Balsam

Balsam (lat.) – Impatiens, Family – Balsamaceae (Balsaminaceae). The plant is native to South Asia and Africa. In natural conditions it prefers moist, shady places; in indoor conditions it is valued for its bright and long-lasting flowering, as well as its unpretentiousness. Impatiens is a bright, compact plant with succulent stems and shiny leaves strewn with buds in a wide variety of shades.

Other names of the plant: Impatient, Vanka wet, Spring, Touch-mi-not.

Balsam - popular varieties:

• 1. Impatiens walleriana - a classic species with lush, bright flowers, ideal for indoor growing.
• 2. Impatiens hawkeri - New Guinea balsam, distinguished by large flowers and high resistance to the sun.
• 3. Impatiens balsamina - garden balsam, attracts attention with the unique shape of its flowers.

Useful properties of the plant. Impatiens not only decorate the house with its bright flowers, but also improves indoor air, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Impatiens is a popular flowering plant that can be found in both indoor and garden settings. The choice between growing balsam indoors or outdoors depends on the climatic conditions of the region and the preferences of the gardener. Here are a few considerations to help determine where to grow impatiens:

Room Conditions

Advantages:

• - Control of conditions. By growing balsam at home, you can easily control temperature, humidity and lighting, which is especially important during the cold season or in regions with a changeable climate.
• - Protection from pests and diseases. Indoors, plants are less susceptible to attack by insects and diseases common in the garden.
• - Year-round flowering. With proper care, balsam can delight you with flowering all year round.

Flaws:

• - Limited space can inhibit plant growth.
• - The need for sufficient natural or artificial light.

Street Conditions

Advantages:

• - Natural conditions. Impatiens grown outdoors have access to natural light and rain, which can promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• - More room to grow. In the garden, balsam can spread naturally, creating lush and colorful flower beds.

Flaws:

• - Sensitivity to frost. Impatiens do not tolerate cold, so they should be planted outside only after the threat of frost has passed.
• - Need for protection from strong sun and rain. Hot midday sun can damage the leaves and flowers of balsam, and heavy rainfall can destroy them.

The choice between indoor and outdoor cultivation of balsam depends on many factors, including climatic conditions and personal preferences. In temperate climates, impatiens grow well outdoors in the summer, but must be moved indoors or grown as a houseplant during cooler seasons. In warm regions where there is no risk of frost, impatiens can thrive outdoors year-round. In any case, this bright and unpretentious flower will decorate your garden or home, delighting you with its abundant and colorful blooms.

Balsam - Indoor care

Impatiens is not only a beautiful, but also a very unpretentious plant. Ideal for placement on eastern and western window sills. It is important to provide regular but moderate care.

Lighting. Prefers bright, diffused light, but in summer it requires protection from direct sunlight to avoid burns.

Temperature. The ideal temperature for balsam is from 20 to 25 degrees in summer and not lower than 15 degrees in winter. Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Air humidity. Impatiens love high humidity, so regular spraying or using a humidifier is recommended.

Watering. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but avoiding stagnant water. In winter, watering is moderate.

Feeding. During the period of active growth and flowering (spring-summer), feed once every two weeks with complex fertilizer for flowering plants.

Transfer. Impatiens are replanted in the spring, choosing slightly acidic or neutral soil. A lightweight pot with good drainage is suitable. It is important not to deepen the root collar.

Trimming and shaping. Regular pruning helps promote bushiness and abundant flowering. Remove faded flowers to stimulate new buds.

Bloom. Impatiens delights with abundant and long-lasting flowering in the warm season. To stimulate abundant flowering, provide adequate nutrition and light.

Reproduction. Occurs vegetatively (cuttings) or seeds. Cuttings root easily in water or a moist substrate.

Diseases and pests. The most common problems are spider mites and fungal diseases. Prevention and timely treatment are important.

Plants in winter. In winter, balsam requires less water, but a sufficient amount of light. The temperature should be cool, but not lower than 15 degrees.

Interesting Facts. Impatiens is called "impatient" for the ability of the seeds to "shoot" at the slightest touch, which is a unique method of dissemination.