New Guinea Impatiens – care at home, can it be kept indoors, propagation, and diseases

Impatiens new guinea is a relatively new species belonging to the genus Impatiens of the Impatiens family. This species was artificially bred by crossing Impatiens hawkeri and other valuable species. Impatiens new guinea immediately gained immense popularity, which has only grown over the years. Thanks to their high ornamental value, these hybrids have firmly established themselves in indoor gardening.

New Guinea Impatiens is an easy-to-care-for plant, so caring for it indoors is straightforward. Moreover, it doesn't have a pronounced dormant period, unlike most ornamental flowering plants. Consequently, caring for it doesn't require a strict winter-summer schedule.

Characteristics of the species and varietal diversity of balsam

Representatives of the Novigvinei species are distinguished by a strong stem, dense leaf blades, compact bush size (up to 30-50 cm) and the ability to bloom all year round.

The leaves are arranged in whorls on the stem. They are attached by shortened petioles. The blades are broadly lanceolate with a finely serrated edge. The central vein is clearly visible on the leaves. In most varieties, it is recessed into the blade. The leaf coloration is represented by shades of green. Some hybrids combine this with burgundy red or yellow.

The flowers are of decorative value. They are quite large, reaching 8 cm in diameter in some varieties. The flower is five-petaled with an elongated, curved spur. Flowers can be borne singly or in axillary clusters.

There are 3 groups of hybrids of this species:

• dwarf bushes up to 20 cm in height with small flowers;
• spreading bushes of medium size, intended for growing in an ampelous form;
• tall hybrids with erect stems reaching up to 90 cm.

The most popular varieties are:

1. Harmony – very branched stems and large flowers in 14 colors.

   

2. Divaro – compact bushes with medium-sized flowers. The series includes six colors.

   

3. SunPatiens Spreading White – variegated compact bushes with snow-white flowers.

   

4. Jungle Rain – the series is distinguished by pastel tones of petal color.

   

5. Rainforest Exotic – two-color hybrids.

   

6. Macarena – bright orange flowers against a background of bronze leaves.

   

The duration of balsam bloom depends on care. With proper care, the plant can bloom year-round.

Caring for New Guinea balsam at home

Growing balsam at home is easy. Difficulties often arise among inexperienced gardeners who are unaware of or ignore expert advice.

Is it possible to keep balsam at home?

Several folk beliefs and superstitions are associated with keeping balsam in the home. The most common one is that having Vanka the Wet in the house means the husband will become drunk. This belief may have arisen from the plant's ability to release drops of sap on its stems.

Another folk wisdom contradicts the previous statement. According to it, keeping a flower at home is permissible, and growing a flower brings happiness to the owner of the house. It also promotes financial well-being and healthy relationships with family.

Another superstition associates balsam with a source of home comfort. A home with this flower will become much cozier and more welcoming. The plant radiates positive energy, aimed at harmonizing family relationships. If family members begin to quarrel, the balsam will wither. As soon as mutual understanding reigns in the family, the plant will begin to grow.

Lighting

Impatiens balsam is considered a sun-loving plant. It is recommended to place it on a west- or east-facing windowsill. This is where the plant receives sufficient bright, diffused light.

A south-facing location may pose problems. Exposure to direct midday sun can cause burns.

A north-facing location isn't suitable for growing impatiens. To ensure adequate light, grow lights will be needed. Without them, the plant will stretch, losing its decorative appeal.

Temperature and humidity

Impatiens is quite a heat-loving plant. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 18°C ​​to 24°C. Some gardeners recommend placing the pot outside. The plant does benefit from fresh air, but before moving it outdoors, consider the weather conditions.

Since the flower does not tolerate sudden temperature changes, it can only be taken out when the difference between day and night temperatures does not exceed 5°C.

The optimal humidity level for growing impatiens is considered to be 40-60%. This is a low level, typical for a living space. Humidity should only be increased during hot periods and when heating is on. In summer, the plant should be misted with soft water. In winter, it can be placed on a tray with wet pebbles.

Watering and fertilizing

It is recommended to water the plant through the tray. In summer, the soil should be moistened daily; in winter, watering should be reduced to once a week. Excess water should be drained. Stagnant moisture in the tray can promote rot.

For watering, use soft water at room temperature. Rainwater is preferable. If this is not available, household water should be filtered first.

