How to care for New Guinea balsam: the rules for healthy growth and year-round flowering Care and reproduction at home New Guinea balsam

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Balsam or Touchy is a large genus belonging to the Balzamin family. It includes about 500 species of both annuals and perennials. This guest came to us from the tropical regions of Asia and Africa.

General information

Balsam shoots are low, but branch well. The foliage is green, often with a reddish or bronze sheen. If indoors high humidity, drops of water form at the ends of the leaves, which is why the people also call balsam Vanka-wet.

Due to its beautiful small bushes, Impatiens is often grown as ampelous plant. Balsam flowers are axillary. Their coloration differs in different varieties, and in addition they are variegated, dotted with dots or stripes. Varieties with double flowers have been bred.

The balsam flower is small in size and usually has bright color, which gave rise to the name "light". Species diversity balsams is very large, so we will mention only a few of them.

Species and varieties

This is an annual. Used in traditional medicine. how garden plant not grown because it does not have sufficient attractiveness. Poisonous, so be careful.

Or ferruginous annual plant with a high massive stem. The foliage is oval-lanceolate. The flowers are large, purple.

Balsam Waller (Wallera) quite high (grows up to 60 cm) perennial. The foliage is petiolate, the central vein is red. The flowers are pink, but the color of the varietal plants is different.

This species is a hybrid. It has thickened stems, whorled foliage, and large flowers. From this species, in turn, many varieties and hybrid species have been created.

Balsam home care

Balsams are not problematic in growing, but it is worth knowing some rules for caring for them at home. Impatiens can be grown in any part of the house, but in order for it to bloom a lot, you need to provide bright diffused lighting for several hours a day.

Impatiens grow best in partial shade, to which the sun turns at certain times of the day. Growing temperature does not play a big role. The main thing is that in winter it does not fall below 13 ° C.

Balsam watering and humidity

Humidity is also not key factor balsam growth, but if the room becomes too dry, the flower begins to suffer and its lower leaves fall off.

Balsams are very fond of moisture. They need a lot of water. AT summer time the soil in the pot should always be moist. In winter, excess moisture should not be allowed, as the plant will rot.

Fertilizer for balsams

During the growing season, balsam requires additional nutrients in the form of fertilizers. About once every ten days, feed the touchy with mineral fertilizers.

During budding and flowering, do not use nitrogen supplements. At this time, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are preferred.

With the advent of autumn, you no longer need to feed balsams. This break lasts until spring. Also, diseased plants and those that have recently been transplanted are not fertilized.

Balsam transplant

After the purchase, after a couple of weeks, you will need to transplant the touchy, but do not rush too much so that he gets used to the conditions of your apartment. These flowers love small pots that will only slightly exceed the size of their rhizome.

The soil is preferred to weak acidity. In general, it does not matter what the composition will be, the main thing is that it be nutritious and loose. You can mix leafy soil with sand and peat, or you can mix turf soil with humus, compost and perlite.

If the plant has begun to lose the lower leaves and does not bloom, then this may be a signal for aging and the need for a transplant. Young plants can quickly braid the entire pot and will require several transplants in one year. You need to perform the procedure quickly so that the roots do not have time to dry.

Balsam pruning

For improvement appearance bush, balsam must be cut. In the spring, too long branches are cut, but they do it not at once, but gradually, so as not to cause unnecessary stress to the plant.

The top and tips of the shoots are pinched to enhance branching.

How to save balsam in winter

If you prepare suitable conditions for balsam, then it can bloom even in winter. For this in winter period it is necessary to install phytolamps, water the flower and maintain a warm temperature.

In order for the plant to bloom in winter, it will need top dressing, but they can be applied no more than once a month.

Decreasing daylight hours leaves will gradually fall off. The temperature must be maintained around 16 ° C. Spray the flower occasionally and water.

But even with these rules, the plant may begin to die. In this case, the old individual can no longer be saved and it is better to use it for cuttings.

Due to the heavy transfer of winter, it is believed that balsams do not live long. Often, gardeners do not leave old individuals at all, and even in the fall they cut cuttings from them to obtain young plants.

Balsam propagation by cuttings

Impatiens can be propagated by cuttings and seeds.

The first is usually used, due to the fact that balsam often disappears in winter. The apical cuttings are cut off so that their length is about 10 cm. Rooting is carried out in perlite, water, wet sand.

With the formation of roots, the material is planted in the soil and in a couple of months it will be ready for flowering.

Garden balsam growing from seeds

Garden balsam is most often propagated by seeds. Seeds are sown in moist soil, the composition of which is not fundamental, and covered with oilcloth.

When shoots appear, they are gradually hardened, accustomed to external environment. In the future, they will reproduce by self-seeding.

Diseases and pests

• With balsam, a number of problems can arise. For example, if he has falling buds or flowers , then this indicates too dry soil or air.
• No flowering seen in excess nitrogen fertilizers or growing in big pot. It is also possible that the soil is depleted or your balsam is too old to bloom.
• leaf fall occurs with any violation of care, whether it is a lack of light or too much watering. It also happens with aging.
• If a touchy fades , then it may be that its roots have rotted, or vice versa - there is not enough moisture. Depending on what time of the year she began to wither.
• Yellowing and drying of foliage occurs when the humidity is too low.
• The pest that causes drying and curling of leaves , is a spider mite that sucks plant juices.
• Also leaves may curl because of drafts.

Balsams are a very extensive genus with more than 500 species. Own vernacular name Balsam received “touchy” for the fact that ripened seed pods burst at the slightest touch, scattering seeds.

Hybrid balsams "New Guinea" as ornamental plants have been in use since 1972.

difference New Guinea balsams from other species consists in a stronger stem, fleshy leaves and flowers, and they also have a more compact bush. The latter quality is especially convenient for using the flower indoors.

Among other things, New Guinea balsams are quite hardy, and thanks to the work of breeders, you can purchase species with a variety of leaf and flower colors, as well as having properties continuous flowering.

Brief information - flower dossier

New Guinea balsams can be grown in room and balcony conditions, and it is also possible to plant on flower beds (in this case, in middle lane they are grown as annuals, since this heat-loving plant does not tolerate frost).

In the garden, balsams are also often used to decorate hanging baskets - this allows you to get the right accents, since several plants placed in one container create bright spots that attract the eye.

New Guinea balsam prefers soft and light soil that absorbs water easily. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer - in this case, your balsam will begin to grow vigorously, but the formation of new flowers will slow down.

Hybrids of the New Guinea group not too picky about light- the plant will not die even in darkened corners. However, the lack of light will directly affect the quantity and quality of flowering.

With sufficient light, the balsam forms a compact bush with bright numerous flowers.

The plant is thermophilic. Minimum temperature- 10 ° C, at a lower plant will simply die.

In summer, New Guinea balsam is able to withstand quite high temperatures. However, he does not tolerate wind at all.

Balsam can not be poured. It should be watered small portions and often- in summer season. In winter, one watering in 15-20 days will be enough.

AT room conditions transplantation New Guinea balsam should be done in the spring. In this case, choose a pot slightly larger than the current size. The soil should be chosen soft, carefully cultivated, with the addition of peat or mature compost.

Balcony balsams can be transplanted at the end of summer. The distance between plants should be 30-20 centimeters.

When transplanting, plants should be covered with earth in such a way that the root collar rises slightly above the ground.

reproduction

New Guinea balsam breeds.

The cuttings are cut off just below the node, a couple of leaves are removed from them and planted in light soil, then placed in a shady and draft-protected place.

Root formation depends on the time of year, but usually occurs in 10-14 days.

Diseases and pests

New Guinea balsams are prone to rotting of the root neck and the root system as a whole. Be attentive to the root collar when transplanting a flower - it should protrude slightly above the soil. Do not over-moisten the plant when watering, then root rot can be avoided.

Of the pests, mites and thrips are most often found on balsams. The latter cause deformation of the leaves and flowers of the plant - folding them into tubules. To treat balsam from these insects, use special insecticides, but if ticks are quite easy to get rid of, then it is very difficult to get rid of thrips.

Acquisition

It is most convenient to buy New Guinea balsam in the spring (however, they are also sold in flower shops in the fall). Before buying, carefully inspect the plant for diseases and insects, especially thrips, which are very difficult to cure.

Flower growers could enjoy the beauty of New Guinean balsam only from the second half of the twentieth century. compact bush, abundant flowering, various colors - all this made the flower extremely popular. He appeared on balconies, window sills, in hanging baskets on the walls and in gazebos. country houses. What should flower growers do who want to place New Guinean balsam on the windowsill?

History and types of decorative culture

The variety was obtained by crossing the tropical balsam Impatiens hawkeri and other species of this plant. Balsam New Guinea differs from its counterparts

• powerful anthocyanin stems from thirty centimeters to half a meter high;
• large flowers, white, pink, red, lilac, burgundy, orange, one-color or two-color.

Since New Guinea balsam is a hybrid, then its quality characteristics it is able to save only when cuttings. The plant can also be cultivated outdoors (as an annual).

According to the shape of the bush, the following groups of balsams are distinguished:

Plants of the first group have compact bushes with short internodes and medium-sized flowers. More suitable for growing indoors. For example, the SunPatiens Compact series.

Balsams of the second group are distinguished by sprawling bushes resembling bumps. The flowers are getting bigger. Grouped in the center of the leaf mass. "Hanging" balsams look good in baskets and large pots on the patio. For example, the SunPatiens Spreading White series.

Ornamental plants of the third group are tall bushes with large flowers. The stems can reach ninety centimeters. Giant balsams are planted in large pots and placed in those places where their vertical bush will be visible.

How to grow

Growing care at home for a plant is not a complicated process. You can plant it in rooms or on balconies. Heat-loving balsams in temperate regions can be planted in a flower bed. But the flower will behave like an annual.

Planting a cutting

If you purchase a cutting or seedling of New Guinea balsam, carefully inspect the plant. Young balsams are very sensitive to waterlogging and low temperatures. Therefore, they are prone to infection with gray rot.

The stalk of a healthy plant has juicy and elastic leaves and stem, without spots, blackened edges. In any case, treat the seedling with some kind of antifungal drug. Even if no traces of damage were found.

When the leaves dry after processing, the stalk must be watered in its container. Watering is done by the root so that water does not fall on the leaves. If the container with the balsam cutting is filled with a moist substrate, then the plant is placed in a lighted, well-ventilated place.

Treatment with any growth substance will not interfere with balsam. Epin, for example, Zircon. spraying special means will help the young plant acclimatize faster.

All preparatory procedures have been completed. You can start landing.

Soil and pot for balsams

Beautifully flowering New Guinea varieties love soft and light, breathable and moisture-absorbing soils. The acidity of the substrate is 5.8-6.2.

If you plan to grow balsams in hanging baskets and planters, then add slowly dissolving fertilizers to the pot.

Plant young balsams in small containers. The diameter of the pot is nine to twelve centimeters. Be sure to have drainage holes.

Placement of New Guinea balsam

The plant needs adequate lighting. Balsam New Guinea will not die in the shade. But its decorative effect will suffer. The stems will begin to stretch. Flowering will be small, rare and short. Therefore, it is recommended to put flower pots on the eastern or western windows.

They do not like balsams and tightness. They will be forced to reach out in search of free space. Therefore, it is impossible to put them "on top of each other". The distance between the pots should be sufficient.

Temperature and watering

Balsam New Guinea loves warmth. If the temperature of its environment drops below ten degrees (with a plus), then the plant will die. But balsams easily tolerate summer heat. But they do not like winds and drafts.

In summer, plants are watered often, little by little. Although it all depends on the humidity in the room. If this figure is below forty percent, then watering will have to be done more often.

In winter, it is enough to water balsams once every two weeks. If the humidity in the room is normal. It must be remembered that heating radiators dry out the air. Either put a humidifier or water more often.

