Contents
Description
Impatiens Noli-Tangere, commonly known as touch-me-not, is a species of flowering plant, native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Balsaminaceae family and is an annual herb. The plant can grow up to a height of 60 cm and has a spread of approximately 30 cm. It produces small, yellow flowers that bloom from July to September. The touch-me-not plant is a popular ornamental plant that is often used as ground cover because of its attractive appearance and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Genus | Impatiens |
Appearance
The touch-me-not plant has a soft, delicate appearance, with slender stems and light green leaves. The leaves are ovate in shape and have a serrated margin. The flowers are small, yellow, and bell-shaped, with five petals. The plant produces seed pods that are approximately 1 cm long and explode when touched, hence the common name touch-me-not. The seeds are dispersed through this explosive mechanism.
Care Guide
The touch-me-not plant is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips to help you take care of your touch-me-not plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The touch-me-not plant prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: The touch-me-not plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The touch-me-not plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant.
- Fungal diseases: The touch-me-not plant can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew.
Habitat
The touch-me-not plant is native to Europe and Asia and can be found growing in damp, shaded areas such as woodlands, meadows, and riverbanks. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the touch-me-not plant toxic to pets?
A: No, the touch-me-not plant is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can the touch-me-not plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the touch-me-not plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives sufficient water and light.
Q: How often should I fertilize my touch-me-not plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the touch-me-not plant survive in full sun?
A: The touch-me-not plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Related Plants
- Impatiens capensis
- Impatiens glandulifera
- Impatiens walleriana
- Impatiens balsamina
References
- “Impatiens Noli-Tangere.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c165.
- “Touch-Me-Not Plant Care: How To Grow Impatiens Noli-Tangere.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/touch-me-not-plant/touch-me-not-plant-care.htm.
- “Impatiens Noli-Tangere.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/21573/i-Impatiens-noli-tangere-i/Details.
