancy.