Balsam of New Guinea: what kind of herb is it, is it suitable for open ground, the nuances of care, planting and reproduction at home, as well as a photo

Balsamine belongs to the vast family of balsamic, which number more than 500 species on Earth. This is an annual and perennial plant. The name "touchy" received because of its unusual ability, when you touch it burst boxes and scatter seeds.

From the article you will learn the features of the New Guinean look, get an idea of how to care for the flower. Also read about the diseases and pests of this plant and how this flower propagates.

Botanical description and history of a houseplant

New Guinean balsamins appeared in Africa. Got its distribution in 1972. It is used to decorate balconies, windows, as well as loggias. One of the young species that has gained popularity in Russia. Balsam plant is unpretentious, but care should be taken of the flower correctly, since under unfavorable conditions the plant does not bloom, but sometimes, it completely dies.

Due to the work of breeders, we have a variety of types of stains, as well as the properties of continuous flowering. Balsam is a houseplant with beautiful flowers and beautiful decorative leaves. It grows no more than 40-50 centimeters, has fairly brittle stems. Pointed leaves with serrated edges are a characteristic feature of the species.

Depending on the variety, the leaves may have a different shade. Usually the flowers are reddish. This type of balsam is unlike other strong stems, the presence of a more compact bush, large flowers and leaves. The garden is used to decorate hanging baskets, as bright and beautiful plant spots attract the eye.

This is a fairly hardy plant that does not require very careful care, therefore to the question "is it possible to plant it in the garden", the answer will be yes. And still more often the New Guinean balsam is grown in the room, because it is here that it will delight you with flowers all year round.

Rules for home care

For the excellent development of its balsam, the flower grower must provide it with moisture and partial shade lighting. The flower itself loves the sun, but just the same record growth indications appear in dim light, but do not transfer balsam to the shade completely, this can lead to the death of the plant.

The temperature at different times of the year is different. In summer and springtime, the optimum temperature will be 25 degrees Celsius, this temperature should be at the same time as the substrate is well moistened and must have fresh air. Room balsam prefers a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius with moderate humidity.

In the summer, this herbaceous plant can be taken out into the open ground. If the flower remains at home, it must be watered quite abundantly. Watering itself is done along the edge of the pot to prevent moisture from entering the root neck. After watering, excess water is poured out of the pan. The water should be soft, because when using hard water on the surface of the soil a white coating, which serves as an indicator of excess alkali in the soil. If it appears, the top layer of the earth is replaced.

IMPORTANT! Rare watering can lead to a lag in the growth of balsam, which leads to falling flowers.

From time to time it is required to loosen the soil, but with a depth of not more than two centimeters, and also do not forget to feed fertilizers in the summer and spring. The frequency of fertilizer application is once every two weeks. Also, balsam does not have a pronounced "calm time", so the buds can appear even in winter, so it is necessary to produce a weak top dressing.

Lighting and location

This plant is not demanding on light. A place to choose is better away from the sun. In winter, you need to create the missing lighting for him. Lack of light will adversely affect the plant. The shape of the bush will change, shoots can be stretched. With optimal lighting, balsam forms a compact bush with bright colors.

Soil requirements

New Guinean balsam loves loose soil that lets air through. So that the water does not stagnate at the bottom of the pot, drainage should be done. Soil can be purchased in stores, as well as made by yourself.

Photo

Below you can find a photo of the varietal New Guinean balsam, including Devine.

Diseases and Pests

Quite often, the plant is affected by spider mites. To protect the plant from them, you must regularly spray and put on a stand with water with pebbles or treat with an insecticide. Plants can also affect whiteflies, a sign of this may be raising white flies from touch. Soapy water will help get rid of this problem.

With root rot, the affected parts are cut off. The cause of the disease in almost all cases is associated with poor quality care or its absence completely. With rot, a white coating may appear on the shoots. The disease can not be cured in any way, but you can stop it ... For this, it is necessary to cut off all the affected parts and treat with fungicides.

If the plant does not receive a normal amount of moisture, then the leaves will begin to fade. To avoid this, you need to lower the balsam in a bucket of water for half an hour.

The main problems are:

Leaves fall. It occurs in the absence of watering or low temperatures.
The stems are stretched. Occurs due to high temperatures or insufficient lighting.
Insect pests. There are due to lack of fresh air and insufficient humidity.
The buds are falling. Lack of light, high temperature, lack of water in the soil leads to this. Temperature differences are not allowed.
Leaf falling or twisting. It is necessary to lower the humidity and provide heat.
Pale leaves. There are most often in the winter season due to lack of light.

Reproduction and planting

Balsam has two main methods of reproduction, we will tell you more about them.

Cuttings

It is the most common method of propagating balsam. The whole complexity of this method lies in the strict observance of all conditions, thanks to which the plant will not only take root in the future, but also ensure good growth. This is actually the principle of this method.

REFERENCE! It is imperative to pay attention to the type and age of the mother stem.

Cuttings are separated from the mother stem only after rooting by the cuttings themselves.

To stimulate the growth of cuttings, the maternal stem is cut. The growth of cuttings, as well as their quality, depends on the frequency of circumcision of the mother stem. The formation of the root system in cuttings is a direct sign of the readiness of this cuttings.

The very ability of the cuttings to take root can change throughout the year, that is, it is unstable. The cuttings process will best start in mid-summer. During the time until autumn, it is necessary to stock up cuttings. Half-numb cuttings should be left already at the end of summer.

For the best quality grafting process, it is necessary to monitor the temperature and humidity. Temperature conditions strongly affect the root growth process. When rooting cuttings, the ideal temperature is considered to be a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, here the air temperature should be lower.

Seeds

For the best quality and fastest growth, it’s worth planting the seeds in peat tablets, placing one in each well. The seed itself should be placed on the surface, since balsam is very fond of sunlight.

After germination, everything should be transplanted into a plastic container with holes. the box in this case plays the role of a greenhouse. Next, the transplant should be carried out after the appearance of 2-3 leaves, the transplant must be carried out in loose, well-moistened soil. After the final appearance of all seedlings, it is necessary to maintain high humidity.

REFERENCE! With too dense shoots of plants, they should be divided. Watering the plant in the future is very careful not to damage it.

This species is a picky and resistant plant, but with improper care it can begin to fade quickly or even die completely, losing its beauty. To avoid this, a number of simple rules for care should be followed. Then balsam will be pleasing to the eye for a long time.