Impatiens Balfourii
Contents
Description
Impatiens Balfourii, also known as Poor-man’s Orchid, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Balsaminaceae family. It is native to the Himalayas and can be found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. The plant can grow up to 90 cm tall and has a bushy habit. It is an annual plant that is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Genus | Impatiens |
Appearance
Impatiens Balfourii has green, succulent stems and oval-shaped leaves that are light green in color. The leaves are 3-12 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The plant produces beautiful, bright pink or purple flowers that are 2-3 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals and a spur that is about 1 cm long. The petals are arranged in a fan-like shape, and the flowers bloom from spring to fall.
Care Guide
Impatiens Balfourii is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for this plant:Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Impatiens Balfourii prefers partial shade to full shade. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for extended periods.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Impatiens Balfourii is prone to several pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant clean and healthy, and avoid overwatering. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests, and fungicides to control fungal diseases.
Habitat
Impatiens Balfourii is native to the Himalayas and can be found in forested areas, along stream banks, and in rocky crevices. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Impatiens Balfourii a perennial plant?
A: No, Impatiens Balfourii is an annual plant.Q: Can I grow Impatiens Balfourii in a container?
A: Yes, Impatiens Balfourii can be grown in a container.Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Impatiens Balfourii?
A: Impatiens Balfourii prefers temperatures between 15-25°C.Q: How often should I fertilize Impatiens Balfourii?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Impatiens Balfourii:
- Impatiens walleriana
- Impatiens balsamina
- Impatiens capensis
- Impatiens glandulifera
References
- “Impatiens balfourii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=305713.
- “Impatiens balfourii Hook.f.” Plants of the World Online. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:56866-1.
