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, Touch Me Not

How 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

Balsam requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Balsam will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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