The impatiens root system is very sensitive, so experts recommend halving the recommended dosage. When choosing a fertilizer, pay close attention to its ingredients. Complexes with a high potassium concentration and low nitrogen content are suitable for the plant.

Why does balsam drop its leaves and dry out?

The reason for the plant's drooping leaves and drying out may be improper care or disease and pest infestation. It's worth noting that all impatiens diseases, including pest infestations, are also a consequence of improper care.

If the balsam has dropped its leaves, the following care points should be considered:

1. Temperature and humidity. The room may be too hot or the air may be too dry.
2. Lighting. Leaves may droop due to insufficient light.
3. Fertilizers. Improperly administered fertilizer can seriously harm the plant.
4. Pot. Impatiens thrives only in confined spaces.

If all of the above reasons are excluded, most likely the flower is seriously ill or has become a victim of pests.

Diseases and treatment

Most often, balsam is affected by rot:

All types of rot are caused by fungal infections and are very dangerous for the plant. Impatiens with advanced stages of rot die.

Pests and control methods

The most common pests of balsam are considered to be the following insects:

1. Whitefly. Small whitish insects on the underside of leaves are clearly visible against the green background.
2. Thrips. These small, elongated insects can be seen on the underside of the leaf. Small holes and streaks appear on the upper side.

   

3. Aphids. They typically attack in large colonies. Stems and inflorescences are literally swarming with the transparent insects.
4. Spider mites. These insects are very difficult to spot with the naked eye. They can be identified by the presence of fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and petioles.

The plant is freed from pests using insecticides.

Propagation and transplantation of New Guinea impatiens at home

The plant is propagated in two ways: vegetatively (by cuttings) and generatively (by seeds). Most gardeners prefer vegetative propagation.

Cuttings

March is considered the best time for propagation by cuttings. This is when a new cycle of vegetation begins. March layers will bloom later in the year. Unlike seed propagation, propagation by cuttings allows the varietal characteristics of the mother plant to be preserved, which is essential for propagating rare hybrids. Propagating balsam by cuttings consists of several stages:

1. From a mature plant, cut the apical shoot with three internodes. Remove the lower leaves. The shoot intended for the cutting should be free of buds or inflorescences.
2. The cutting is rooted in a container with water or a damp mixture of peat (1/4), vermiculite (1/4), and perlite (1/2). The water is periodically replaced with fresh water.

   

3. The cuttings are left in a warm room with bright, diffused light.
4. To speed up the rooting process, cover the container with film or a transparent cap.
5. Cuttings placed under film require daily ventilation. Layers rooted in soil require additional daily misting.

Impatiens root in water within 10-14 days, and in soil within a week. After rooting, the film is removed and the cuttings are left to harden for 2-3 weeks. They are then planted as adult plants.

Seeds

The advantage of seed propagation is the large number of new plants. However, this method also has its drawbacks. Firstly, the seeds do not retain varietal characteristics. Secondly, they have a poor germination rate.

You can grow a plant from seeds in the following way:

1. Balsam seeds are pre-soaked in warm water.
2. After a couple of hours of soaking, the seeds are mixed with sand and placed in a container with wet peat.

   

3. Cover the container with film and leave in a warm, bright place.
4. Seedlings require daily ventilation and moisture. Instead of watering, mist the soil with a spray bottle to prevent the seeds from being washed away.
5. Seedlings appear 2-3 weeks after sowing. Once this occurs, the film is removed.

When the sprouts reach 5 cm, they are transplanted into regular balsam soil.

Transplantation and planting

The flower has a very developed root system, so it needs to be repotted annually. It's best to do this in the spring, before budding and flowering. Repotting involves the following steps:

1. The plant is carefully removed from the old pot and freed from the old soil.
2. The roots are carefully inspected for rot. If rot is present, the affected areas are trimmed and treated with a fungicide solution.

   

3. A quarter of the new pot is filled with drainage (expanded clay, pebbles, broken brick).
4. Add a little soil to the drainage layer. Place the flower on top and spread out its roots.
5. Fill the pot's voids with the remaining soil. Lightly tamp the soil down and moisten it.

The first planting is no different from the procedure for repotting a flower. For young plants, choose pots no larger than 10 cm in diameter. The plant thrives in nutritious, loose soil. Impatiens are most often planted in all-purpose potting soil with vermiculite.

Frequently asked questions about growing

New Guinea hybrids are very popular among gardeners. This excitement is due to the plants' exceptional appeal and ease of maintenance.