Impatiens balsamina aka Balsam
Taxonomy
Impatiens balsamina, commonly known as balsam, garden balsam, rose balsam, touch-me-not or spotted snapweed, is a species of annual plant native to India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Western and South India. Growing to 20–75 cm tall, with a thick, but soft stem, it has spirally-arranged leaves that are 2.5–9 cm long and 1–2.5 cm broad, with a deeply toothed margin. The flowers, ranging in color from pink to red to mauve to purple to lilac to white, are 2.5–5 cm diameter and are pollinated by bees, other insects, and nectar-feeding birds. When ripe, the seed capsules undergo explosive dehiscence. Balsam is an easy-to-grow houseplant that likes direct light and a well-draining soil, preferably with a gentle, organic fertilizer.
Common names
Balsam, Garden Balsam, (Telugu), Touch Me Not, Rose BalsamHow to care for Balsam
Difficulty
Balsam requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Balsam should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Balsam loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Balsam prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Balsam to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Balsam is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
The Balsam is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Balsam’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Impatiens Genus
Impatiens mackeyana
Impatiens edgeworthii
Impatiens ecalcarata Spurless Touch Me Not
Impatiens balfourii Balfour's Touch Me Not
Impatiens balsamina Balsam
Impatiens hochstetteri Common Wild Impatiens
Impatiens repens Yellow Impatiens
Impatiens hawkeri Impatiens
Impatiens pallida Jewelweed
