Balsam Of Niamey

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

Niamey balsam (Latin Impatiens niamniamensis) - a representative of the Balsamin genus of the Balsamin family. Belongs to the category of indoor crops. The people call the plant a parrot flower, which is due to the shape of the cup. Outwardly, it is very similar to the beak of a multi-colored bird.

Characteristics of culture

Niamey balsam is represented by perennial herbaceous plants endowed with succulent stems, often exceeding 80-100 cm in height. In the process of growth, a huge number of shoots are formed on the stems, which are crowned with a huge number of elongated green foliage, long pedicels form in their axils. The pedicels, in turn, bear extraordinary and very attractive flowers. They are inherent, as already mentioned, the shape of the parrot's beak and red-yellow or pink-yellow color.

Niamey balsam is used in breeding work, however, less actively than the closest "brother" Waller's balsam. Among the varieties that can be found on the Russian market are the undersized Congo Cockatoo and the tall African Orchids. Recently, an extraordinary variety of pure yellow color called Blondie has appeared on the shelves of garden stores. Its flowers look harmoniously against the background of rich green foliage.

It is important to mention that almost all representatives of the Balsamin genus are warm and light-loving crops. Niamey balsam is no exception. He does not like cold winds and drafts, he also will not tolerate prolonged drought and, conversely, waterlogging. However, in the summer season, it is not forbidden to cultivate the plant in the fresh air, the main thing is to carefully monitor the weather conditions, otherwise disease or death cannot be avoided.

Features of growing at home

In general, Niamey balsam can hardly be called a whimsical culture. It is very easy to look after him. The plant pot is best placed in a room with diffused light. Also, the flower will like semi-shady places, but on them the balsam will not please with abundant and long flowering. In no case should you put a container with a plant on the windows in the southern part, especially in summer. Better to pay tribute to the eastern windows.

The lower limit of the growing temperature is important. By the way, it is 12C in winter. Lower values are detrimental to plant health. They bloom poorly, stunted, wither. A similar situation is with humidity. It is advisable to keep the considered type of balsam in a room with a humidity of at least 70%. Humidity less than 50% can cause flowers and leaves to fall off.

Care rules

All balsams are very fond of moisture. Lack of proper watering, especially in spring and summer, promises wilting of the stems, fall of foliage. In this regard, it is very important to provide plants with abundant watering as the substrate dries. The earth lump should not dry out. Overmoistening should not be allowed either, since stagnant fluid provokes the formation of rot on the root system and stems, and possibly subsequent death.

Top dressing is no less important for Niamey balsam. They should be done in spring and summer (2 dressings per month). For these purposes, complex fertilizers for indoor plants will fit. If you compose them yourself, be careful with nitrogen fertilizers. They activate the growth of green mass, but not flowers. By the way, the reason for poor flowering is not only an overdose of nitrogen, but also a large pot (garden container).