How to recognize that the plant is not thirsty and not overwatered? If the leaves are elastic, juicy, do not sag, then everything is in order with balsam. He gets enough water.

Maintaining decorativeness

In order for the flower to retain its attractiveness, periodically wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and cut off dry flowers.

All types of care

The first top dressing is applied only a week after planting. These are ordinary complex fertilizers with a predominance of potassium and an average content of nitrogen. You can feed according to this scheme: watering clean water- watering with fertilizer.

When the buds appear, the number of dressings is reduced. Flowers will bloom faster. Apply fertilizer every third watering. The nitrogen content of fertilizers should be low.

Transfer room balsams New Guinea is carried out every spring. During the period active growth pots choose a slightly larger diameter. Peat or mature compost can be added to a soft substrate.

Balcony plants change the soil at the end of summer. At the same time, balsam bushes are placed at a distance of twenty to thirty centimeters from each other.

The plant is deepened into the substrate so that the root collar is above the ground. It needs to be buried. The balsamin may not survive such a transplant.

Reproduction:

New Guinean specimens are propagated by cuttings. planting material prepare like this:

• retreat just below the internode and cut off a healthy stalk;
• remove a few leaves;
• inserted into a light, well-moistened substrate;
• the container is placed in a warm, shaded and draft-free place.

After one and a half to two weeks, roots should appear.

Enemies of balsams

The plant is afraid of waterlogging and overflow. At improper watering can rot the root collar or root system. Therefore, when transplanting, be sure to leave the neck above the ground. And water the flower when a third of the soil in the pot dries.

New Guinea balsams are very fond of ticks and thrips. The lesion is the first to appear first in the form of sticky white droplets and cobwebs. Then the leaves dry and curl. The buds fall off without blooming.

If the lesion is not strong, then the damaged leaves are cut off, the rest are washed soapy water. With a significant infection, balsams are treated with acaricidal preparations.

Thrips deform the leaves and flowers of the plant. They twist into tubules. Getting rid of them is more difficult. Balsams are treated with special insecticidal preparations.

Take good care of your New Guinea balsams. And they will delight you with lush and bright flowering.

• It is first necessary to prepare a fertile mixture by mixing garden soil with peat and humus in equal proportions.
• lay out neatly on the soil and sprinkle a little on top.
• Next, moisten everything with a watering can with a spray or atomizer.
• The container with crops is covered with a film or glass for a greenhouse effect.
• The soil is regularly ventilated and moistened in order to earthen clod did not dry up.
• The first shoots should appear within 1.5-2 weeks.

Diseases and pests

Basically, balsam occurs when improper care. Very clearly all diseases can be seen on the leaves and their condition:

1. Appearance yellow spots indicates that the plant is exposed to direct Sun rays and leave burns. This often happens during the hot summer period.
2. AT winter season when heating is turned on, there is a danger of drying out the air around the plant. This can be seen from the dry edges and wilted and fallen leaves. During this period, it is necessary to install a humidifier or special trays with water and expanded clay.
3. If the bright leaves begin to fade, this indicates that the soil does not have the necessary beneficial components. It is worth choosing complex ones to restore nutrients to the plant.
4. With excessive watering and waterlogging of the soil, as well as strong damp air, fungal diseases, which lead to decay of the stems and root system. This disease has no cure. The flower is completely removed from the pot, all damaged parts are removed both at the top and at the bottom. All cuts are processed charcoal, and the flower with special preparations. The prepared plant is placed in new pot, and fresh soil.

Of the balsam can often be found spider mite or . When an infection is detected, the flower is removed from common room and isolate. For treatment, special ones are purchased, with which the soil in which it grows is also cultivated during the quarantine period.

If necessary, all flowers in the room are also sprayed for prevention.

Balsam New Guinea has found wide application in landscaping the site and is often used landscape designers. It is unpretentious in care, has a different color of flowers, thanks to which you can create bright and unique compositions. It is also grown as indoor plant and planted in winter gardens and greenhouses.

More information can be found in the video: