Contents
Description
Impatiens Chinensis, also known as Chinese Balsam, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Balsaminaceae family. It is native to China and has spread to other parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. The plant is widely cultivated for its beautiful flowers and is used in traditional medicine for its healing properties. The plant can grow up to 80 cm tall and produces flowers that are red, pink, or white in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Genus | Impatiens |
Appearance
Impatiens Chinensis has a bushy growth habit and can grow up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are ovate and toothed and are about 3-8 cm long. The flowers are large and showy and can be red, pink, or white in color. The petals are slightly curved and the flowers have a spur at the back. The plant produces capsules that are about 1 cm long and contain numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Impatiens Chinensis is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly.
- Fertilization: The plant can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Impatiens Chinensis is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:
- Aphids: These insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
- Mites: These pests can cause yellowing of leaves and the appearance of webs on the plant.
- Fungal diseases: The plant can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew.
Habitat
Impatiens Chinensis is native to China and is found in other parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. The plant prefers moist and shady areas and can often be found growing in forests, along stream banks, and in wetlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Impatiens Chinensis an annual or perennial plant?
A: Impatiens Chinensis is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Q: Can Impatiens Chinensis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with adequate light and moisture.
Q: How often should Impatiens Chinensis be watered?
A: The plant prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly, about once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q: Can Impatiens Chinensis be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Related Plants
- Impatiens balsamina
- Impatiens capensis
- Impatiens glandulifera
- Impatiens walleriana
References
- Flora of China. (2011). Impatiens chinensis. In Flora of China (Vol. 12, pp. 330-332). Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
- Martin, F. W., & Ruberte, R. M. (1997). Edible Leaves of the Tropics. Echo Point Books & Media.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Impatiens chinensis. In Tropicos. Retrieved August 2, 2021, from https://www.tropicos.org/name/32000096
