Balsaminaceae
Garden Balsam: Perfect Plant for Beginners
Impatiens balsamina
An easy-to-grow plant that thrives in consistently moist soil and locations with filtered light or partial shade.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
15° - 32°C
50% - 80%
About Garden Balsam
Impatiens balsamina, commonly known as Garden Balsam or Rose Balsam, is an annual herbaceous plant native to Southeast Asia. Its vibrant flowers grow along succulent stems, and the plant is famous for its seed pods that explode when touched once mature—a fascinating dispersal mechanism.
Care Guide
How to Water
Never let the soil dry out completely; if the plant wilts, water it immediately to help it recover.
Lighting
Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, as it can cause the leaves to wilt quickly.
Ideal Soil
Use a mixture of potting soil and worm castings to ensure nutrients and water retention.
Recommended Pot
Plastic or glazed ceramic pots that better retain soil moisture.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 7 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
How to Propagate
Sowing
- Seeds need some light to germinate; do not bury them deeply.
- 1 Collection
Harvest seeds from mature pods before they explode naturally.
- 2 Planting
Sow in rich, light soil, covering lightly with a thin layer of earth.
- 3 Moisture
Keep the substrate consistently moist and in a bright location until germination.
Materials needed:
Stem cuttings
- Change the water every two days if rooting in water to prevent rot.
- 1 Cutting
Cut a healthy stem segment about 4 inches (10cm) long, preferably without flowers.
- 2 Preparation
Remove the bottom leaves and place the stem in a glass of water or directly into moist soil.
- 3 Rooting
Keep in a spot with indirect light until roots develop.
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
75cm
Spread
40cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
Treatment of burns and skin inflammationsTopical use for nail fungusRelief of joint pain in compresses
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal-like disease caused by oomycetes (water molds) that thrives in cool, wet conditions. It affects a wide range of plants, causing yellowing leaves with fuzzy white-gray growth underneath, leading to defoliation and reduced yields if left untreated.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Damping Off
Damping off is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects seeds and young seedlings, causing rotting of stem and root tissues at and below the soil line. It is caused by several fungi including Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Phytophthora. The disease thrives in cold, wet conditions with poor air circulation.
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents impatience and ardent love, but also resilience.