Impatiens walleriana aka Busy Lizzy

Taxonomy

Impatiens walleriana, also known as Busy Lizzy, balsam, sultana, or simply impatiens, is a herbaceous plant native to eastern Africa from Kenya to Mozambique, and is a member of the Balsaminaceae family. The plant prefers to grow in tropical climates and can reach a height of up to 2 feet. Its shoots are adorned with pale red or dark green, wide, serrated leaves that are arranged alternately. The solitary flowers can be single or double and come in a wide variety of colors, except for blue and yellow shades. When the flowers fade, the plant produces a capsule-shaped fruit that opens easily after ripening, and many little seeds fall out. Impatiens walleriana is an annual bedding plant that does best in part shade to full shade. However, it is susceptible to downy mildew caused by the ‘fungus-like’ organism Plasmopara obducens. An alternative, Impatiens hawkeri, is resistant to downy mildew. The Latin specific epithet walleriana honours a British missionary, Horace Waller (1833–1896).

Common names

Busy Lizzy, Impatiens

How to care for Busy Lizzy

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Busy Lizzy, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Busy Lizzy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Busy Lizzy 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

Busy Lizzy thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Impatiens.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Busy Lizzy. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Region of origin

Busy Lizzy’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia