Balsam

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Balzamin is also known under the following names: impatiens, light, touch-me-not and even "Vanka wet". Balsam should be attributed to the Balsamic family. The homeland of this plant is East Asia. This plant is quite easy to grow, however, certain growing rules should be followed in any case.

Culture characteristics

Balsam is a herbaceous plant, the height and diameter of which can range from thirty to sixty centimeters. Flowering occurs in the summer.

This genus itself includes more than 800 annual and perennial plants that will grow where the climate is tropical or moderately warm. These plants are quite popular, because they are not very whimsical to care for, they are practically not susceptible to various diseases, they grow very quickly and their flowers are incredibly beautiful. One of their names - they got touchy for the reason that as soon as you touch the ripe fruits of balsam, seeds spill out of them. Most often, people prefer hybrids that were created from plants from East Africa.

Balsams are also perennials, but annuals are still the most widespread. In spring and summer, plants should be provided with good ventilation and diffused light. The temperature during this time should be kept at about eighteen degrees Celsius, although higher temperatures will not be critical. The soil should always remain moist, spraying the plants should be carried out only in particularly intense heat. When spraying, do not wet the leaves, otherwise they may be susceptible to fungal attacks. Therefore, many experts recommend simply placing the pot on a pallet containing wet pebbles. In the period from May to September, liquid fertilizer should be added to the water once a week.

Reproduction of balsam

In the period from April to October, cuttings are cut from the side shoots, the length of which is about ten centimeters. You should also cut off the lower leaves from the cuttings, put the cuttings in water, and after a few days you can see small roots on them. Then the cuttings are planted in pots containing a mixture of fertile soil and peat.

The ground must be moist in order for the roots to harden well. In this case, the cuttings should be protected from excessive sun activity. After a week or two, the cuttings will already get stronger, then caring for it should be the same as for already adult plants. You should also remember to pinch the tops of the cuttings. To obtain a large number of plants, it is recommended to start sowing at the very beginning of spring: a pallet is taken in which the earth is located, seeds are thrown there, which are then covered with a small layer of soil. Such a pallet is removed in a warm place where shade will be provided. With the appearance of the first shoots, a small amount of light will already be required. When the plants are already quite large, it is recommended to plant them in separate pots. By the way, in especially favorable conditions, balsam can sow its own seeds on its own.

Dangers of growing balsam

In conditions of cold and constant drafts, the leaves of this plant can wilt, fall off, and also turn yellow. In the event that the soil is too moist, not enough light, or it is very cold, there is a high risk of developing various fungal diseases. In this case, it is recommended to spray the balsam with an appropriate preparation, and then add antifungal drugs to the soil. Young shoots can be attacked by green aphids: in this case, you will need to spray the balsam with an insecticide based on feverfew.

Such a beautiful plant as balsam can hardly be called whimsical to care for, which is why many people prefer to grow balsams. There are many varieties, so everyone can choose something suitable for themselves.