Impatiens noli-tangere aka Balsam
Taxonomy ID: 6103
Impatiens noli-tangere, also known as touch-me-not balsam, yellow balsam, jewelweed, western touch-me-not or wild balsam, is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Balsaminaceae. It can be found in damp places in Europe, Asia and North America. The plant gets its name from the fact that its pods forcefully explode when ripe, ejecting the seeds for some distance. Impatiens noli-tangere has large, leafy stems that are hollow and pale yellow flowers with an irregular shape consisting of a sac and curved spur. The flowers grow from the leaf axils, measure up to 2.5 cm in length, and have a lower lip that is 1.5 cm wide. In addition to being found in the wild, balsam can also be grown as a houseplant. It requires regular watering and direct light, and does best when the soil is well draining. A gentle, organic fertilizer can be used throughout the peak growing season to promote healthy growth.
Common names
Balsam, Quick In The Hand, Jewelweed, Touch Me Not Balsam, Wild BalsamMore information about Balsam
How difficult is it to take care of Balsam
Balsam requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
What is the growth pattern and size of Balsam?
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
What is the region of origin of Balsam
Balsam’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.
What are the water needs for Balsam
Balsam should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Balsam
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Balsam
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 Wild Balsam will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
What's the right humidity for Balsam
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.
Is Balsam toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
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